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Covert Cowboys, Inc. #3
Bodyguard Under Fire
A Special Forces soldier meets the baby girl he never knew existed in this book in Elle James's Covert Cowboys, Inc. series.
In a small town in Texas, everyone has a secret. Especially Chuck Bolton. Formerly a Special Forces soldier, Chuck now poses as a ranch handyman. His real mission? To protect his ex-fiancée, and the baby girl he never knew they'd created, from a malevolent masked man.
Who is behind the attack—and what could they possibly want with Peggy Jane ("PJ") Franks? While the answer remains unclear, one thing is Chuck never stopped loving PJ after she left him. And PJ, afraid of falling for the same man who broke her heart, doesn't want to repeat history. But that's the least of her worries when her enemy's motive is finally revealed.
In a small town in Texas, everyone has a secret. Especially Chuck Bolton. Formerly a Special Forces soldier, Chuck now poses as a ranch handyman. His real mission? To protect his ex-fiancée, and the baby girl he never knew they'd created, from a malevolent masked man.
Who is behind the attack—and what could they possibly want with Peggy Jane ("PJ") Franks? While the answer remains unclear, one thing is Chuck never stopped loving PJ after she left him. And PJ, afraid of falling for the same man who broke her heart, doesn't want to repeat history. But that's the least of her worries when her enemy's motive is finally revealed.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Elle James
618 books1,243 followersAward-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 7, 2017
I really like Elle James, her SEAL Series is one of my favorites. I've read several books from this Covert Cowboys Series and some were wonderful and some . . . not so much. "Bodyguard Under Fire" falls into the not so much category. The best part of any Elle James book is the hot love scenes and they are here, but because the characters are flat the scenes are too.
The hero, Chuck, barely escapes the military with a medical discharge instead of a dishonorable one. He has authority and anger issues, but he's really a good guy. Hank Derringer, billionaire founder of Covert Cowboys, has hired and assigned him to protect PJ, the daughter of a long ago lover.
Someone is targeting PJ and she and her infant daughter are in danger. As Chuck and PJ face off after a year with no contact, there are a lot of issues that need to be resolved. Only one of those issues is that PJ never told Chuck she was pregnant. Who is after her and why are the most important issues that Chuck must resolve before he can even begin to address what the future holds for them as a couple.
The hero, Chuck, barely escapes the military with a medical discharge instead of a dishonorable one. He has authority and anger issues, but he's really a good guy. Hank Derringer, billionaire founder of Covert Cowboys, has hired and assigned him to protect PJ, the daughter of a long ago lover.
Someone is targeting PJ and she and her infant daughter are in danger. As Chuck and PJ face off after a year with no contact, there are a lot of issues that need to be resolved. Only one of those issues is that PJ never told Chuck she was pregnant. Who is after her and why are the most important issues that Chuck must resolve before he can even begin to address what the future holds for them as a couple.
December 22, 2020
I loved this book. The story line sucked me right in. The action was intense. I also really enjoyed the friendship, and banter between PJ, and Chuck.
PJ, and chuck were engaged to get married. They broke up before Chuck left for Afghanistan. Chuck did not know PJ was pregnant. Later chuck got hurt in combat, and was discharged from the military. When he got home Hank hired him to provide security for a person that was having threats against her life. Chuck was surprised to find out the person he was hired to guard was PJ. He was even more shocked to find out he was a father. PJ, Chuck, and Hank worked hard to find out who was after PJ. This was a really good story. PJ found out who her father was, and found true love.
Sample from chapter one – When she stepped through the open door, a dark figure wearing a black ski mask grabbed her and flung her inside. Pj screamed and scurried backward and then turned to run. She made it only one step before a hand latched onto her hair and yanked her backwards.
Sample from chapter 6 – “You don’t have to be so grumpy.” “Yes I do. If I’m not, then I might be tempted to do this.” He leaned over and claimed her lips, his own pressing down hard, all the pent up frustrations of having her so close over the past twenty four hours and not being able to hold her exploding into that one kiss.
