What do you think?
Rate this book
Apache Protectors: Wolf Den #1
Surrogate Escape
Enter the world of Apache Protectors: Wolf Den A riveting new series begins!
A newborn abandoned in his truck? Tribal policeman Jake Redhorse immediately summons nurse Lori Mott—his former fiancée—for help. But Jake jilted Lori and now must regain her trust while fighting awakening desires neither can deny. The infant they adore offers them a second chance…if they can discover why she’s the target of kidnappers.
Apache Protectors: Wolf Den
A newborn abandoned in his truck? Tribal policeman Jake Redhorse immediately summons nurse Lori Mott—his former fiancée—for help. But Jake jilted Lori and now must regain her trust while fighting awakening desires neither can deny. The infant they adore offers them a second chance…if they can discover why she’s the target of kidnappers.
Apache Protectors: Wolf Den
- GenresRomance
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2018
53 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Kernan
123 books393 followersThank you for finding me on GoodReads.
Find my social media links here: https://linktr.ee/jennakernan
Here's a bit more about me...
Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Jenna Kernan has written over forty novels, most recently penning domestic thrillers. Her debut thriller, A Killer's Daughter, won the bronze medal in popular fiction from the Florida Book Awards in 2021. Jenna’s 2022 domestic thriller, The Ex-Wives, won the gold medal in the same category. The Nurse, was released in 2023, The Patient's Daughter released in 2024, and The Fake Mother in 2025. Her thrillers are intense, unsettling, and gripping with unexpected twists and turns.
Jenna began her writing journey penning historical romance, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Find them here: https://www.jennakernan.com/books-1
A member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Florida Mystery Writers and Novelists, Inc. and a natural redhead living with her husband on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Jenna has recently increased her sunblock to SPF 50.
Jenna offers a FREE BOOK as a welcome gift to new VIP Readers. Subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/jennakernan/grippi...
Visit Jenna at www.jennakernan.com
Follow Jenna here ...
BookBub: jenna-kernan
Twitter: @jennakernan
Instagram: jenna-kernan
Facebook: AuthorJennaKernan or join her newsletter at www.jennakernan.com
Find my social media links here: https://linktr.ee/jennakernan
Here's a bit more about me...
Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Jenna Kernan has written over forty novels, most recently penning domestic thrillers. Her debut thriller, A Killer's Daughter, won the bronze medal in popular fiction from the Florida Book Awards in 2021. Jenna’s 2022 domestic thriller, The Ex-Wives, won the gold medal in the same category. The Nurse, was released in 2023, The Patient's Daughter released in 2024, and The Fake Mother in 2025. Her thrillers are intense, unsettling, and gripping with unexpected twists and turns.
Jenna began her writing journey penning historical romance, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Find them here: https://www.jennakernan.com/books-1
A member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Florida Mystery Writers and Novelists, Inc. and a natural redhead living with her husband on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Jenna has recently increased her sunblock to SPF 50.
Jenna offers a FREE BOOK as a welcome gift to new VIP Readers. Subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/jennakernan/grippi...
Visit Jenna at www.jennakernan.com
Follow Jenna here ...
BookBub: jenna-kernan
Twitter: @jennakernan
Instagram: jenna-kernan
Facebook: AuthorJennaKernan or join her newsletter at www.jennakernan.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 10, 2019
Another typical Jenna Kernan snoozefest. I'd been hoping for at least 3 stars, since the plot was mostly linear and I was able to follow what was going on, and the romance was handled well - but absolutely nothing plot-wise was resolved. The plot has Jake Redhorse finding a baby left in his truck, and this causes him to reunite with high school sweet Lori Mott, who is now a nurse. They hooked up five years previously, when they were 16, and had sex on the first date, which left Lori pregnant. She had a miscarriage, and their relationship deteriorated. They both immediately bond with the baby, and appoint themselves guardians, and must figure out who abandoned the baby, and also who might be out there trying to get the baby back.
Of course, none of those answers are forthcoming. That's beyond Kernan's capabilities. She's a terrible writer. But the relationship between Jake and Lori was at least well-realised. They were well-developed characters. I could understand where they were coming from. I liked that Jake told Lori he was sick of walking on eggshells around her, which finally forced them to talk properly about their feelings. Recovering from a loss like miscarriage is a heavy subject matter, and Kernan admittedly handled it really well. If only she had any clue on how to handle the suspense element of her books.
