Spring Break with a Hero

by Zee Irwin

A steamy small-town suspense romance where a possessive military hero protector will stop at nothing to keep the heroine safe… even if she refuses to admit she needs him.

When an anonymous tip for my latest news story pulls me into the path of an illegal smuggling ring, the last thing I expect to become is the target for danger. And now? My old enemy is assigned to protect me.

His orders? Keep me safe. His method? Drive me crazy. His presence? Temptation in combat boots.

As the action heats up, the tension between us explodes. Suddenly, I fall for the one man I never wanted to rely on—and he’s the only guy who can save me.

He’ll be the hero once again. But can I finally admit I want him to be the hero of my heart as well?

Find out in this adventurous, steamy small-town romance where passion and danger collide in Love Beach!


Enjoy all the books in the multi-author Love Beach collection today, including three from Zee Irwin:
Summer with a Pucker
Merry with a Lawman
Spring Break with a Hero

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2025

About the author

Zee Irwin is a USA Today Bestselling Author who gets powered up by steamy small town romance. She's a bit of sunshine living countryside in Pennsylvania with her own grumpy alpha guy, two teenagers, and twin kitties. Her favorite character to write is a small town billionaire, especially if he falls first, is former military, and is possessive of the woman he loves.
Visit her at zeeirwinauthor.com to keep up to date on her latest work in progress.

Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are returning to Love Beach, and I am all about it! Spring Break with a Hero is part of the multi-authored Love Beach: Springs Break series. It's a steamy, frenemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity, curvy girl gets her military protector small town romantic suspense story. Gigi is a smart, sassy, feisty, and curvy journalist. Jackson is a hunky, slightly arrogant, full stop alpha male who is part of a special forces team after serving in the Coast Guard. He has had a crush on Gigi since grade school, but she always thought of him as a bully, even if she had a bit of a crush back then, too. When Gigi is chasing a story, she ends up injured. Turns out her story is overlapping with the secret mission Jackson is in town for. She ends up staying with him after the hospital, and things get hot and S-T-E-A-M-Y. But she doesn't want to be just a notch in his bed post before he leaves again. Can he show her he might be all in for her if she's on board? OMG, these two were so perfect together. I loved their feisty and flirty banter. Their chemistry was off the charts hot 🔥 and the ending was so happy. There is a lot of drama and twists I never expected before we got our HEA, though. It was so good. Jackson was a walking, talking, panty-melting hunk. I loved how he cared for Gigi. And Gigi was such a sassy spitfire! Once again, Zee gives me yet another book boyfriend to add to my list. I loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay it’s Spring Break ,you know what that means to me? Getting eyes on this little beauty by Zee . It’s steamy ,it’s sizzling ,it’s such a delight to get my hands on him ..erm this book tonight . Well can you blame me for my faux pas? Look at that body , I ask ya? He’s neat ,he’s heat ,a great hunk o meat and ooh that hair . I would go there to get lost for a while . And that smile… Where was I ? Oh yes ,I’ll behave now ,I promise . About this great book I will brook . I’m telling you this ,it’s pure genius . It’s bliss! It’s a cute reminisce,a kiss . It’s heat ,I mean a real treat this is. The storytelling ? Oh my reach the sky good ,not to mention the tension of which there’s no end. This my friends is the best yet . His orders were to keep her safe from harm . Well yes he sure does that while she’s lying in his arms nice and warm. But he drives her all kinds of crazy even though in those combat boots ,he’s kinda cute. Well YES you got it girl how astute. Ya see the silly thing,makes out she doesn’t need him ,though he makes what’s in her panties sing. Gigi a reporter at Love Beach Buzz daily shows up with a hot tip ( yeah he has one of them too I’m sure ) that puts her smack bang front and centre in trouble ,an illegal smuggling ring has her targeted ? So now she’s in danger. Well pucker up and smile ,grin if you will because like it or not my dear Jackson’s here too. He’s undercover and you just entered the danger zone from which there’s no going back. Wait till he gets you into the sack . Oh my how dreamy ,a little creamy and sweet as molasses. This is one romance for the wee lasses and their beaus to learn from the best ,the pros . How it’s done ,when a girl and a boy have such chemistry as their’s well ,there’s nothing that can’t be overcome or compare to tell the truth. This is heat ,it’s a full on Love attack. So strewth! Woohoo and shout it through the rooftops cos Love Beach is back ,it’s Spring Break and it’s great ! I could NOT get enough of this awesome story and the suspense? Palpable and HOT SCENES to melt in . I’m melting! 🫠 A brilliant, beautifully orchestrated story with all the usual stuff. Of which I for one CANNOT GET ENOUGH! Thank you Zee Irwin for this well written glorious story you penned so well . Great storytelling prowess I could read for hours as well . You know I ain’t joshing . Astonishing ? Nah though I must admit ,it’s funny along with needy and I must admit to being a bit greedy . I lapped it up in one sitting . Well it was sitting there ,staring at me and so was he . I had to get to the HOT bottom of the mystery . THE SUSPENSE IT WAS KILLING . DID SHE GO WILLING , DID HE ? YA SEE STEEPED IN MYSTERY I JUST HAD TO DEVOUR NO MATTER THE HOUR . STAT! FACT . THIS IS ONE HECK OF A BOOK . DON’T BELIEVE ME TAKE A LOOK FOR YOURSELF . ITS JUST THAT YOU MIGHT FIND IT ON THE TOP SHELF . NOT BECAUSE OF THE STEAM ,THOUGH IT HAS PLENTY . IT HAS HEAT LIKE GOING THROUGH REENTRY! IT IS BECAUSE IT IS REAL,GOOD AND A LOVE STORY #BEST IN SHOW - SHOW AND TELL # 💋💋🧡🧡