PJ, and chuck were engaged to get married. They broke up before Chuck left for Afghanistan. Chuck did not know PJ was pregnant. Later chuck got hurt in combat, and was discharged from the military. When he got home Hank hired him to provide security for a person that was having threats against her life. Chuck was surprised to find out the person he was hired to guard was PJ. He was even more shocked to find out he was a father. PJ, Chuck, and Hank worked hard to find out who was after PJ. This was a really good story. PJ found out who her father was, and found true love.
Sample from chapter one – When she stepped through the open door, a dark figure wearing a black ski mask grabbed her and flung her inside. Pj screamed and scurried backward and then turned to run. She made it only one step before a hand latched onto her hair and yanked her backwards.
Sample from chapter 6 – “You don’t have to be so grumpy.” “Yes I do. If I’m not, then I might be tempted to do this.” He leaned over and claimed her lips, his own pressing down hard, all the pent up frustrations of having her so close over the past twenty four hours and not being able to hold her exploding into that one kiss.
September 3, 2013
I really didn't think it was possible for the series to get even better, but I was wrong. I was on the edge of my seat during almost every page. Chuck's first assignment for CCI is to protect PJ and her daughter from the man stalking them. At the time he didn't know that Charlie was his. He was stunned to learn of it and determined that both of them would be safe. PJ had broken things off with Chuck before she knew for sure that she was pregnant and had never told him. Now that he's back she won't keep them apart but she isn't sure she wants to risk her heart. She also doesn't know his real mission at first but does know that she feels safe when he's with her.
PJ had been in love with Chuck, but broke things off with him when he chose to leave her behind to go to war. Having lost everyone else she loved she wasn't willing to take that chance with him. When she discovered she was pregnant she chose not to tell him rather than risk him being distracted by the news. She didn't intend to keep it from him forever. She didn't expect him to show up in Wild Oak Canyon a couple months early and not right across the hall from her. She was glad of his presence when he saved her from an attacker. I did like the way that she didn't deny that Charlie was his and made sure that he knew that his participation in Charlie's life was welcome. She discovered very quickly that her feelings for Chuck had not gone away but she was still intent on protecting her heart. As the attacks escalated Chuck made the decision that he and his boss had to let PJ know what was going on and why. She was furious at the deception but came to accept that she needed the protection. I loved her independence and determination to make a better life for Charlie than she had had. I also liked the way that she held her own against Chuck and made him think about his own family issues. The intensity of the final chapters really had my heart racing, especially when it came to the discovery of her parentage.
Chuck had never stopped loving PJ and when he returned to the US in need of a job he went back to Wild Oak Canyon. When Hank asked him to join CCI and protect one of his employees he said yes, not knowing it was going to be PJ and Charlie. I loved the way he burst onto the scene to save her from her attacker before he knew it was her. His initial anger at PJ's deception ended pretty quickly once he held Charlie. It only reinforced his need to keep them safe. I loved the way that he became uncomfortable with the deception and insisted that Hank tell her the truth. He had never gotten over his love for her and was trying to find a way to show her that he still cared and wanted them to be together. I loved all the instances of him being a daddy, from falling asleep with her on his chest to his first time trying to diaper her. Those all went a long way toward softening PJ's feelings for him. I liked the insight we got into his problems with his own family and the way that becoming a father started to get him thinking about changing things. The conclusion was great.
The escalating attacks really kept my attention, especially since each one was different. Chuck and Hank really had their work cut out for them trying to figure out who was doing them. I figured out pretty quickly who the older Hispanic guy was, but not what his role would ultimately be. There wasn't really anything in this book about who was behind the troubles in the first two books, especially within the FBI. Hopefully we'll get more about that in the next book.
PJ had been in love with Chuck, but broke things off with him when he chose to leave her behind to go to war. Having lost everyone else she loved she wasn't willing to take that chance with him. When she discovered she was pregnant she chose not to tell him rather than risk him being distracted by the news. She didn't intend to keep it from him forever. She didn't expect him to show up in Wild Oak Canyon a couple months early and not right across the hall from her. She was glad of his presence when he saved her from an attacker. I did like the way that she didn't deny that Charlie was his and made sure that he knew that his participation in Charlie's life was welcome. She discovered very quickly that her feelings for Chuck had not gone away but she was still intent on protecting her heart. As the attacks escalated Chuck made the decision that he and his boss had to let PJ know what was going on and why. She was furious at the deception but came to accept that she needed the protection. I loved her independence and determination to make a better life for Charlie than she had had. I also liked the way that she held her own against Chuck and made him think about his own family issues. The intensity of the final chapters really had my heart racing, especially when it came to the discovery of her parentage.