The suspense and action is almost entirely absent. A couple of attempts to grab baby Fortune (yeah, that's what they name her. Gag me with a spoon), and that's it. The rest is all dealing with Jake and Lori's relationship. But like I said, this is the rare occasion where an Intrigue category deals with the relationship believably. However, I like a bit of actual suspense, action or mystery in my Intrigue books, and this delivered none of that. While I had a vague idea of why people were gunning for Fortune, nothing is explained fully. We don't learn a single thing about the illegal surrogacy ring supposedly at the heart of the book. The lack of any sort of answers nearly made me give this 1 star.
I also wasn't sure about making the hero and heroine only 21. It seems too young for me! But they did act older than their ages, which I appreciated. And since I've read much worse Intrigue titles than this, 2 stars seems fair. I'm going to read the next three all in one go, so I can get this mini-series out the way. Despite the minor positives found in this book, I have little faith in Kernan's abilities to deliver an enthralling, cohesive four book series.
Of course, none of those answers are forthcoming. That's beyond Kernan's capabilities. She's a terrible writer. But the relationship between Jake and Lori was at least well-realised. They were well-developed characters. I could understand where they were coming from. I liked that Jake told Lori he was sick of walking on eggshells around her, which finally forced them to talk properly about their feelings. Recovering from a loss like miscarriage is a heavy subject matter, and Kernan admittedly handled it really well. If only she had any clue on how to handle the suspense element of her books.
The suspense and action is almost entirely absent. A couple of attempts to grab baby Fortune (yeah, that's what they name her. Gag me with a spoon), and that's it. The rest is all dealing with Jake and Lori's relationship. But like I said, this is the rare occasion where an Intrigue category deals with the relationship believably. However, I like a bit of actual suspense, action or mystery in my Intrigue books, and this delivered none of that. While I had a vague idea of why people were gunning for Fortune, nothing is explained fully. We don't learn a single thing about the illegal surrogacy ring supposedly at the heart of the book. The lack of any sort of answers nearly made me give this 1 star.
I also wasn't sure about making the hero and heroine only 21. It seems too young for me! But they did act older than their ages, which I appreciated. And since I've read much worse Intrigue titles than this, 2 stars seems fair. I'm going to read the next three all in one go, so I can get this mini-series out the way. Despite the minor positives found in this book, I have little faith in Kernan's abilities to deliver an enthralling, cohesive four book series.
June 21, 2020
This is a fast-paced, romantic suspense novel! I rapidly turned pages to find out how Lori and Jake would resolve their differences while solving the mystery. Jenna Kernan writes wonderful characters, a well-researched Apache background, and exciting romantic suspense. I'm glad I already have the next book in the series!
February 19, 2018
Attention grabbing! We are pulled into Jenna Kernan's new series quickly with the discovery of an abandoned baby. We are familiar with some of the outlying players in this series from others under the Apache Protectors umbrella, so we can quickly pick up on some of the items that are mentioned. The plot is fairly fast moving and keeps the intrigue peaked as we try to figure out what's going on and who's leading it all. The characters are young and still fairly childish in their mindsets, but easy to like and sympathize with. I enjoyed their story!
Jake Redhorse thinks he has his life on track, but a surprise discovery that sends him back into the path of his ex-fiancee changes that up quickly! Being called out on some of the stuff he did years ago gives him no choice but to grow up and take responsibility for what he did and didn't do. Will this abandoned baby help pave the way for a new beginning?
Lori Mott feels like she was treated unfairly by the world back then, but she overcame it to earn respect in her life since. The last thing she wants is to be around Jake again after all of these years ... but the abandoned baby that he found pulls at her heart strings and demands she put her needs aside.
Jake Redhorse thinks he has his life on track, but a surprise discovery that sends him back into the path of his ex-fiancee changes that up quickly! Being called out on some of the stuff he did years ago gives him no choice but to grow up and take responsibility for what he did and didn't do. Will this abandoned baby help pave the way for a new beginning?