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson is seen as a hero to many except for the only woman he cares about who just sees her childhood tormentor. He is back in Love Beach for a mission when a dangerous situation where Gigi is hurt opens his eyes to how important his “G” is to him. Gigi cannot believe that she has to stay with her nemesis and fights the chemistry between them. This sets up a love journey full of banter, hot chemistry, possessiveness, danger, protectiveness, passion, secrets revealed, betrayal, shock, kidnapping and so much more. Zee makes each story special with little details that make her romances so engaging. This was a wonderful read. Swoon moment:
"Close your eyes, darlin'," I whisper. "Trust me. I'm the hero you need right now.".

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Marie Ballain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not new to this author I love her work and this is no exception! This cast of characters had great banter and was able to connect well with through the story! This was the first in the series and I’m gonna love this series! Can’t wait for next one! 5 ⭐️

[J L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story, with action and mystery! Jackson and Gigi have been attracted to each other for years but are not able to admit it, until working to catch the "bad guys" forces them together

[Michelle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one by Zee. The heat, the mystery and intrigue, the chemistry, the banter. Join Jackson and Gigi for their journey to each other. Enjoy ❤️‍🔥

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

She'll never leave, and he'll never stay.

Gigi Baymont is still angry about all the tricks Jackson pulled on her throughout grade school and high school. They were always in competition against each other, and he won way too often in her opinion. She can't stand him and would be happy if she never saw him again. He feels the same, but unfortunately for them, her sister Belle and his brother Beau are best friends, so they're always being thrown together.

Gigi took over the Love Beach Buzz newspaper when her father retired. She likes being an investigative reporter and is now working on a story about an illegal game fishing ring. This ring has been a rumor for many years, but there has never been any proof of its existence. After all, Love Beach, South Carolina, is a small town where usually nothing much happens.

But she has an anonymous source who's been feeding her intel. She's told to go to a warehouse where a meeting is to be held.

Jackson couldn't wait to leave Love Beach and see the world. He joined the Coast Guard right after graduation and really hasn't been back much since then. He's now been attached to a smuggler's task force in South America. They're planning the takedown of the international gunrunner Lorenzo Ybarra. They've been informed he'll be at a warehouse in Love Beach. Jackson has no intention of letting Love Beach be a part of another criminal enterprise. A couple of years earlier, a drug cartel planned to use the town for money laundering. Just as a truck is approaching the warehouse, a woman is spotted sneaking into it. Jackson immediately recognizes that it's Gigi. Before they can reach her, they hear sounds of a fight. When they find her, she has a head injury, and the attacker and the truck are long gone.

He insists on caring for her. They begin to work together to solve the mystery. But the more they're together, the stronger their attraction to one another. But what's the use? She'll never leave Love Beach, and he'll never leave the Coast Guard and come home to stay. That is, if they even survive their investigations...

I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Break with a Hero by Zee Irwin, book one in the Spring Break Love Beach Collection, is an enemies to lovers story with an element of mystery thrown in. Jackson Alexander and GiGi Baymont have known each other since junior high and competition is at the center of all their interactions. Gigi still holds a grudge for all the tricks Jackson pulled on her throughout their school days. GiGi believed that he didn't like her while Jackson was totally in love with her. Gigi was never going to leave Love Beach but Jackson needed to leave and see the world with the Coast Guard.

Gigi took over the Love Beach Buzz newspaper after her father retired but she still enjoys being an investigative reporter. She is currently working on a story about an illegal game fishing ring; being fed information by an anonymous source. This ring has been a rumor for many years, but there has never been any proof of its existence. After all, Love Beach, South Carolina, is a small town where usually nothing much happens. When a covert mission brings Jackson home to Love Beach, he finds GiGi in the middle of his mission; injured. He insists on caring for her after an attack and release from the hospital. GiGi has no idea that she has gotten herself into the middle of international gun runners and illegal fishing operations. Jackson only wants to be sure she is safe, so they work together following up on leads and clues. The more they work together, the stronger the draw of their attraction to one another. Since Gigi will never leave Love Beach Jackson will need to make some decisions about re-upping or leaving the Coast Guard and come home to stay. That is, if they even survive their investigations.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh have mercy! Zee Irwin has a winner with this one. From the moment Jackson Alexander lays eyes on Gigi Baymont, his “G” and only his, again during his undercover operation, there is no way you are going to mistake the heat rolling off of him for her. Instantly you know this is going to be a page turner and an explosive reunion between these two who have burned for each other for years but have always created competitive fireworks between the two yet as soon as Jackson has his hands on Gigi his protective, possessive heroic side is in full force. I’m still trying to catch my breath from being so breathless over these two together. I do have to admit I was disappointed in the outcome of the criminal investigation. Please tell me this is a trick and in a later book there’s a twist coming. I will end my review with this quote from the book and what I think is the perfect made for the movies scene. Jackson has to return to active duty after a harrowing day, giving him only minutes to let Gigi know as the helicopter approaches: “I gasp as, in true hero fashion, he leaps off the pier and lands on a rope ladder that, by some miracle, has descended from the cooter just in time. He clings to it with one hand while saluting me with the other, shouting, ‘I promise. Be strong until I return, darlin’’” oh yes, have mercy!”.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Break with a Hero is Zee Irwin's contribution to the Love Beach Spring Break Collection. It's a short read that packs a big punch!

Jackson and GiGi have known each other since junior high. They competed at everything, and GiGi was under the mistaken impression that Jackson didn't like her. Jackson, on the other hand, was totally in love with GiGi, but he had to go out and see the world with the Coast Guard. A covert mission brings him home to Love Beach, where he finds GiGi in the middle of his mission, although inadvertantly.

While he nurses her back to health after an attack, GiGi and Jackson follow up on leads with what looks to be the same issue. GiGi doesn't know that she has gotten herself into the middle of international gun runners and illegal fishing operations. Jackson only wants to be sure she is safe.

Zee Irwin always brings the intrigue and the spice! This enemies-to-lovers has plenty of both! Enjoy!

[Lisa Nizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson is a military man back in town working on a case involving gun smugglers. Gigi is his childhood friend on a lead for a story involving illegal game fishing. Their paths collide as their cases lead them to the same location. Gigi is hurt and Jackson takes care of her. Gigi always crushed on Jackson but he was always so competitive and mean to her. He tells her he always had feelings for her. Old feeling turn to instalove, friends to lovers. But Gigi discovers a clue that makes her think their cases are connected. Neither one of them wants to believe it as it can destroy people they love. This is where the whole story not only heats up but is a page turner. I couldn’t put it down after this point.

A great fast, spicy, romantic, suspenseful read. I really enjoyed it!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

sprint break romance.
Gigi is a young journalist who took over her father's newspaper. In order to prove herself, she follows information on illegal fishing that sends her on a more dangerous track; she then finds herself unconscious on the fishing port. She wakes up in a hospital room next to Jackson, the man she loves to hate.
Jackson has been on an investigation for several months that brings him back to his hometown and to Gigi. He didn't expect Gigi to find herself mixed up in his investigation and that his life would be threatened. But while he spends time with Gigi to protect her from the threat he hides in the shadows, the heat rises between them.
Will Jackson be able to live a beautiful story or will his investigation take him far from Gigi...

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liberty Munson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pulled into this book from the very beginning. The suspense of Jonathan's investigation, Gigi's semi-accidental involvement, a few surprising twists keeps this story moving, wondering what will happen next. I only wish I had read the two books that come before in this series. Yes, it is standalone but I think it would be better with the history that the other two stories likely provide.

I love the "he falls first" trope combined with "loved her forever." My only niggle is that the story ended more abruptly than it should have. It was just suddenly over. No spoilers so I won't say more. Maybe I will get more closer in the next book of the series if there is one.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Spring Break with a Hero, a Love Beach Spring Break Collection novella by Zee Irwin has a bit everything and I loved it! I couldn’t have asked for any better chemistry than between Gigi and Jackson and their banter and debating was priceless! The story was right up my alley because there was action and a mystery to solve, it kept me guessing for a good while! One of my favorite characters was Tawny, the town dog, he just seemed liked our Golden Retriever. If you’re looking for a spicy, enemies to lovers romance with a side of military/police procedural action that ends with a HEA then this is for you!

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of this author's creativity, I happily snagged this novella, and settled in. This is the first book in the Spring Break Love Beach (multi author) collection, and her contribution is focuses on Jackson and Gigi finally finding their happily ever after. This is a long simmering attraction between these two, that they are just now acting upon, and they just can't keep their hands off each other. Whew!! Gigi finds out first hand how dangerous the "bad guys" are, when she finds herself in the hospital, and Jackson is by her side.

There are twists and turns in this story that kept me engaged in their HEA journey. I really enjoyed this read, and recommend you dive into the rest of this author's catalog of steamy and enjoyable works. You won't be sorry!!

I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this story, and happily leave my review.

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

It doesn't matter whether the story is long or short, you can always enjoy a story by this author. In storyline, we meet Jackson and Gigi. Long time adversaries in that he would taunt and tease her mercifully and she would keep her distance, despite sharing the same citcle of friends.
An undercover operation brings him face to face with her, investigating a money laundering activity. He is off at a moments notice, obeying orders to where the military send him. She was permanence, not another notch to his bedpost.
Can they make it work to become lovers and also have a future.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spicy romance.
A hero and newspaper owner slash reporter sizzle together. She always had a crush on him and he on her but being a typical boy tug her pigtails and fiercely competed against her.
Jackson is back home to find gun runners and she gets in the middle of the investigation, thinking she will find illegal fishing.
She found his wishing bottle years later that he threw from a school project, she got it from Tawny, the town's dog.
Is one of the main gun runners, someone they know?
Will Jackson come back to town and Gigi for good?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

She may not need a bodyguard but he will guard her body well...

Spring Break with a Hero by Zee Irwin is the first book in the multi-author Love Beach Spring Break Collection. When Gigi puts herself in danger by following a lead for a story she is hot to write it will be Jackson who comes to her side and protects her. They have a history which makes her push him away but he is determined and will not deviate from his assignment, no matter how infuriating she may be. As the danger increases so do the sparks between these two until you have an major explosion between them.....and some passionate fun.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Break with a Hero is such an awesome read! Gigi and Jackson are dynamic—from their frenemies history to their heated connection, they kept me glued to the pages and rooting for them. Each embroiled in their own investigations, they cross paths in an unexpected way, ingniting a conflagration that will not be tamped down. I loved getting to know each of them and watching them navigate their relationship and the dangers lurking around every corner. The mystery that unravels is filled with unexpected twists, and the way these people rally around their own is just so beautiful. Zee Irwin nailed it with this one!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dot Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zee did it again with this Spring Break Hero. Great story with lots of action, mystery and funny quips. I love Jackson and Gigi. Jackson is the strong alpha male and in the special forces. Gig is a newspaper editor and owner that she has taken over from her father and is in the wrong placed at the wrong time to get a story and her is where Jackson enters the picture and saves her ( his G). They both have been attracted to each since school days and were not able to admit or face it, until forced to work together to catch the bad guys. The town has a family sense of togetherness.
I read this as part of the Reading Challenge and loved it.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gigi and Jackson have been friends all through school then he joined the military. She took over the local newspaper The Buzz from her father and now she is investigating a illegal fishing ring so she is at a warehouse when she gets knocked unconscious and Jackson finds her in the middle of his arms smuggling case he is investigating. This is when they both give into their attraction for each other but there is the case that has to be closed but danger is still all around.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gigi and Jackson have known each other forever. He crushed on her since kids but like all young love showed her by being a jerk. Their relationship has always been rocky but they can’t deny the chemistry between them. When she gets hurt he can’t fight his feelings for her anymore. The only thing more shocking than the new relationship is the twist this mystery took. Loved the buildup between them and their HEA is so beautiful.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good addition to the spring break addition to "Love Beach". A multi-author small town collaboration where adventure and danger meet romance and passion. This stand alone, short and quick read is about Gigi and Jackson. They has known each other since grade school, have secretly crushed on each other but have also had more of feisty relationship. Now years later she is a journalist running for a story that collides with his mission. This is such a good story with action, suspense, danger, passion and much more.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting start to the a new Love Beach series and it is hot and steamy and fun and exciting and intriguing. Jackson is tasked to protect Gigi. Jackson and Gigi have been attracted to each for years will they finally admit their attraction, you bet they do. You can't avoid chemistry like theirs. Loved this hot spicy story. Another great story by Zee. She just keeps writing better and better. I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson and Gigi have known each other since childhood and although Jackson has a school boy crush on her, she is unaware and he tormented her through school. Now as adults, Jackson still is attracted to her but now has to protect her. Great action and suspense in a small town with a smoldering military hero and his journalist crush.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marianne W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author Zee Irwin is not new to me, I have read many of her books and I continue to follow her.
Zee Irwin writes in such a way that you can hardly put the book down, unless it is almost bedtime.
So if you like to read about
# enemies to lovers
# action-packed
# fast-paced
# emotional
# sweet, swoony and steamy story
So this book, like all the others, is just a MUST READ book and you will not be disappointed.

[Claire Trickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A (kinda) enemies to lovers romance with an added twist! There's a story which Gigi needs to crack, but it puts her in harms way.

Jackson is always going to protect Gigi, but will it compromise his mission and put his life at risk?!

I loved reading about these two characters. There's action, adventure and mystery in this book and I didn't see the twist coming!

Highly recommended author! A great series and I can't wait for more! I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Beach story for Jackson and Gigi. I have to say this one had me cracking up, these two are just so perfect together that they make this book feel like you can relate to them even though they are not real characters. A wonderful story to read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town antics with big guns saving the day. Everyone knows everyone in town so when things go astray, who do you know that is working for the bad guys. Chasing stories and finding love in its midst will give you warm tissues along with holding on to your seat as the mystery resolves.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute enemies to lovers story revolving around Gigi and Jackson. They never got along, even though they have known each other since childhood. But life throws a curve and they are thrown together, where the passion is allowed to flare.

A good, cute story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.