Chuck had never stopped loving PJ and when he returned to the US in need of a job he went back to Wild Oak Canyon. When Hank asked him to join CCI and protect one of his employees he said yes, not knowing it was going to be PJ and Charlie. I loved the way he burst onto the scene to save her from her attacker before he knew it was her. His initial anger at PJ's deception ended pretty quickly once he held Charlie. It only reinforced his need to keep them safe. I loved the way that he became uncomfortable with the deception and insisted that Hank tell her the truth. He had never gotten over his love for her and was trying to find a way to show her that he still cared and wanted them to be together. I loved all the instances of him being a daddy, from falling asleep with her on his chest to his first time trying to diaper her. Those all went a long way toward softening PJ's feelings for him. I liked the insight we got into his problems with his own family and the way that becoming a father started to get him thinking about changing things. The conclusion was great.
The escalating attacks really kept my attention, especially since each one was different. Chuck and Hank really had their work cut out for them trying to figure out who was doing them. I figured out pretty quickly who the older Hispanic guy was, but not what his role would ultimately be. There wasn't really anything in this book about who was behind the troubles in the first two books, especially within the FBI. Hopefully we'll get more about that in the next book.
January 28, 2024
The best book of Elle I have read so far. Exciting, constant action, meanness, greed, cartel, love,friendship, surprises. Too much too even pick what to comment on. So read the book. I could not put it down once I started reading it. I gad to finally stop at 3 AM .
Chuck and PJ were engaged before getting went to war. Young and not want to lose someone again she broke it off. Became pregnant and did not tell him since he was over seas. He is back now and working for Hank. His assignment is to protect a mother and child not knowing who they are. Guess who. A kidnapping an explosion, the past coming back to haunt. Family reunion, a surprise test result. Read on. Hope the next book is as exciting
Chuck and PJ were engaged before getting went to war. Young and not want to lose someone again she broke it off. Became pregnant and did not tell him since he was over seas. He is back now and working for Hank. His assignment is to protect a mother and child not knowing who they are. Guess who. A kidnapping an explosion, the past coming back to haunt. Family reunion, a surprise test result. Read on. Hope the next book is as exciting
October 27, 2023
As you can see from my tags, this book was full of tropes. I believe this is my second read by Elle James. Her plots are very intricate and she certainly knows how to put her characters in dangerous situations. I liked both Chuck and PJ and thought their relationship was nice, and sexy but lacked true conflict. Overall I thought it was well written but there were times when my attention waned.
June 23, 2015
~Possible Spoilers~
This book caught my eye at the store earlier this week. After reading the back and well "appreciating" the cover I thought I would give it a shot and bought it. Sadly I was a bit disappointed. While the plot was intriguing the characters were flat and the book just seemed to drag on. One of my biggest pet peeves was the heroine PJ. I really wanted to like her but her actions were not that of a mother with a young infant daughter, and when she wasn't acting recklessly she was constantly complaining and picking fights with Chuck (our hero). In fact more than half of the book centered around them rehashing the same issue and never getting anywhere. I feel that there was so much more Ms. James could have done to make this book more exceptional. While I not against giving her another shot and reading a different work of hers I definitely won't be buying it. I'll just wait and read it at the bookstore or borrow it from a friend. I wish I could give it more stars but I just don't feel it deserves them.
