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Ward Security #6
Wicked Outlaw
Cole loves the city. He loves the noise, chaos, and having tacos delivered at 2 a.m.
He loves his job at Ward Security. He might look like a bodyguard, but there’s nothing better than being counted as one of the hacking tech triplets.
There is no way he will ever love horses, cows, and the great wide open of Texas.
At least, that’s what he thought until JB Alexander rode into his life.
He can’t deny the burning attraction of JB’s easy smile and weird sense of humor.
And while they’re dodging gun shots, crazy neighbors, meddling family, and secret plots, Cole might be forced to admit that he’s found an even greater love.
Wicked Outlaw is the sixth full-length novel in the Ward Security series and is jam packed with crazy neighbors, wild gun shots, a horse named Dopey, llamas, code names, a bisexual awakening, and new beginnings.
He loves his job at Ward Security. He might look like a bodyguard, but there’s nothing better than being counted as one of the hacking tech triplets.
There is no way he will ever love horses, cows, and the great wide open of Texas.
At least, that’s what he thought until JB Alexander rode into his life.
He can’t deny the burning attraction of JB’s easy smile and weird sense of humor.
And while they’re dodging gun shots, crazy neighbors, meddling family, and secret plots, Cole might be forced to admit that he’s found an even greater love.
Wicked Outlaw is the sixth full-length novel in the Ward Security series and is jam packed with crazy neighbors, wild gun shots, a horse named Dopey, llamas, code names, a bisexual awakening, and new beginnings.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2021
104 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Jocelynn Drake
149 books2,907 followersNew York Times Bestselling author Jocelynn Drake loves a good story, whether she is reading it or writing one of her own. Over the years, her stories have allowed her to explore space, talk to dragons, dodge bullets with assassins, hang with vampires, and fall in love again and again.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
May 25, 2021
I really loved this one. The main reason I loved it so much was because both heroes were so freaking awesome!! No drama for the sake of drama. Just two cool guys falling in love ( even though this was pretty insta) and deciding that what they cared about most was each other...
I love these authors and this spin-off is almost as good as "Unbreakable Bonds" (almost... can't beat Hollis) This might be my favorite of this series yet though... I really liked JB and Cole.
Curious to see what they will come up with next but one thing is for sure... I will be reading it ;)
Full review to come
I love these authors and this spin-off is almost as good as "Unbreakable Bonds" (almost... can't beat Hollis) This might be my favorite of this series yet though... I really liked JB and Cole.
Curious to see what they will come up with next but one thing is for sure... I will be reading it ;)
Full review to come
May 9, 2021
The Ward Security series just works for me.
I can't say exactly what it is, but the combo of high octane adventure, steaming hot chemistry and enough code names and chaos to sink a battleship, is just my jam.
Here we get Cole's story and we also get to meet up again with Noah's ex Army Ranger and occasional friend with benefits JB.
JB has a ranch in Texas and Cole is sent there to hole up after a sting puts him in the eyeline of a dodgy dude.
What happens next is a really beautiful romance, which starts out as a friendship between two people who just connect emotionally.
As Cole gets closer to JB, and as strange things start happening on his family's ranch, it becomes clear that his feelings might be more than just admiration for a hard working guy.
I felt this sexual awakening thread was done very well. Cole and JB click from the off and it didn't seem like too much of a stretch for Cole to realise he was fascinated with JB and had more than just friendly feelings.
The catalyst for their relationship switching to the physical worked for me, it's an adrenaline high kick where there was a physical risk to both men and I could see emotions taking over.
That it all happens over a relatively short time period doesn't feel unusual either, it seems way longer, as if they've been dancing around each other for ages.
I was so happy when Jocelynn and Rinda said they were returning to this series.
Now I'm really hoping it's kicking off a second spin off as I want ranch foreman Owen to get his second chance with the love of his life too!
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I can't say exactly what it is, but the combo of high octane adventure, steaming hot chemistry and enough code names and chaos to sink a battleship, is just my jam.
Here we get Cole's story and we also get to meet up again with Noah's ex Army Ranger and occasional friend with benefits JB.
JB has a ranch in Texas and Cole is sent there to hole up after a sting puts him in the eyeline of a dodgy dude.
What happens next is a really beautiful romance, which starts out as a friendship between two people who just connect emotionally.
As Cole gets closer to JB, and as strange things start happening on his family's ranch, it becomes clear that his feelings might be more than just admiration for a hard working guy.
I felt this sexual awakening thread was done very well. Cole and JB click from the off and it didn't seem like too much of a stretch for Cole to realise he was fascinated with JB and had more than just friendly feelings.
The catalyst for their relationship switching to the physical worked for me, it's an adrenaline high kick where there was a physical risk to both men and I could see emotions taking over.
That it all happens over a relatively short time period doesn't feel unusual either, it seems way longer, as if they've been dancing around each other for ages.
I was so happy when Jocelynn and Rinda said they were returning to this series.
Now I'm really hoping it's kicking off a second spin off as I want ranch foreman Owen to get his second chance with the love of his life too!
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
May 23, 2021
2.5 disappointed stars. Why? Because this book was filler heavy and to be honest I was bored a lot of the time. I absolutely did not get JB and Cole as a couple, they just didn't fit.
Wicked Outlaw definitely didn't have the Ward Security vibe and not even Rowe and Noah could save this one for me.