Lori Mott feels like she was treated unfairly by the world back then, but she overcame it to earn respect in her life since. The last thing she wants is to be around Jake again after all of these years ... but the abandoned baby that he found pulls at her heart strings and demands she put her needs aside.
March 8, 2018
Contemporary Romance
Turquoise Canyon Reservation, Arizona
Jake Redhorse finds an abandoned newborn baby in his truck. Jake knows the best person to help him with the baby is nurse Lori Mott – his former fiancée. Jake must now regain Lori’s trust after jilting her. At the same time they are both fighting the awakening desire they feel and neither can deny. The infant that they both adore gives them a second chance. First though they have to find out why she is the target of kidnappers.
This is a great book that starts off fast and continues at that pace throughout the whole story. It will also have readers eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series. The author is proving to be able to keep each series she writes fresh, exciting and intriguing. Reading how Jake and Lori find a way to move past their past mistakes makes for a great read and the story really pulls readers into it and will have them mourning when the story is over. The suspense is great and keeps the reader guessing as to just what is going on. This should prove to be an interesting series.
Turquoise Canyon Reservation, Arizona
Jake Redhorse finds an abandoned newborn baby in his truck. Jake knows the best person to help him with the baby is nurse Lori Mott – his former fiancée. Jake must now regain Lori’s trust after jilting her. At the same time they are both fighting the awakening desire they feel and neither can deny. The infant that they both adore gives them a second chance. First though they have to find out why she is the target of kidnappers.
This is a great book that starts off fast and continues at that pace throughout the whole story. It will also have readers eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series. The author is proving to be able to keep each series she writes fresh, exciting and intriguing. Reading how Jake and Lori find a way to move past their past mistakes makes for a great read and the story really pulls readers into it and will have them mourning when the story is over. The suspense is great and keeps the reader guessing as to just what is going on. This should prove to be an interesting series.
February 11, 2018
This is the 1st in a new series of Jenna's that I read last month. This story was hinted at in a previous series Tribal thunder. There is teens missing and Jake is helping in the investigation. This is his story and we meet Lori Mott. This is the start of a new series that hints at teens having babies that aren't there's. Jake finds a white baby in the back of his truck coming home from work. But the mystery starts for a teen girl from his tribe gave birth to the baby and has never dated. Mystery on the way. Lori is Jake's ex who he jilted. He needs her help with the newborn. This is a fascinating story dealing with a complex issue that has you turning the pages to see what is happening next. You also find yourself hoping that Lori and Jake will make it in the end. Which we know they will for that is how the story goes but its a great story. What I like is that this about young ones they are only 21 or so. But their maturity is shown through out the story. I will be following this series to the end. Its worth a read.
March 12, 2018
I just finished reading this book and it was a great read from beginning to end. I love how well developed and interesting the characters are. I felt like I was along for the journey that the characters were taking. The story just drew me in and I love the suspense, passion, action, and intrigue in this book. I would definitely recommend it to everyone who loves a good romance with some suspense. This is another amazing book by Jenna Kernan! Thank you for writing such awesome books and interesting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2018
If you're familiar with Jenna Kernan's writing, you know she has a gift for letting you into her character's hearts. Every book she writes draws me into her characters from the first page. Surrogate Escape is no exception. From the first page, we get to know Jake and with each page we become friends with the characters, interested in their lives, cheering them on, groaning when they make missteps. This story had my fingers crossed for Jake and Lori, and also trying to figure out the missing teens and the abandoned baby. Surrogate has everything I like, great suspense, believable characters, some romance, and a book I couldn't put down! Thanks Jenna! You've done it again!
February 10, 2021
my favorite of the Apache Protectors Series, which is high praise, because all the books in this series are very good.
The tension between the central characters captured, and held, my attention. The action starts in the first chapter and doesn't let up until the end.
the author does a great job balancing the inherent problem with series built around solving a central mystery through a series of the same characters in separate books.
That is to have a satisfactory ending to the unique part of the mystery in each book while simultaneously keeping the basic underlying issue going without boring the reader.
The tension between the central characters captured, and held, my attention. The action starts in the first chapter and doesn't let up until the end.
the author does a great job balancing the inherent problem with series built around solving a central mystery through a series of the same characters in separate books.