This book caught my eye at the store earlier this week. After reading the back and well "appreciating" the cover I thought I would give it a shot and bought it. Sadly I was a bit disappointed. While the plot was intriguing the characters were flat and the book just seemed to drag on. One of my biggest pet peeves was the heroine PJ. I really wanted to like her but her actions were not that of a mother with a young infant daughter, and when she wasn't acting recklessly she was constantly complaining and picking fights with Chuck (our hero). In fact more than half of the book centered around them rehashing the same issue and never getting anywhere. I feel that there was so much more Ms. James could have done to make this book more exceptional. While I not against giving her another shot and reading a different work of hers I definitely won't be buying it. I'll just wait and read it at the bookstore or borrow it from a friend. I wish I could give it more stars but I just don't feel it deserves them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2014
This was a pretty good book and I'd go with 3 1/2 stars. I liked the characters and the plot. There's suspense, a little action, emotions, some blood-pumping, a little steaminess, some ups and downs, and a really good ending. I really enjoyed reading this one and liked getting to know the characters. This pulls you in but doesn't immerse you, and the ending is definitely a great HEA. I would like to read more in this series and get to know the others and see Hank get his own. A good book to settle in with and indulge in an evening of a good ol' fashioned read-in. Keeps you interested and has some hot spots that fuels suspicion and roots for the characters. Enjoy
September 17, 2013
In James’ romantic suspense novel, Chuck Bolton has a secret. Once a Special Forces soldier, Chuck in now a ranch handyman in disguise—his real mission is to protect his ex-fiancé and their infant child from an unknown danger. While the criminal is yet unidentified, one thing that is crystal clear—Chuck never stopped loving PJ. And PJ—she never stopped loving him either. Now they must work together regardless of their past to save their daughter and possibly their future.
A fast-paced, explosive addition to the Covert Cowboys, Inc. series.
A fast-paced, explosive addition to the Covert Cowboys, Inc. series.
September 27, 2025
Bodyguard Under Fire - Fantastic
Pj and her daughter Charlie were surprised when the question of who Pjs father was came up. Also that her mother was not who she thought. Chuck, her long time love and Charlie's father was now working for Hank. Now while trying to sort out paternity, threats from a couple of different directions and Hank under cyberattack, well they could all only hope it's over sooner rather that later but there's always room for glitches.
Highly Recommend To Anyone and Everyone who enjoys a damn good story. 🌹👍🇦🇺💜🙏
Pj and her daughter Charlie were surprised when the question of who Pjs father was came up. Also that her mother was not who she thought. Chuck, her long time love and Charlie's father was now working for Hank. Now while trying to sort out paternity, threats from a couple of different directions and Hank under cyberattack, well they could all only hope it's over sooner rather that later but there's always room for glitches.
Highly Recommend To Anyone and Everyone who enjoys a damn good story. 🌹👍🇦🇺💜🙏
September 14, 2025
This is a Second Chance Romantic Suspense, and this is the third book in the Covert Cowboys, Inc. series. I have read the first two books in this series before picking up this book. I really loved the characters in this book, and I love this little town. This is a fast paced book that is full of action and second chance romance. I loved every second I spend reading this book.
March 17, 2020
Bodyguard Under Fire (Covert Cowboys, Inc. Book 3)
Great story. Both Chuck and PJ's past played a role in their present life. Finding out about Charlie, made Chuck an instant father and PJ didn't have one, but two dads in her life.
Great story. Both Chuck and PJ's past played a role in their present life. Finding out about Charlie, made Chuck an instant father and PJ didn't have one, but two dads in her life.
June 5, 2022
This is the 3rd book I read by Elle James. My rating for this is 3.5 stars 🌟. I liked this book's storyline. I liked the action in this story. I liked PJ'S character. I liked Chuck's character. I liked the ending.
August 13, 2020
Review of Bodyguard Under Fire
This was a very good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
This was a very good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
January 19, 2017
Good 2nd chance romance
This is the second time I've read this book so I obviously liked it. When Chuck Bolton volunteered to go to Afghanistan ahead of his National Guard unit, PJ breaks off their engagement. Now he's back after being wounded and discharged from the Army. Unbeknownst to him, he's been hired by Hank Derringer of Covert Cowboys Inc to protect PJ and her baby, Charlie. Now you'll have to get this book to find out the rest.
My only problem with this story is that since the danger surrounding PJ has a Mexican connection, why wasn't anyone suspicious of a Mexican gentleman "vacationing" in the town. It seems they could have found out quite a bit by speaking to Mr Iglacias, especially since he'd shown up at the apartment bldg and talked to PJ in the diner twice.