Wicked Outlaw definitely didn't have the Ward Security vibe and not even Rowe and Noah could save this one for me.
May 14, 2021
Ward Security + Cowboys, kind of.
I was pretty excited to see that we were getting a new book in the series. I’m not one of those people who feel like every person who makes an appearance in a story needs their own story but I was even ok with JB getting his.
Bummer it just did not work for me.
I felt zero connection between Cole and JB. I mean, nothing. I was told why they were falling in love but I didn’t ever feel it.
Hold on, let’s start with Cole. Man. Is it just me that pictures this when they think hacker?
He did not read like a hacker to me at all. He didn’t read like a computer guy at all. He was never in front of a computer or on his phone, vacation or not, and the few things he was “digging into” he kept finding nothing! It was just ugh! Add into that the fact we were told over and over he was a “city guy” but he didn’t ever act like a whatever a city guy is. Really, he read more like one of the bodyguards then he did one of the hackers and it was a little disappointing. I love me some computer geeks and he was more workout guy then computer guy.
I just didn’t get a good feel for who he was or what he was no matter what I was being told.
JB. I get he was ready to fall in love. I get he was ready to settle down. I just feel like it was convenience and then it was like magic. I think he would have been so much better with a Texan who loved Texas and life on a ranch. I don’t know. I just feel like he would have fit better with someone else.
I don’t know. I just didn’t dig the story and I didn’t really feel much of anything for these two.
As always, the best parts were with Rowe and Noah.
**This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.**
I was pretty excited to see that we were getting a new book in the series. I’m not one of those people who feel like every person who makes an appearance in a story needs their own story but I was even ok with JB getting his.
Bummer it just did not work for me.
I felt zero connection between Cole and JB. I mean, nothing. I was told why they were falling in love but I didn’t ever feel it.
Hold on, let’s start with Cole. Man. Is it just me that pictures this when they think hacker?
He did not read like a hacker to me at all. He didn’t read like a computer guy at all. He was never in front of a computer or on his phone, vacation or not, and the few things he was “digging into” he kept finding nothing! It was just ugh! Add into that the fact we were told over and over he was a “city guy” but he didn’t ever act like a whatever a city guy is. Really, he read more like one of the bodyguards then he did one of the hackers and it was a little disappointing. I love me some computer geeks and he was more workout guy then computer guy.
I just didn’t get a good feel for who he was or what he was no matter what I was being told.
JB. I get he was ready to fall in love. I get he was ready to settle down. I just feel like it was convenience and then it was like magic. I think he would have been so much better with a Texan who loved Texas and life on a ranch. I don’t know. I just feel like he would have fit better with someone else.
I don’t know. I just didn’t dig the story and I didn’t really feel much of anything for these two.
As always, the best parts were with Rowe and Noah.
**This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.**
July 4, 2022
2.5 rounded down. This was ok, not the worst but not the best of this series. The bi-awakening of Cole was weak and too easy (if that makes sense): he is on board with everything almost right away and not afraid to tell other people... The relationship felt even more rushed than in other installment, not insta just rushed. Several times I thought "we're putting the cart before the horses here". Once again, too many sex scenes (I skipped a few that added nothing to the relationship). The MCs were a bit inconsistent in terms of characterization: we are told that Cole is a city boy who likes to work out and is obsessed with computers but he has no problems adapting to life on a ranch, is barely on his computer and never seen working out... The mystery plot was ok and made sense but at one point I felt we had forgotten about it so the balance between mystery and romance wasn't great. Finally, the sense of family for the Ward guys was once again missing. We are told they play pranks on each other but haven't seen any of that. Cole calls Rowe and Noah about the case (which made sense) but . I would still recommend this series but don't expect too much depth for the characters.
May 20, 2021
Opening a Ward Security book felt like going home after a long absence. Like I'm sure it will feel to see and hug my friends again after over a year away from each other. Cole and JB fit together like cowboys and blue jeans, and I loved every bit of their story. It's the kind of bisexual awakening, forced proximity, romantic suspense story that Jocelynn and Rinda do so well.
I wanted to hug Gidget and Quinn, and do naughty things with Rowe and Noah, but it was so, so good to see them again. Yet they didn't take over the story, they were there just enough.
I was cheering for Cole and JB from the beginning, but I didn't want the book to end. I'm going to need more from the Texas ranch!
I wanted to hug Gidget and Quinn, and do naughty things with Rowe and Noah, but it was so, so good to see them again. Yet they didn't take over the story, they were there just enough.
I was cheering for Cole and JB from the beginning, but I didn't want the book to end. I'm going to need more from the Texas ranch!
November 17, 2021
3 Meh Stars!! 🙄 I don't know, I really wanted to like this book since I have enjoyed the other books in this series as well as the original series.. but somehow I couldn't care less about the MCs or the Texas-ranch plot 🤷♀️ The MCs didn't feel too real and the chemistry seemed off. The heat and sizzle was great and I liked the overall premise. Nevertheless the plot this time seemed over-done and repetitive. Maybe I have outgrown the Ward boys and their hijinks 😱 and maybe it's time for a new series by the authors.🤞
May 31, 2021
oh, this was just great. I absolutely loved it!!!
I have to confess, I had no real recollection of Cole from previous books and he was a bit of a surprise for me. but he is definitely awesome.
JB is totally different to Cole but as great as Cole.