That is to have a satisfactory ending to the unique part of the mystery in each book while simultaneously keeping the basic underlying issue going without boring the reader.
April 9, 2018
I received this book from the author for a review or because she’s just awesome. Not sure. Tribal policeman Jake and nurse Lori are the two main characters. He finds a baby and the mystery of little babes origin begins. Jake and Lori are great. Their chemistry is just wow. They were previously going to get married and something happened so they didn’t. They have to get past the pain they caused one another for the baby’s safety. While this is the 1st in the Wolf Den series, people from the previous books Apache Protectors make some appearances. This is a very good read.
March 15, 2018
Surrogate Escape by Jenna Kernan is another winner. Jake finds an abandoned baby in the back of his truck and contacts his former fiancée, Nurse Lori for her help. This continues on with intrigue, suspense and romance as we start a new series: Apache Protectors: Wolf Den #1. Great start to the series.
March 24, 2018
Another great series by Jenna Kernan! The story grabs your attention from the very first page and keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. I found it very hard to put down and immediately fell in love with the main characters Jake and Lori. This book has everything I love is a story- great romance, suspense, and danger. Perfect book to start a new series! I cannot wait for the next one!
January 21, 2019
Great adventure!
This was a fantastic tale of romance and drama between two people who have a second chance at love and a life together. A abandoned infant brings together these two young people who find out they can definitely enjoy the life they once had if they can forget the past. Lots of thrilling action and suspense surrounding the characters in this story.
This was a fantastic tale of romance and drama between two people who have a second chance at love and a life together. A abandoned infant brings together these two young people who find out they can definitely enjoy the life they once had if they can forget the past. Lots of thrilling action and suspense surrounding the characters in this story.
July 4, 2019
Good plot outside of the romance. They barely talked about normal things, so I don't see how they could know they still liked each other beyond the physical attraction. People change a lot with 5 years and college. Needs more editing to remove the repititions throughout the book.
June 23, 2020
Wow
Really Good 👍Read,m,suspense,thrills and a whole lot of action.I could hardly put it down it was just that good. I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.Thanks for Avery enjoyable afternoon.
Really Good 👍Read,m,suspense,thrills and a whole lot of action.I could hardly put it down it was just that good. I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.Thanks for Avery enjoyable afternoon.
March 23, 2018
Great read.
Very fast paced and righting. I couldn't put the book down. I want to read more in the series. 😀
Very fast paced and righting. I couldn't put the book down. I want to read more in the series. 😀
October 31, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
January 18, 2023
Dnf at 37%
Jake and Lori have no chemistry, I'm not going to wait for them to get it. Life is too short. Onward!
Jake and Lori have no chemistry, I'm not going to wait for them to get it. Life is too short. Onward!
January 6, 2019
Leave it to author Jenna Kernan to set the standard high when it comes to bringing unique stories on the bookshelves and to her readers! Surrogate Escape is a compelling read that is character driven and intense. This book is the inception of a brand new miniseries that features a set of nuanced characters that you'll either love or despise. With deep society issues tackled with flawless expertise make every twist and turn realistic. Surrogate Escape has it all—it’s one Harlequin Intrigue you don't want to miss and a miniseries you should definitely be following!
Highly Recommended
4.5 Stars
Highly Recommended
4.5 Stars
Read
March 1, 2018Miniseries: Apache Protectors: Wolf Den
Read
March 1, 2018Miniseries: Apache Protectors: Wolf Den
March 2, 2018
As usual, Jenna has written a very enjoyable and fast-paced story------the first of her Wolf Den series. It begins with tribal policeman, Jake Redhorse, finding an abandoned newborn baby in the bed of his truck. He calls the reservation medical clinic for help. His ex-girlfriend, Lori Mott, is a nurse there and quickly goes to his aid. An investigation is begun and they discover several young girls have disappeared from the Turquoise Canyon Reservation and they have one thing in common......they have all disappeared shortly after visiting the clinic. Who, What, Why......all to be answered in this first and next three books of the Wolf Den series. So looking forward to reading them.
Read
January 26, 2019My second Harlequin Intrigue book. Another fast easy read. Some sex, minimal on the page violence. Entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews