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In the Shadows Security #4

Guts & Glory: Walker

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You can lie down and give up, or you can rise and keep going...

Walker’s been living life by this motto since the age of twenty when the girl he planned his future with shattered his heart and left a hole in his soul. His time in the military, and current job at In the Shadows Security, have kept him moving but he’s always felt the ache of that loss.

From the outside Ellie McMaster has led a seemingly perfect life, big house, rich adoring husband, fancy cars. But it’s all been a huge lie, one that started nineteen years ago when she walked away from her first love and the boy who stole her heart. Now time has run out for her and with nowhere to go and nothing left to lose she’ll have to face down the pain of the past in hopes of saving her future.

But Trace Walker isn’t the young carefree teenager she remembers, he’s now a muscle-bound titan with nothing but hurt and anger shining in his blue eyes. His time in the Army as a Night Stalker wasn’t easy, and he didn’t return home whole. Will he open himself up again and face the risks that come with having Ellie back in his life, back in his heart? Can this be their shot at a happily ever after, or their final goodbye?

Note: Walker is the fourth book of the Guts & Glory series, a six-book spin-off from my Dirty Angels MC series. While it’s recommended to read both series in order, each book can be read as a standalone. As with all my books, this has an HEA, no cliffhanger or cheating.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2019

1375 people are currently reading
389 people want to read

About the author

Jeanne St. James

132 books2,421 followers
JEANNE ST. JAMES is a USA Today and international bestselling romance author who loves an alpha male (or two). She writes steamy contemporary M/F and M/M romance, as well as M/M/F ménages, and has published over 60 books (so far). She also writes M/M paranormal romance under the name: J.J. Masters. Some of her books have been translated into French, German, Italian and Portuguese.

Want to read a sample of her work? Download a sampler book here: BookHip.com/MTQQKK

To keep up with her busy release schedule check her website at www.jeannestjames.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jeannestjames.com/newslett...

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5 stars
1,471 (62%)
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3 stars
233 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
Profile Image for  ~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~.
1,185 reviews7 followers
July 27, 2022
Poignant, Passionate, and Real... Love this story and how it was all executed.

This story as well as book 3, Hunter, are the most Passionate and deep reads in this series thus far. Both are deep but for very different reasons.🖤🖤

Overall I do love this spin off series and I would recommend it.
Profile Image for BOOKLOVER_81.
2,345 reviews91 followers
May 5, 2024
Walker was hardened by a past. He left the girl he loved behind and joined the service to provide them a life together only because she didn't wait. He enlisted, lingered, built a career, and lost more of himself instead of having the life he'd planned, the life he wanted. Only now she needed him, and he wasn't at all happy about it.

Ellie didn't have anywhere to turn, so she called him. She realized all her mistakes the moment he walked into the room but she had no right to him any longer and he made it clear he didn't want her, only she felt the difference, she felt what she hadn't had since she let him go. She felt the passion they had once only more intense and just more than she ever had since him. But again, their lives seemed to be throwing them away from one another, or was it time to fight and never let go? This time, maybe it could all be theirs.....if only...

I didn't like that she would stupidly put herself into trouble for no reason. 🙄🙄

**Second chance
**Drug cartel
**Danger/on the Run
**Past traumas

Libby listen 🎶
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.5k reviews543 followers
June 15, 2022
To say that Ellie and Walker have a past is an understatement. I was surprised that Ellie reached out to Walker for help, but I guess when you have reached rock bottom, you will reach out to anyone. I was surprised too that Walker helped Ellie, not surprised at how much of an ass he was to her at the start.

I'm glad that the guys figured out what was going on and were able to help Ellie, liked it better when they screwed over her father-in-law, what a horrible person he was. I was glad too that Ellie and Walker figured things out this time around. But the best for me in this one was Ellie getting to experience all the women, stunned a bit stupid when they visited her while Walker was gone, then later when Jewel had her baby, she got to see the big family of DAMC and the Shadows.
Profile Image for Maria (Ri).
5,152 reviews16 followers
December 8, 2019
She did it again

Every time I tell myself that I can't fall in love with another one of the heroes that this author writes. And every time I do. EVERY. TIME. I'll be honrst, i my interest wasn't as much for this author. Walker, didn't speak to me the way Ryder and Brick did. I was wrong to not be excited. He was delicious. This was a second chance love story done right.

El and walker had a history. They both made a decision that would later bite them in the behind. However, their reasons were valid. I could empathize with both sides. I was surprised by the twist in the story. It had never been hinted at and was completely unexpected. It was done so well and I appreciate the author making it authentic. The steam in this one was by far the hottest that I can remember from this author. Sweet lord. I had to fan myself reading it. Walker is a dirty man and Ellie is one lucky woman.

Loved seeing the other characters and getting a glimpse into the lives of these characters that feel real and like family. I cannot wait until the next book. I am sure it will be great.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,250 reviews219 followers
April 24, 2020
5 star review of Guts & Glory: Walker (In the Shadows Security #4) by Jeanne St James

Audio Review

The fourth book in the series and is a second chance at love story; it is perhaps my favourite to date. Narrated by Mason Lloyd and Ava Lucas who did a fabulous job with the narration, I was engrossed in the storyline from the first to the last chapter and couldn’t wait to see what Ms. St James had in store for Walker and Ellie.

I fell hard and fast for Walker, there was something about him that really intrigued me and I couldn’t wait to listen to their story. The story was well written, gritty, raw and the performances by Mason and Ava really enhanced my enjoyment.
Both Walker and Ellie have been through so much in their lives and both still have issues that need to be resolved. The chemistry between them was off the charts and yet underneath you can feel the obvious love that they still have for one another.
As danger rears it's head, will Walker and the team be able to keep Ellie safe or will it all be in vain?
Profile Image for Shirl.
1,024 reviews46 followers
September 30, 2020
Young love that didn't happen to work out. Can it later on in life especially if one has a death threat hanging over her head?
Walker was a young man in love and only doing what he thought was best for their future but because he didn't listen to Ellie and her fears he lost her. Who was right... neither. They both lost but they might have a second chance.
Walker went far in his military career but after a crash he became a disabled veteran who now works for Diesel's company. He gets a call last at night from someone who he never thought he would hear from again. She is in trouble and doesn't know what to do. She must be desperate to call him. All she knows is her now rich husband in dead and the people who he owes wants their money from her. Oh and they are flat broke.
Ellie was scared she would lose Trace Walker, the love of her life when he joined the military like her Mom did her own father. Ellie knew what it was like to lose someone in the military and grow up without a father. She was determined that wasn't going to be her and gave him up. She married a rich man that was stupid in his business dealings. Got in deep and even though they were separated she now owes the debt. Can Walker get over what happened so many years ago and help her and is it too late for them?

Great book... adult content
Profile Image for Nicki.
216 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2019
Emotional and hot what a mix...
I absolutely loved Walkers book as i have for all Jeanne's books so far. But..... Walker is a 2nd chance slow burn romance that keeps you hooked and needing more the whole time that i didn't wanna pout it down. I am impossibly impatient so i bought the paperback just to read it asap :) the story between Waker and El starts 19 years before but ended to soon but they get their 2nd chance when El is in desperate need of help and the only one she know that can help her is Walker. In this read you will find out Walker has a bit of a big secret he's kept hiding for some time and when its revealed you will be shocked and awed at the same time. I don't wanna spoils so i will leave it at this has an amazing HEA that you don't wanna miss out on.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,850 reviews179 followers
November 19, 2019
Trace Walker has lived his life by his own script. Keeping secrets close to the vest has helped him stay out of numerous jams. But when a blast from his past comes back into his present can Walker let go of the poor decisions he made as a young man and open his heart to the one that got away? When Ellie's life is on the line will she be able to put the hurt and baggage from her past go and allow forgiveness to override all other feelings? Love has been lost and lives have been destroyed but Jeanne St. James makes the reader believe that a HEA is obtainable - that is if you want it bad enough. I can honestly say this one has been the best in the series thus far. I look forward to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
November 26, 2019
It’s been nearly two decades since Elle and Walker were together, planning their future and thinking nothing could come between them until it does. When she finds herself in a desperate situation she knows that there is only one man who can protect her but will he?

When Elle contacts Walker he feels the devastation of their past like it was yesterday. Although he has moved forward with his life, he has never forgotten his first love and he will do anything to keep her safe with no regard to the consequences it could have on his life.

So much heat, emotion, suspense and secrets as Elle and Walker not only need to battle their pasts but the present as well.
Profile Image for Kim.
220 reviews5 followers
November 16, 2019
Guts and Glory: Walker by Jeanne St. James is awesome. This is the fourth book in the In The Shadows Security series. This is a second chance romance. This book had me laughing, crying, angry. I had all the feels. I could not put this book down. This book had me on an emotional roller coaster ride. It has romance, suspense, drama, intensity and feistiness of the characters, anger, angst, regret. The book is well written and has very likeable characters. This is a must read. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kim  Brewing.
3,631 reviews37 followers
December 14, 2019
4.5 stars

I'm a sucker for second chances and these two deserved one - even if it was almost 20 years later! The men of DAMC make appearances and we see how well the Shadows work together. Great addition to a wonderful series.
Profile Image for Monica.
517 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2020
This one was my least favorite of the bunch so far. A major plot contrivance that would've nullified the entire story at conception was acknowledged and then summarily dismissed. Also, this one had more sex scenes than the previous installments did, which seemed just on the wrong side of gratuitous to me. But maybe it's just me. And neither of those quibbles will stop me from immediately proceeding to Steel's story!
Profile Image for Ola Adamska.
2,881 reviews27 followers
November 27, 2019
A really good second chance romance with two people that need to overcome their past. If the second chance story is done well I'm ALL in! nd in tat case t was like that!
Let this story of Walker and Ellie bring you into a wild rite to understanding each other, love and compromises!
As always the author did a great job with making characters like living people and pot that captivates you!
Profile Image for Raven61.
1,135 reviews8 followers
August 25, 2020
Action packed story from the Dirty Angels MC spin off series - highly recommend!

For mature readers only (18+ years old) due to subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some including adult language throughout, adult intimate scenes and violence (kidnapping, murder, assault, etc.).

This series is a spin off from the Dirty Angels MC series. It is about the operatives hired by Diesel, the Sergeant At Arms, to support the MC with the more dubious duties so that the club stays clean. They have all partnered with the bikers in the past, but they are not actually members of the MC.

While this could be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend it be read in series order for maximum reader satisfaction and to prevent spoilers as there are reoccurring characters and overall themes.

This is another well-written story with minimal grammatical errors, highly defined characters, and with each story, an ever expanding story universe. My only minor, very minor, complaint with this story is I wish Ellie’s reason for breaking Walker’s heart had been different. Otherwise this is an action packed, slightly less emotional (for me at least), roller coaster ride.

Walker, a former Night Stalker, receives a call from his childhood sweetheart, Ellie, that she needs help. He really wishes he could ignore her, but if it is serious he wouldn’t forgive himself if something happened to her, even if he did hang up on her the first time.

Ellie has run out of options and only has $1,500. The guys her husband stole money from killed him and now she only has about a week to raise the remaining money he stole, which is about $1.3m or she will be next. She heard that Walker works for a group, not sure everything that they do, but he is her only prayer at disappearing since she has sold off everything (houses, boats, cars, wedding rings, etc.) and has no other way to raise the money.

Will he help her after she broke his heart?


Profile Image for Patty.
5,166 reviews55 followers
April 24, 2020
Don't bother me when I am listening to Jeanne St James. She is one that I love to hear, and need my peace and quiet to fall into each story. Walker is no exception. A second chance at love, Ellie and Walker are together again. Not by Walker's choice. Ellie is in trouble and had no where else to turn. Now it's up to Walker and Shadow's Security to keep her safe without him falling for her again. Or will he? Every book I listen to, I think it's my favorite, but there is something about Walker that just pushes all the buttons. This man is an alpha protector, loving, strong and vulnerable. He is the entire package. I love this couple, their back story and the twists they have to overcome. The story builds on a high school romance and let me feel the resentment, the love, the forgiveness, the fear...every minute giving an emotion and keeping me engaged in their lives. And bringing in the our favorites, like Jewel and Diesel just give me that warmth and comfort of home.

Mason Lloyd could not have been better cast as Walker. He has that grit to his voice that gives Walker that alpha richness. Complimenting that sultry voice Ava Lucas brings in as Ellie, the two created a world I got lost in. They each add the emotional tugs, the strength in their personalities and a little suspense that kept my heart racing. I thought it was a fantastic narration.
Profile Image for Eleanor.
1,211 reviews29 followers
October 27, 2020
4 Walker and Ellie Stars

Walker is the fourth book in the In The Shadows Series by Jeanne St. James and is a second chance at love story. Ellie and walker have history. They both made a decision long ago that they would both regret.

“I’m assuming you’re between a rock and a hard place right now and you need me to be the crowbar."

Ellie needs Walker's help and she is desperate so she has no choice but to contact the last person she wants to see or hear from again. But she is all out of options. Walker a former Night Stalker, receives the call from Ellie and all he wants to do is ignore it but something deep inside makes him answer the call.

“This time I’m not letting you go so easily, El. I’m going to fight for you. Fight for what we can have. What we should’ve had all these years. I didn’t fight back then. I should’ve.”

There is a huge secret revealed in this book and I won’t say anymore as I don't want to ruin the story. As always the author, St. James gives us the best secondary characters and we see some favourites in this book. Always enjoyable. I highly recommend reading this book and reading the series in order. Although it’s not required.

https://realtastypages.com
18 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2019
Young love mistakes made right!!

A second chance story about Walker and Ellie.

It starts with a phone call from his past, Walker isn’t sure if he wants to deal with anything to do with Ellie. He takes the call, finds out she’s in serious trouble. She even admits she begged his sister for his phone number to ask him for help. Walker knows he may regret the decision to help her, it’s going to open up old wounds they both suffered long ago.

Of course the job gets all the Shadows men involved after meeting Ellie and yes Diesel is there with his ever so present positive outlook on life lol! Throughout their story, Walker and Ellie discover a lot about their past and what it could mean for their future too if they want it that way.

Loved Walker and Ellie, more insight about the other Shadows men, the scene with Rissa, Kelsea and Frankie was hilarious. You will always laugh with this authors books, she has a way with words, humor, quick wit and comradery. Love this series and all the characters in it. At the end of the book, there is teaser for Steel, the next book in the series.

Addicted to these books, thank you Jeanne St. James!!
Profile Image for Ivy Blacke.
Author 21 books22 followers
April 26, 2022
Another great read

I'm so torn. I adored Mercy and dubbed him my favorite, but I'm holding out for Steel to become my fav, only darn....now I think Walker strolled in to steal my heart.

Walker was hardened by a past. He left the girl he loved behind and joined the service to provide them a life together only she didn't wait. He enlisted linger, built a career and lost more of himself instead of having the life he'd planned, the life he wanted. Only now she needed him and he wasn't at all happy about it.

Ellie didn't have any where to turn so she called him. She realized all her mistakes the moment he walked into the room but she had no right to him any longer and he made it clear he didn't want her, only she felt the difference, she felt what she hadn't had since she let him go. She felt the passion they had once only more intense and just more than she ever had since him. But again, their lives seemed to be throwing them away from one another or was it time to fight and never let go? This time maybe t could all be theirs.....if only....
Incredible read!!!
Profile Image for Shatire.
460 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2020
Walker and Ellie's story is one of the more emotional stories in the two series. I definitely teared up with this one.
Ellie's husband has left her with a huge debt that she's unable to pay, which is going to cost her her life. Her only option is to get help from her first love and only man she ever really trusted, the man whose heart she broke years ago.
Walker is reluctant to help Ellie, but he can't abandon her. He wants to prove to her that he's over her, though deep down he knows it's a lie.
Walker and Ellie are forced to face the past in hope they will be able to work together to save Ellie's life. And just maybe, they may be able to make those dreams from long ago a reality.
I loved that the two were able to have an adult conversation and admit the wrongs on both sides instead of just throwing the blame on one person. It's beautiful second chance romance, with some thrills and mystery.
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books90 followers
December 21, 2020
I borrowed Guts & Glory: Walker form the Kindle Unlimited Library Program.

Trace Walker a member of In the Shadows Security team gets a second chance with his high school sweetheart, Ellie when she contacts him and is in trouble.

The team bands together to figure out who is after Ellie after her husband is murdered and she owes them 1.2 million that she doesn't have. She is in big trouble and if they can't find who is after her and take care of the problem the only other choice is that she disappears and goes ghost. It this is her only option she will never see Trace again.

Trace is determined to keep Ellie in his life again as their old romance is still as strong as when they were young. Ellie wants the same thing.

The story has an element of great danger, hot romance and the coming together of family to solve a problem for one of the members to help him find his and Ellie's happy ending.
Profile Image for Jenna.
106 reviews4 followers
June 3, 2020
Jeanne knocks it out of the park again with this one! I shouldn’t even be surprised anymore. She makes me fall in love with her characters every time. Walker and Ellie are no different. The two of them are pure fire together and have been waiting way too long for their HEA. I knew I liked Walker from the very beginning, I was instantly drawn to him and wanted him to have the chance at having the love you knew his broken heart deserved. Ellie is pure sunshine and has suffered due to one bad choice she made when she was barely even an adult. My heart aches at the life she knew she threw away before she realized what she really did. These two deserved the world together. They both suffered and their story makes your heart hurt for all the time they lost together. Fate is a funny thing though. Always there when you really need it, but least expect it. 5 amazing stars.
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,932 reviews16 followers
May 7, 2020
Walker and Ellie were high school sweethearts, until he left for the army and then she married someone else. All it took was one phone call and then an old Ford pick up truck. They both made mistakes when they were young but only one is willing to forgive. Someone is after Ellie and they are even move powerful than the Shadows.

Chapter 12 is absolutely hilarious when the other woman come into play. As well I learned something in this book, don't leave your windows open cause you might hear injured coyotes.

Absolutely love this series and just can't get enough of this author. Highly recommend.
524 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2020
Trace/Walker & Ellie's story

She broke he's heart but she didn't know who else to turn to.

Ellie phoned Walker & asked for help.

Walker & the Shadows volunteered their time and skills pro-bono because she had less than nothing thanks to her now dead husband.

Feels like it couldn't get much worse or could it?

Trace never stopped loving Ellie and deep down she knew she never loved George as much as she should. Because her everything was Trace.

Happily Ever Afters prove everything happens for a reason.

Loved Walker, looking forward to reading Steel now
Hope you enjoy the series as much as I have!!
896 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2023
Sometimes it takes love a while to find its way home

This story was maybe more than a 4* but I guess I am not a huge fan of the long drawn out sex scenes... The action in this story is kinda well it felt sometimes like it was an afterthought. At the end she's kidnapped but they pay the ransom and get her back... It seemed kinda too easy. There was drama in the story when she arrives and the Shadows are meeting , when they look into her husbands business, and when the other wives visit but the only action is when she is kidnapped while running off to confront her father-in-law. I think I like it better when the action is sprinkled throughout the story
618 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2023
Walker has been in love with Ellie since they were high school sweethearts.Ellie broke things off while he was in the service and then married into a rich family. When she is in danger because her dead husbands dealings she turns to Walker to help her.
Despite trying to keep his heart safe he can't deny his true feelings.
They get a seconds chance but Walker needs to keep her safe and get the mess her husband made straightened out. I love Walker he is so hot, loyal and devoted. After all the dealings with these guys his injury is revealed. These two deserve to find happiness and get their second chance.
Profile Image for Tina Wallace.
335 reviews
January 30, 2020
Second chance

While you never would have known Walker was an amputee. Being shot down in enemy territory and pinned under his Little Bird losing his leg was only the half of it. Ellie was the love of Walker’s life but signing up to serve was a decision he made without her so she made the decision to leave him without asking him. 19yrs later and she’s in trouble and the only person that can help her is Walker. Help her he does but with a lot more than her problem. He helps her realize that she still belongs to him and that’s exactly how it stays. Excellent read just like the rest of the series
Profile Image for Stephanie Collins.
36 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2020
Spoiler alert!!!

Jeanne St. James is truly a genius. I love all the shadows men so far , but Walker has definitely came in first. I loved this book. It's got it all, from first loves, aftermath of war, loves second chance, and who can go without hot alphas. Walker and El are perfect together. After bad choices made by both, and years apart they are brought together again. With El's life in danger and walker doing what he needs to do to keep his first and forever love alive and with him. Such a great book. I definitely recommend this book to everyone to read.
702 reviews7 followers
August 11, 2022
Another one bites the dust

Another woman in danger and needing the help of In Shadows Security, only this time she is a blast from Walker's past. Ellie was his one and only love as far back as high school. Circumstances split them and Walker wants to stay angry and cold when she turns to the task force for aid.

The story has good secondary characters, many of which are from the Dirty Angels MC Series in walk on parts so to speak, but it's a feel good moment when reintroduced to characters you have previously read about.
849 reviews7 followers
January 16, 2023
Walker and Ellie

These just keep getting better. Each of these guys have had something in their lives that is an issue from their time in the service.
Walker is an amputee who still loved his high school sweetheart.she broke up with him when he was in the service.
Like a lot of younger lovers, their communication skills weren’t good enough to overcome their youth and she married someone else. When she called Walker for help though he reluctantly agreed.
That brought them back to where they belonged, with each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews

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