I loved these two together - they just clicked, no matter in which situation, these two had each others back.
I also loved that there was no real drama and that there was a lot of great communication between these two. there were not misunderstandings due to lack of talking, which was perfect for them.
I even liked Noah and Rowe in this book - who normally are not my favorites.
I only have two minor issues:
first, I would have loved a longer ending - but that is on me as they were just so great together
and second, no clue why this title was chosen ;)
I have to confess, I had no real recollection of Cole from previous books and he was a bit of a surprise for me. but he is definitely awesome.
JB is totally different to Cole but as great as Cole.
I loved these two together - they just clicked, no matter in which situation, these two had each others back.
I also loved that there was no real drama and that there was a lot of great communication between these two. there were not misunderstandings due to lack of talking, which was perfect for them.
I even liked Noah and Rowe in this book - who normally are not my favorites.
I only have two minor issues:
first, I would have loved a longer ending - but that is on me as they were just so great together
and second, no clue why this title was chosen ;)
May 22, 2021
I dunno. I'm not sure if its because I've read a ranch story recently or because its not in the city, but it didn't feel like Ward security. I was looking forward to JB because of the chaos he causes with Noah and Cole being one of the triplets. Except JB was all about the ranch and seems to have mellowed out and Cole didn't get to do any cool hacking stuff and it kinda felt like the he was the hulk in front of a computer. That's what I was picturing anyway.
Its sweet, with a little mystery but pretty straight forward. Life on the ranch for JB and a vacation for Cole. I guess it just doesn't feel the same without the chaos from the team. Favourite part was when both of them ask for advice from Noah and Rowe. Curious about Owen and I would've loved it if Rowe had taken an alpaca.
Its sweet, with a little mystery but pretty straight forward. Life on the ranch for JB and a vacation for Cole. I guess it just doesn't feel the same without the chaos from the team. Favourite part was when both of them ask for advice from Noah and Rowe. Curious about Owen and I would've loved it if Rowe had taken an alpaca.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2021
2.5 Disappointed Stars ⭐😕⭐
Well..this is a case of over excitement...because this didn't live up to my mental hype. There always seems to be hype for me when JD is doing the writing.
But this...I found a lot of repeated commentary first from 1 then the other. The same stuff...after a while it started to come off like filler. I really hate that. If the author is finding problems doing the project, drop it or hand off to your partner or edit your partners work closer. It feels regurgitated after a while.
I'm not sold on the plot either. Cole was straight but has feels..JB was very attracted but backed off. Suddenly, bullets are flying & Cole, in this words, fucks JB with this tongue. I could get behind their relationship even though the writing started to read like the other books in the series. Limited time frame, deadly people, character choice...so on & so forth.
Bottom line: its not a bad read if you don't have high expectations.
Well..this is a case of over excitement...because this didn't live up to my mental hype. There always seems to be hype for me when JD is doing the writing.
But this...I found a lot of repeated commentary first from 1 then the other. The same stuff...after a while it started to come off like filler. I really hate that. If the author is finding problems doing the project, drop it or hand off to your partner or edit your partners work closer. It feels regurgitated after a while.
I'm not sold on the plot either. Cole was straight but has feels..JB was very attracted but backed off. Suddenly, bullets are flying & Cole, in this words, fucks JB with this tongue. I could get behind their relationship even though the writing started to read like the other books in the series. Limited time frame, deadly people, character choice...so on & so forth.
Bottom line: its not a bad read if you don't have high expectations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2021
3.5 stars l think. l enjoyed it but the pace was a bit off for me. What started as a slow burn changed quickly to love around 70-ish%. Overall a decent read. l liked it.
July 26, 2021
4,75
Aww... podobało mi się 😁
No dobra, mam jakąś niewytłumaczalną i wyjątkową słabość zarówno do "Unbreakable Bonds", jak i do jego spin-offu, czyli "Ward Security". I choć "Ward..." w większości mnie rozczarował, choć narzekałam, wkurzałam się, to i tak do każdej następnej części leciałam jak ćma do ognia, czy jak narkoman na głodzie do kolejnej działki. Było to poza mną najzwyczajniej w świecie 😜
Ale Cole i JB mnie urzekli. Cichy informatyk z Ward Security, hetero nie znoszący randek, żyjący właściwie tylko pracą, który wygląda raczej jak ochroniarz i kowboj z długim epizodem w Army Rangers i dawnym, nieodwzajemnionym uczuciem do Noah, chłopaka Rowe'a (szefa WS), to strasznie fajna para. Na skutek nieoczekiwanych okoliczności w pracy Cole musi zniknąć z Cincinnati i znajduje schronienie na ranczu JB. I tak się zaczyna ich historia...
I pewnie totalnie i kompletnie nie jestem obiektywna, ale zupełnie nie miałam problemu ani z dość krótkim czasem, kiedy ich uczucie kliknęło; ani z uświadomieniem sobie przez Cole'a, że chyba nie jest taki do końca hetero; ani z wątkiem sensacyjnym, w którym od razu wiedziałam, kto jest tym złym 😉 Plusem było również to, że seksu nie było jakoś strasznie dużo, a jak już był, to wychodziło to naturalnie i gorąco 😉 A już na pewno nie miałam żadnych problemów, kiedy Noah i Rowe pojawiali się najpierw na telefonie, a potem w ramach wsparcia również i osobiście w Teksasie 😁 Rowe i jego "zabawki" jak zwykle wymiatają 😂 A dąsanie się Rowe'a, że nie może sobie wziąć do domu jednej małej lamy lub alpaki (tak, żywej) - bezcenne 😂
Niby znowu klimat zupełnie inny, a jednak okazało się, że ten western z elementami sensacji, świetnie się wpasował w serię. Ośmieliłabym się chyba nawet stwierdzić, że to najlepsza część - na równi z otwierającym serię "Psycho Romeo". A może chyba ciut lepsza 😁
Zatem ode mnie zupełnie nieobiektywne, zadowolone, zaskoczone i pełne radochy 4,75 😁
Aww... podobało mi się 😁
No dobra, mam jakąś niewytłumaczalną i wyjątkową słabość zarówno do "Unbreakable Bonds", jak i do jego spin-offu, czyli "Ward Security". I choć "Ward..." w większości mnie rozczarował, choć narzekałam, wkurzałam się, to i tak do każdej następnej części leciałam jak ćma do ognia, czy jak narkoman na głodzie do kolejnej działki. Było to poza mną najzwyczajniej w świecie 😜
Ale Cole i JB mnie urzekli. Cichy informatyk z Ward Security, hetero nie znoszący randek, żyjący właściwie tylko pracą, który wygląda raczej jak ochroniarz i kowboj z długim epizodem w Army Rangers i dawnym, nieodwzajemnionym uczuciem do Noah, chłopaka Rowe'a (szefa WS), to strasznie fajna para. Na skutek nieoczekiwanych okoliczności w pracy Cole musi zniknąć z Cincinnati i znajduje schronienie na ranczu JB. I tak się zaczyna ich historia...
I pewnie totalnie i kompletnie nie jestem obiektywna, ale zupełnie nie miałam problemu ani z dość krótkim czasem, kiedy ich uczucie kliknęło; ani z uświadomieniem sobie przez Cole'a, że chyba nie jest taki do końca hetero; ani z wątkiem sensacyjnym, w którym od razu wiedziałam, kto jest tym złym 😉 Plusem było również to, że seksu nie było jakoś strasznie dużo, a jak już był, to wychodziło to naturalnie i gorąco 😉 A już na pewno nie miałam żadnych problemów, kiedy Noah i Rowe pojawiali się najpierw na telefonie, a potem w ramach wsparcia również i osobiście w Teksasie 😁 Rowe i jego "zabawki" jak zwykle wymiatają 😂 A dąsanie się Rowe'a, że nie może sobie wziąć do domu jednej małej lamy lub alpaki (tak, żywej) - bezcenne 😂
Niby znowu klimat zupełnie inny, a jednak okazało się, że ten western z elementami sensacji, świetnie się wpasował w serię. Ośmieliłabym się chyba nawet stwierdzić, że to najlepsza część - na równi z otwierającym serię "Psycho Romeo". A może chyba ciut lepsza 😁
Zatem ode mnie zupełnie nieobiektywne, zadowolone, zaskoczone i pełne radochy 4,75 😁
August 24, 2021
3.75 stars
I read this one because essentially it’s a cowboy book, not a bodyguard book. (Because typically the bodyguards in these series’ are really shit at their jobs.)
The cover and title sucked me in but after reading this book it just doesn’t seem to fit. Neither Cole nor JB are outlaws, or wicked for that matter. But whatever. I’m still reading.
This was sweet with a bit of a slow burn. I liked these men. I liked them together. There’s not a whole of relationship development on page but it still worked for me.
As per usual, Rowe, Noah and the team swoop in to help save the day and get some page time.
Ultimately…It’s fun.
It’s easy to read.
It’s a bit OTT.
It’s always gonna end well.
I read this one because essentially it’s a cowboy book, not a bodyguard book. (Because typically the bodyguards in these series’ are really shit at their jobs.)
The cover and title sucked me in but after reading this book it just doesn’t seem to fit. Neither Cole nor JB are outlaws, or wicked for that matter. But whatever. I’m still reading.
This was sweet with a bit of a slow burn. I liked these men. I liked them together. There’s not a whole of relationship development on page but it still worked for me.
As per usual, Rowe, Noah and the team swoop in to help save the day and get some page time.
Ultimately…It’s fun.
It’s easy to read.
It’s a bit OTT.
It’s always gonna end well.
May 16, 2021
Here we see Ward Security IT guy, Cole, head out to Texas for some forced R&R where he meets JB, the ex-army ranger and friend of Noah. This was a lovely slow burn of a romance that copied the pace of life out in the beautiful scenery where it was set; languid, sweet, unhurried, but with plenty of heat. As usual in this series, there's a great backstory running alongside the romance, and with Noah and Rowe and the rest of the Ward crew in the background, you know there's gonna be some trademark shenanigans, and it doesn't disappoint, with all the action and suspense you've come to expect from this series. I really enjoyed watching these two men grow closer, and that's the charm of this story, while there's a ton of chemistry from the start between Cole and JB, the respect and love took its time and wasn't rushed, it grew naturally.
Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.
Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.
May 23, 2021
I love this series. Every book is so different.
We get Cole’s story in this one and JB finally gets his HEA.
This is a bit city mouse/ country mouse.
IT specialist, Cole needs to leave the city. Rowe , his boss has him stay with JB at a ranch in Texas. In true Ward Security fashion, mystery and mayhem ensues.
JB and Cole have hot chemistry. Cole struggles to come to terms with his feelings. Love and friendship. HEA is just what you want too. Another great Ward Security installment!
We get Cole’s story in this one and JB finally gets his HEA.
This is a bit city mouse/ country mouse.
IT specialist, Cole needs to leave the city. Rowe , his boss has him stay with JB at a ranch in Texas. In true Ward Security fashion, mystery and mayhem ensues.
JB and Cole have hot chemistry. Cole struggles to come to terms with his feelings. Love and friendship. HEA is just what you want too. Another great Ward Security installment!
May 24, 2021
Texas Time!
Our favorite hunky tech Cole gets his happily ever after in the form of a sexy Texas cowboy, JB. This was such a feel good story, we had humor, steamy moments, intrigue and of course, action! We also got to see our favorite pair of trouble makers, and I must admit, I’m intrigued about Owen, I kinda want him to get his love.
As always, love spending time with the Ward Security guys.
Our favorite hunky tech Cole gets his happily ever after in the form of a sexy Texas cowboy, JB. This was such a feel good story, we had humor, steamy moments, intrigue and of course, action! We also got to see our favorite pair of trouble makers, and I must admit, I’m intrigued about Owen, I kinda want him to get his love.
As always, love spending time with the Ward Security guys.
May 16, 2021
Cole gets into a situation at Ward Security that has him hiding out in Texas. JB, a friend of Noah’s, offers him a place to lay low. Attraction ensues.
Some action, some hot times. I enjoyed the sort of slow burn while Cole was wrapping his mind around that he might not be all straight.
I really like the way the authors imbue their characters with such a delight for life. Even when they are knee deep in an op (with appropriate code names of course) their care for each other shines through.
This series should be subtitle, “Getting Into Trouble and Loving It.”
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Some action, some hot times. I enjoyed the sort of slow burn while Cole was wrapping his mind around that he might not be all straight.
I really like the way the authors imbue their characters with such a delight for life. Even when they are knee deep in an op (with appropriate code names of course) their care for each other shines through.
This series should be subtitle, “Getting Into Trouble and Loving It.”
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
June 3, 2021
I love these authors, and although I need to play catch up with a couple of the books in this series, that didn’t prevent me from enjoying this one immensely. The characters are wonderful, the banter fun, and I love the action scenes.
I loved both Cole and JB, and it was great learning more about them, after only meeting them briefly in previous books. Cole is wonderfully geeky about his tech, and I love how he brings three cases of computer gear to a so called enforced vacation. I liked how he also holds his own physically against one of the bad guys, and how his attraction to JB chips away at, and blows his sexuality, or his misconception of it, out of the water.
I loved JB when I first ‘met him’ in Rialto, so am very happy he has his own book, and HEA, and loved him even more after reading this story. I enjoyed the family feel of the ranch, and his relationships with his family as well as his growing friendship and more with Cole. His and Cole’s friendship felt natural and I loved their conversations as they get to know each other properly. My favourite scene re their relationship is the moment where Cole shows his support in a very subtle but intimate way.
As always, the supporting cast rocks. I love Noah, and how JB realises he’s moved past Noah and yet they are still good friends who have each other’s backs. Rowe is crazy but in a good way, and I loved the code words as the guys head into the field, and everything else that goes with that. I loved JB’s parents. They totally rock.
I liked the mystery part of the story as JB and Cole try to figure out who is behind the misfortune plaguing their ranch and others in the area. Although I did guess who the bad guy was, it ramped up the excitement of the action part of the plot, rather than detracted from it.
Cole was never going to guess JB’s full name, and I can well see why he goes by JB. Loved the ending, and I hope we haven’t seen the last of either of these guys, or the supporting cast at the ranch.
I’ll be grabbing this one for my paperback collection.
I loved both Cole and JB, and it was great learning more about them, after only meeting them briefly in previous books. Cole is wonderfully geeky about his tech, and I love how he brings three cases of computer gear to a so called enforced vacation. I liked how he also holds his own physically against one of the bad guys, and how his attraction to JB chips away at, and blows his sexuality, or his misconception of it, out of the water.
I loved JB when I first ‘met him’ in Rialto, so am very happy he has his own book, and HEA, and loved him even more after reading this story. I enjoyed the family feel of the ranch, and his relationships with his family as well as his growing friendship and more with Cole. His and Cole’s friendship felt natural and I loved their conversations as they get to know each other properly. My favourite scene re their relationship is the moment where Cole shows his support in a very subtle but intimate way.
As always, the supporting cast rocks. I love Noah, and how JB realises he’s moved past Noah and yet they are still good friends who have each other’s backs. Rowe is crazy but in a good way, and I loved the code words as the guys head into the field, and everything else that goes with that. I loved JB’s parents. They totally rock.
I liked the mystery part of the story as JB and Cole try to figure out who is behind the misfortune plaguing their ranch and others in the area. Although I did guess who the bad guy was, it ramped up the excitement of the action part of the plot, rather than detracted from it.
Cole was never going to guess JB’s full name, and I can well see why he goes by JB. Loved the ending, and I hope we haven’t seen the last of either of these guys, or the supporting cast at the ranch.
I’ll be grabbing this one for my paperback collection.
May 19, 2021
I really liked this latest installment in the Ward Security series. It's a fun mystery/suspense with lots of chemistry between the MC's and a dastardly villain to justify the action.
Later stage bi-awakening is a favourite trope of mine, especially when it's treated sensitively and grounded in reality. The discussions around Cole's growing attraction to JB are lovely, with so much acceptance and understanding of how sexuality works.
For those who care, the bedroom action is hot and the MC's are vers.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
Later stage bi-awakening is a favourite trope of mine, especially when it's treated sensitively and grounded in reality. The discussions around Cole's growing attraction to JB are lovely, with so much acceptance and understanding of how sexuality works.
For those who care, the bedroom action is hot and the MC's are vers.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
May 19, 2021
It's great to be back with the chaos that is Ward Security. I think I'd have rated this a half a star higher if there had been more of the rest of the crew. I loved the parts with Rowe and Noah.
Without them, it's a sweet self discovery story. The romance is lovely and takes its time. Cole and JB were great and shared a solid connection very quickly so it wasn't a stretch for things to go further.
The mystery of who was messing with the ranch also lost half a star for me. I was kind of expecting more maybe and it felt so unresolved
Still happy to have more of the Ward Security books
Without them, it's a sweet self discovery story. The romance is lovely and takes its time. Cole and JB were great and shared a solid connection very quickly so it wasn't a stretch for things to go further.
The mystery of who was messing with the ranch also lost half a star for me. I was kind of expecting more maybe and it felt so unresolved
Still happy to have more of the Ward Security books
June 2, 2021
3.5 stars
Sort of the same formula as the rest of the series but shifting to a Texas spinoff I think. Even more absurd suspense resolution than usual but they had to have a reason to use all the previous characters plus the new ones, I guess. The bi-awakening process was kind of annoying. Entertaining though.
Sort of the same formula as the rest of the series but shifting to a Texas spinoff I think. Even more absurd suspense resolution than usual but they had to have a reason to use all the previous characters plus the new ones, I guess. The bi-awakening process was kind of annoying. Entertaining though.
May 22, 2021
This is another fun instalment in the Ward Security series. Although it was missing a little ‘crazy’ that the others had, I think this is because I would have liked to have seen more of Rowe, Noah, and the others. What we did get of them through phone calls was hilarious though! I did also wish the mystery on the ranch had a bit more to it. I was expecting a few twists and turns but really it ended up just missing the mark.
As for Cole and JB, I loved their sweet slow burn romance. It does develop fairly quickly given the timeframe, but it takes Cole a while to really accept his bi-awakening. Once he realises that the ‘no more kissing’ rule will definitely be broken, it gets very hot and steamy. Feelings were always going to be involved, but by the time Cole is safe to go back home, neither he nor JB want to let go of what they’ve found. Turns out this city guy may have a little Texas in him after all...
As for Cole and JB, I loved their sweet slow burn romance. It does develop fairly quickly given the timeframe, but it takes Cole a while to really accept his bi-awakening. Once he realises that the ‘no more kissing’ rule will definitely be broken, it gets very hot and steamy. Feelings were always going to be involved, but by the time Cole is safe to go back home, neither he nor JB want to let go of what they’ve found. Turns out this city guy may have a little Texas in him after all...
June 17, 2021
Damn it was so good to see Ward Security in action, with their love of weird code names ;). JB getting a happy ending with Cole - didn't even cross my mind. These guys just keep surprising everyone with their antics and their unbreakable bonds. A perfect Good Read ❤️
Read
September 5, 2021Just ok, I guess. Nothing bad, noting amazing. Recommended for those who love this series
May 22, 2021
this series makes me so happy to read.. it is amazing.. action packed and keeps you on your toes.. it is wonderfully written and made me smile and laugh. i loved seeing old friends again.
May 20, 2021
I just love the Ward Security series, the guys are so much fun to read about, this time it's Cole's turn. As an IT guy it's fun to get your hands into the other side of the business, although I didn't expect to get sent on vacation when an OP went a little sideways. Let alone be banished to Texas and JB's ranch out in the middle of nowhere, I mean I'm a happy single city guy here. But life has a way of changing your options and what your idea is of your future love might be even if it's not what you expected.
August 24, 2021
I don't know what happened here, because I used to love this series, but this book didn't work for me at all. It felt implausible all the way through.
For the first 40% or so I thought it was enjoyable enough if a little boring. I got the vacation feeling on the ranch and the easy companionship between Cole and JB, which made for a nice bedtime read - made me feel good, but was easy to put down.
And then it all turned into a mess. It seemed like every plot element came as a complete non-sequitur and then didn't even lead to any logical consequenses.
The suspense plot started out disconnected and then turned downright ridiculous and inconsistend and I want to say full of plotholes, but you would need an actual basic plot line to have holes in in, I guess.
And the romance plot wasn't much better. There was no natural progression and frankly, I didn't feel any chemistry between the MCs at all. Basically the story alternates between repeating circling thoughts again and again and then making a sudden knee-jerk reaction forward apropos of nothing.
I didn't feel this at all. I started reading mildly bored and ended up badly annoyed afterwards.
For the first 40% or so I thought it was enjoyable enough if a little boring. I got the vacation feeling on the ranch and the easy companionship between Cole and JB, which made for a nice bedtime read - made me feel good, but was easy to put down.
And then it all turned into a mess. It seemed like every plot element came as a complete non-sequitur and then didn't even lead to any logical consequenses.
The suspense plot started out disconnected and then turned downright ridiculous and inconsistend and I want to say full of plotholes, but you would need an actual basic plot line to have holes in in, I guess.
And the romance plot wasn't much better. There was no natural progression and frankly, I didn't feel any chemistry between the MCs at all. Basically the story alternates between repeating circling thoughts again and again and then making a sudden knee-jerk reaction forward apropos of nothing.
I didn't feel this at all. I started reading mildly bored and ended up badly annoyed afterwards.
July 4, 2021
✮4 Stars✮
May 26, 2021
🔆4.5 fun filled stars!🔆
It's been a long time since we got a new book in this series, so I haven't been in the Ward Security world in a long time, but even with that, I would say that this was one of the best of the series, in my opinion.
We had our usual shenanigans, with Cole, the third and newest of the tech "triplets" who works at Ward Security having to leave Cincinnati because of a case he helped out on in which an abusive ex of a client has connections and because Cole made the guy angry and he got out of jail, he could go after Cole, so Rowe just wants to be cautious and protect Cole in case that happens.
And it just so happens they have a good place for Cole to hide out on, at JB Alexander's ranch in Texas. We met JB previously in Rowe and Noah's second book, as a former lover of Noah's. In the years following those events, he's slowly gotten over Noah and sees him as just a friend and is even friends with Rowe.
JB is welcoming to Cole, is kind and sweet and easy for Cole to fall for. Which surprises Cole, who thought he was straight all his life up until he's falling for JB.
And as these two fall for each other - and have amazing chemistry while doing so. I absolutely adored their scenes together and definitely felt that chemistry shining through once kissing and more is involved - there seems to be something going on at JB's ranch. As in, someone seems to want JB dead.
Because JB took over as the ranch boss from his father, and he is not remotely interested in selling to a guy who has already gotten their two neighboring ranches to agree to sell. But the guy is slimy and JB doesn't trust him, and running the ranch is what he loves and what he wants to do for the rest of his life, he's not giving it up if he can help it.
But some mysterious things start happening around the ranch, like two of JB's cows mysteriously dying, and JB (and Cole) being shot at, and the main action in this book is them figuring out who is trying to kill JB (because there's not just the guy who wants them to sell. There's another neighboring ranch aways away that a guy named Logan, who for some reason hates JB's guts, helps run.)
I mean, it was pretty obvious who was doing all the shit around the ranch, but that doesn't mean this was good fun, especially with the romance between Cole and JB that just shined through. I enjoyed this installment so much.
My only gripe, and the reason for .5 stars off, is that I wish there had been an epilogue. These two are certainly solid at the end, happy, but this book takes place over about a month's time, and ends just as these two agree to be together in a serious way, so I would have just liked an epilogue to make the ending feeling really complete. It wasn't too abrupt, I would say, but it still felt...unfinished, I'd say. I was left feeling a tad bereft. I just wanted a little more with these two, just something showing how settled they are together, how happy, what life is life for them now together, just to smooth out that ending and make me as a reader feel settled in the ending.
But other than that, this was top notch.
Also, I'm wondering if we'll get a spin-off series of this spin-off series, because we're introduced to a character, Owen, who talks about losing the love of his life because of his own action or inaction, and I gotta say, I would gobble up that second chance romance like nobody's business! It really felt like he was being set up to get his own book, I gotta say. Just...a new series of romances on the Alexander ranch, mayhaps? Yes, no? Maybe? ;)
I just...I wouldn't be opposed, is all I'm saying *hint hint* ;)
I definitely recommend this, especially if you've been enjoying this series so far. I mean, this can be read as a standalone, I'd say, but the previous books are all good fun too, so I wouldn't miss out on them.
Two big thumbs up from me! 😁
It's been a long time since we got a new book in this series, so I haven't been in the Ward Security world in a long time, but even with that, I would say that this was one of the best of the series, in my opinion.
We had our usual shenanigans, with Cole, the third and newest of the tech "triplets" who works at Ward Security having to leave Cincinnati because of a case he helped out on in which an abusive ex of a client has connections and because Cole made the guy angry and he got out of jail, he could go after Cole, so Rowe just wants to be cautious and protect Cole in case that happens.
And it just so happens they have a good place for Cole to hide out on, at JB Alexander's ranch in Texas. We met JB previously in Rowe and Noah's second book, as a former lover of Noah's. In the years following those events, he's slowly gotten over Noah and sees him as just a friend and is even friends with Rowe.
JB is welcoming to Cole, is kind and sweet and easy for Cole to fall for. Which surprises Cole, who thought he was straight all his life up until he's falling for JB.
And as these two fall for each other - and have amazing chemistry while doing so. I absolutely adored their scenes together and definitely felt that chemistry shining through once kissing and more is involved - there seems to be something going on at JB's ranch. As in, someone seems to want JB dead.
Because JB took over as the ranch boss from his father, and he is not remotely interested in selling to a guy who has already gotten their two neighboring ranches to agree to sell. But the guy is slimy and JB doesn't trust him, and running the ranch is what he loves and what he wants to do for the rest of his life, he's not giving it up if he can help it.
But some mysterious things start happening around the ranch, like two of JB's cows mysteriously dying, and JB (and Cole) being shot at, and the main action in this book is them figuring out who is trying to kill JB (because there's not just the guy who wants them to sell. There's another neighboring ranch aways away that a guy named Logan, who for some reason hates JB's guts, helps run.)
I mean, it was pretty obvious who was doing all the shit around the ranch, but that doesn't mean this was good fun, especially with the romance between Cole and JB that just shined through. I enjoyed this installment so much.
My only gripe, and the reason for .5 stars off, is that I wish there had been an epilogue. These two are certainly solid at the end, happy, but this book takes place over about a month's time, and ends just as these two agree to be together in a serious way, so I would have just liked an epilogue to make the ending feeling really complete. It wasn't too abrupt, I would say, but it still felt...unfinished, I'd say. I was left feeling a tad bereft. I just wanted a little more with these two, just something showing how settled they are together, how happy, what life is life for them now together, just to smooth out that ending and make me as a reader feel settled in the ending.
But other than that, this was top notch.
Also, I'm wondering if we'll get a spin-off series of this spin-off series, because we're introduced to a character, Owen, who talks about losing the love of his life because of his own action or inaction, and I gotta say, I would gobble up that second chance romance like nobody's business! It really felt like he was being set up to get his own book, I gotta say. Just...a new series of romances on the Alexander ranch, mayhaps? Yes, no? Maybe? ;)
I just...I wouldn't be opposed, is all I'm saying *hint hint* ;)
I definitely recommend this, especially if you've been enjoying this series so far. I mean, this can be read as a standalone, I'd say, but the previous books are all good fun too, so I wouldn't miss out on them.
Two big thumbs up from me! 😁
May 21, 2021
I wasn't expecting to see cowboys in a Ward Security book, but Cole and JB's Texas romance was absolutely adorable.
Though it's been ages since I last caught up with Rowe, Noah, and the rest of the security team, it only took me a couple pages to fall right back in love with their easy camaraderie. I feel like that team is always stirring up chaos in one way or another, but only to make sure justice gets served. When Cole accidentally got caught in the crosshairs, I'll admit that I didn't know what to expect from his ranch vacation. I was worried his story might not have the action and suspense of a typical Ward Security book, but I should have known not to underestimate Jocelynn and Rinda. JB's ranch issues started out subtle but escalated into a truly worrisome, puzzling mystery. It was fascinating to watch Cole and JB work together to figure out who was targeting the ranch, and I did not expect their journey to end up being so dangerous!
As much as I loved the suspense plotline, where this story really shone was with Cole and JB's sweet romance. Cole was a character who never stood out to me in the previous books in this series, so it was lovely to see him take the spotlight here. Even before he and JB considered anything romantic together, I loved seeing how comfortable they were around each other. As someone who can be a bit quiet and awkward around others, I know how special it is for a man like Cole to feel effortlessly at ease around someone else. Maybe that's why I was so delighted to see Cole's protective instincts come out around JB--and that unexpectedly passionate kiss was *everything*. Though Cole did have an internal battle to define his sexuality, he wasn't nearly as angsty as I expected about it. I can appreciate how he let his heart guide his actions instead of being tied up with what his brain was telling him, and I certainly won't complain about how many extra steamy moments I got to witness as a result.
In true Ward Security fashion, Cole and JB's story couldn't end without an elaborately planned mission (with code names, of course). Seeing the team rally to support JB was amazing, and it was so much fun to get my adrenaline pumping as they executed a thoughtfully planned rescue. There was never really a doubt in my mind that Cole and JB would find a way to be together, and seeing how good of a team they made made me more sure than ever that these two were meant to be.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Though it's been ages since I last caught up with Rowe, Noah, and the rest of the security team, it only took me a couple pages to fall right back in love with their easy camaraderie. I feel like that team is always stirring up chaos in one way or another, but only to make sure justice gets served. When Cole accidentally got caught in the crosshairs, I'll admit that I didn't know what to expect from his ranch vacation. I was worried his story might not have the action and suspense of a typical Ward Security book, but I should have known not to underestimate Jocelynn and Rinda. JB's ranch issues started out subtle but escalated into a truly worrisome, puzzling mystery. It was fascinating to watch Cole and JB work together to figure out who was targeting the ranch, and I did not expect their journey to end up being so dangerous!
As much as I loved the suspense plotline, where this story really shone was with Cole and JB's sweet romance. Cole was a character who never stood out to me in the previous books in this series, so it was lovely to see him take the spotlight here. Even before he and JB considered anything romantic together, I loved seeing how comfortable they were around each other. As someone who can be a bit quiet and awkward around others, I know how special it is for a man like Cole to feel effortlessly at ease around someone else. Maybe that's why I was so delighted to see Cole's protective instincts come out around JB--and that unexpectedly passionate kiss was *everything*. Though Cole did have an internal battle to define his sexuality, he wasn't nearly as angsty as I expected about it. I can appreciate how he let his heart guide his actions instead of being tied up with what his brain was telling him, and I certainly won't complain about how many extra steamy moments I got to witness as a result.
In true Ward Security fashion, Cole and JB's story couldn't end without an elaborately planned mission (with code names, of course). Seeing the team rally to support JB was amazing, and it was so much fun to get my adrenaline pumping as they executed a thoughtfully planned rescue. There was never really a doubt in my mind that Cole and JB would find a way to be together, and seeing how good of a team they made made me more sure than ever that these two were meant to be.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
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