This is the second time I've read this book so I obviously liked it. When Chuck Bolton volunteered to go to Afghanistan ahead of his National Guard unit, PJ breaks off their engagement. Now he's back after being wounded and discharged from the Army. Unbeknownst to him, he's been hired by Hank Derringer of Covert Cowboys Inc to protect PJ and her baby, Charlie. Now you'll have to get this book to find out the rest.
My only problem with this story is that since the danger surrounding PJ has a Mexican connection, why wasn't anyone suspicious of a Mexican gentleman "vacationing" in the town. It seems they could have found out quite a bit by speaking to Mr Iglacias, especially since he'd shown up at the apartment bldg and talked to PJ in the diner twice.
July 23, 2016
Loved this story! Hated that the young man had to die and there was not a possible of redemption/ but he made his bed by doing some awful stuff. I thought it might come out that the kid was mad because he had applied for the job with Hank which led to him Hacking his system! Course I finished it and was falling asleep so maybe that came out?
Loved that PJ was able to figure out who her father was and also connected with the father of her baby. Wished she had brought out his letters and read them finally. And maybe even write him one back apologizing and gave it to him in the end, but overall it was still a great book. Keep you going til the end and revealed secrets all the way to the last chapter.
Elle could definitely keep the series going if she wanted to! And maybe she is, anyone know?
Loved that PJ was able to figure out who her father was and also connected with the father of her baby. Wished she had brought out his letters and read them finally. And maybe even write him one back apologizing and gave it to him in the end, but overall it was still a great book. Keep you going til the end and revealed secrets all the way to the last chapter.
Elle could definitely keep the series going if she wanted to! And maybe she is, anyone know?
January 12, 2016
Continuing the stories around Hank Derringer and his Covert Cowboys. This episode involves Chuck Bolton and his first assignment for CCI. He is to be bodyguard to an employee of the diner in Wild Oak Canyon. Chuck is shocked to find that the protected is his old girlfriend from before he left for Afghanistan, PJ Franks. Not only that, they have a baby that he didn't know about. She has been struggling along since her mother's death and there are apparently is some mystery surrounding her. Her fear is for baby Charlie and she is dismayed that Chuck is back.
This one advances the overall story and mystery a bit, and there are still shadows around Hank.
This one advances the overall story and mystery a bit, and there are still shadows around Hank.
September 3, 2016
Part of Covert Cowboys Inc. What a surprise to come back to his home town and find the girl who broke up with him when he to Afghanistan. She has an even bigger surprise for him. How is he suppose to protect PJ when he still loves her but cannot trust her.
July 21, 2013
I am enjoying this series.
August 22, 2013
I loved this book!!! I couldn't put it down after I picked it up, and by the time I got to the end, I used up half a box of kleenex!!
Read
December 29, 2014Received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: Covert Cowboys, Inc.
Category: Suspense
Miniseries: Covert Cowboys, Inc.
Category: Suspense
Read
December 29, 2014Received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: Covert Cowboys, Inc.
Category: Suspense
Miniseries: Covert Cowboys, Inc.
Category: Suspense
January 17, 2016
I am loving Elle James's books. I am trying to find all of the Covert Cowboys book. Love the story lines and the Cowboy bodyguards. Great series
March 1, 2016
Review of. Bodyguard under fire
This is a good read. A little more sex than I like to read, but the action otherwise is well done.
This is a good read. A little more sex than I like to read, but the action otherwise is well done.
June 7, 2016
Great
Well written enjoyable,fast moving suspenseful thriller.Holds up from the first page to the very last.I'm going to be reading the rest of the series.
Well written enjoyable,fast moving suspenseful thriller.Holds up from the first page to the very last.I'm going to be reading the rest of the series.
June 26, 2016
It was great
This was a great CCI and was great add to this series and I can't wait to read #8. Every one of this series is so good!!!
This was a great CCI and was great add to this series and I can't wait to read #8. Every one of this series is so good!!!
December 9, 2016
I love Ella James and her ability to add fab intrigue to romance .. but this was a let down.
January 29, 2016
This book was just ok
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews