Is saving another’s soul worth risking your own?Former special forces operator, Ryder, has never backed down from an assignment, and he’ll be damned if he lets a blonde-haired, smart-mouthed, pain in the a** destroy that record. She’s going to get her life together even if he has to drag her kicking and screaming to do so, and he’s not opposed to using a firm hand to yank her from the darkness … her from the darkness back into the light.
MC born and bred, Kelsea is on a one-way path to rock bottom. Determined to forget the horrible truths revealed about the man who fathered her, she’s drowning in a sea of booze, drugs and meaningless hookups. She has no desire to be “saved,” especially not by a bossy former Army Ranger with deep green eyes and a sexy southern twang.
Being locked away at his cabin, cut off from the outside world, deeply buried secrets are rising to the surface and lines between them are starting to blur.
The road to redemption is paved with heartache, though, and while Ryder wants to save her from the demons that haunt her, he’s not sure it’s worth the risk of losing himself or his heart in the process. But, in the end, will Kelsea finally learn to save herself?
Note: Ryder is the second 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 stand-alone. As with all my books, this has an HEA, no cliffhanger or cheating.
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This book broke me, then put me back together! I loved it so much! Ryder has done so much help Kelsea while watching her self destruct. Such a great guy. Kelsea has been through a lot and the things she’s learned have been devastating. No one really knows her struggles. She just needs the right person to help her sort herself out.
5 Gutting Stars
If you have read any of the Dirty Angel MC series you will have read about Kelsea impervious books. She comes across as a brat and someone who needs to grow up a lot. But when it comes down to it no one knows her pain and her severing from the past.
I saw the storyline for this book a mile of. Was it because I knew her from previous books or not but I knew it straight away. Now this didn’t take away from the book for me. I loved how Ryder healed Kelsea and turned her back into her strong, independent Woman.
We got to see previous characters and I loved hearing from them. Dare I say it but this book excided my expectations and I loved it! Highly recommend.
Yet another shadow that totally melted my heart! Ryder and Kelsea jump straight off the page, fully formed and hit the ground running! This is such a strong story full of heart, heat and chemistry it blew me away!
Jeanne St James if you keep making me fall in love with your characters my husband going to divorce me! Lol!
Amazing read as always!
10 star read and great follow up to Mercy’s book. I absolutely love the world of DAMC and D’s Shadows. These stories are amazing. They suck you in from the very beginning. I read Ryder and Kelsea’s story cover to cover. I couldn’t put it down especially with all the anticipation around Kelsea. This book did not disappoint and was super hot!! I loved how Ryder healed Kelsea and turned her back into her former, strong self and in turn sacrificed a bit of himself. I’m glad they found their happy ending in each other. I was surprised to see how much they had in common. I love these books!!!
Kelsea on a journey of self destruction, Ryder steps in and helps her heal of that destruction. Beautiful story of self love, self care and finding the right person who can fit it all together.
This book completely captured my attention from the first chapter and blew me away with the depth of emotions from Ryder and Kelsea.
I laughed, cried, swooned, and wanted to scream in frustration at times but in the end watching Kelsea finally overcome her demons and get her HEA made it all worth it. The growth in her character from the first chapter to the last is incredible, she starts out as a lost bratty girl but gains the confidence in herself to become a strong independent woman. Ryder is patient yet still has a firm hand, croons country songs like a boss, rocks his backwards baseball hat, and his unwavering support of Kelsea is truly heartwarming.
They are two broken souls that find understanding and courage in the other and while it may not be a perfect relationship, it is one based on deep love and respect.
If I could be part of any girl group it would be the DAMC sisterhood. Jeanne has created such an amazing group of woman with strong personalities that enjoy teasing each other as much as they love lifting each other up! I enjoy these parts of the book immensely along with the banter and good natured ribbing between the Shadows (especially their poker games!)
Dwight Ryder is really pissed off. I wouldn’t want to get on his bad side or that of any men that he works with. Kelsea Dougherty’s life is almost as low as you can go. But her spirit showed through her pain. I could see her story playing out on one of those intervention shows but some parts just might be too hot for regular television.
I’m a little late to the game where this series is concerned. Good news is that I’m only one book behind. I certainly didn’t need it in order to enjoy what was going on between Ryder and Kelsea. It’s sad to say I’m also late in reading other books this author has written. But having read this latest Guts & Glory book I need to trace his back to where it all began. That means that I can see a marathon in my future.
I liked how the author gave her characters flaws that some people might be able to relate to. That doesn’t stop her from creating some heat – sometimes we just have to listen to our heart. And speaking of heart, what both these people have gone through might just touch yours. I also liked how the author set up the point where Kelsea finally decided that things needed to change – she just needed the right incentive. Our author doesn’t leave the ending open ended but she does give a teaser for her next book in the series. Now I have a couple of months before Hunter’s story makes an appearance so I might need to start where the DAMC all began.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
OMG this book!! Ryder has been on the road to self destruction that he sees Kelsea struggling with. What starts out as just a job turns into so much more than he bargained when he finds out why she has been so determined to shut out the ghosts of her past. From the first paragraph to the last I was totally engrossed in the story.
This was an excellent story, the characters the emotional journey. 4.5 stars.
I have to admit I wasnt too excited about Kelsea’s story she just rubbed me the wrong way as a character and after reading this I still don’t love her but her actions had purpose and I respect that.
Ryder however I couldnt wait to read more of him DAMN!!!!!! That accent and that mysterious air he has about him hot damn.
This was more of an emotional story rather than the action packed goodness of past stories and was a welcome change but I have to admit I didnt love this as much as Mercy or the DAMC Series.
All up a great story, great characters and bring on Hunter’s story!!!
I think this is by far my favorite of all of Jeanne St. James books! Kelsea has had some hard knocks in her life and is on a wrong way path to destruction and Ryder is the one who has the job of scrapping her off the bottom of the barrel. This book will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love. I love this book and cannot recommend it enough!! You will not be able to put it down once you start reading. It’s all worth it!! Jeanne St. James is the queen of the MC’s and breathes so much life and passion into every page she writes!
Ryder works for In The Shadows Security along with his teammates and brothers in Shadow Valley. He loves his job and has never backed down from a challenge or an assignment. This one might be the deal breaker. As a former special forces Army Ranger, he’s smart, tough and focused. That is, until he was assigned to track down his boss’s cousin, Kelsea… again. Kelsea has a closet full of secrets and a penchant for trouble. She’s cute, mouthy, and seems determined to ruin her life. She’s on a fast track to crash and burn. Kelsea didn’t want to be saved, she wants to be left alone. Determined to bury her bad memories and ignore her pain, she gets into one bad predicament after another. Ryder has had enough and sets out with a plan… for the last time! She gets one more chance to get her life together or he’s done.
Ryder finds Kelsey with Slade. The guy is bad news, the worst kind! After finding and grabbing her, none too gently, Ryder takes off with Kelsea to his cabin where he intends to give her some tough love and hard truths. What he doesn’t expect is how much she touches him, even when she’s making him crazy. He soon discovers that there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Ryder wants to save her from her demons and put an end to her self destructive ways. But, can he pull it off without losing himself and his heart in the process? This is a touching love story that will draw you in and touch your soul.
Ryder is the 2nd book of In the Shadows Security Series. This book can stand alone, but you will not be disappointed checking out where this incredible team of alpha males were first introduced. Down and Dirty MC will give you all the back story you need and hours of enjoyment. I enjoyed every minute of Ryder and Kelsea’s story! Jeanne St James handled some very difficult topics with grace and sensitivity. Great read! I’m giving this book 5 stars because once again, Jeanne managed to hit all my buttons in creating an amazing story that leaves you wanting more!
Love it amazing book
Ryder was given a job to go rescue his boss’s bratty, trouble causing cousin again. Once he had her, he couldn’t figure out why she was acting out, so, he set rules and was going to straighten her out.
Until he found out she was broken more than he thought and wasn’t sure he could save her. It could cost him his sobriety, his happiness, his life.
Great read..
Jeanne really had my heart in my throat a few times in this one! I was really cheering for Kelsey to be the woman you know was there deep down. The person she was really meant to be and Ryder, whether she knew at the time or not, was exactly what she needed to bring that woman to the surface. The relationship between those two had me on the edge of my seat at times. The way Kelsey pushes and challenges Ryder at so many points and Ryder not taking her crap no matter how often she complained. He is such a good man and has his own demons to deal with but Kelsey really brought out his heart even when he tried so hard to keep it locked down tight. The two of them had so many obstacles to work through but finally realized they were stronger together in the end. I’m so happy we finally got to hear Kelseys story, it was a long time coming and I can’t wait to hear where her life takes her from here, with Ryder. They both deserve good things.
5 star review of Guts & Glory: Ryder(In the Shadows Security #2) by Jeanne St James
Audio Review
The second book in the series and I loved it. From start to finish the author drew me in and I was riveted to the story. I listened to this in one go as I simply could not put this done.
J.F. Harding and Ava Lucas did a great job with the narrating and they certainly added to my listening pleasure.
This one is a more emotional story that Mercy, the first book in the series, as Ryder struggles to get Kelsea back on track and to stop wasting her life. Little does he know that her behaviour stems from horrendous acts which occurred when she was 14 years old. The subject matter was hard to relate to but the author handled it with respect and the narrators both did an amazing job with their raw and emotional performances.
This is my favourite so far and I think it will be hard to push Ryder off the top spot to be honest. As with other books from this author the story was extremely well written, raw and gritty.
There is so much to fall for in Ryder than you cannot help but be drawn in, not only to the relationship building between Kelsea and Ryder but the true sisterhood that is the women of the DAMC.
Guts & Glory: Ryder
In the Shadows Security, Book 2
By: Jeanne St. James
Narrated by: J. F. Harding, Ava Lucas
It never ceases to amaze me how different each book Jeanne St. James writes can be. Each hero and heroine have their own original story, captures my interest and keeps me intrigued for hours. This one is amazing for several reasons. Ryder works for Shadows Security and his mission is to continually find his boss, Diesel’s cousin, Kelsey. She is a mess, involved with the wrong people and Ryder needs to keep her safe. This time is different. He takes her to his cabin and gives her a week to get her cleaned up. But what he doesn’t count on is finding out she could be his soulmate. What a story this one is. We previously met Kelsey in the DAMC series, and we know she has issues. They delve much deeper than we realize and her complexity really makes the story for me. I love Ryder. He is a tough nut to crack, but he has compassion under that rough exterior and an unbreakable love and loyalty to those in his inner circle. But the fun does not stop there. Not only do we get this story, but we get a look back into DAMC life, with all of our favorite characters! It’s so much fun, I could not stop listening. It’s like coming home.
This narration is one you do not want to miss. JF Harding is Ryder, and Harding’s ability to instinctively find the inner core of his characters shines through. He does the tough, alpha male with expertise and in an instant becomes marshmallow fluff. He is one of my favorites, and always delivers. Ava Lucas had her work cut out for her with Kelsey. This woman has been through a lot, and she is emotionally destroyed. Lucas finds that voice and lets us feel her pain through her anger and spunk.. And then slowly she heals as does her voice. One of the best performances I have heard by both of these narrators.
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Kelsea is trouble with a capital “T,” but she’s living in her own personal hell, trying to cope with the hand she’s been dealt in life. Ryder doesn’t know how not to save someone in need, but is he willing to risk it all for Kelsea when she can’t even get up enough gumption to save herself? My heart hurt for Kelsea, through her pain and suffering, and I loved Ryder all the more for standing up to her mouthy sassiness! Another great book in this amazing world!
Dwight Ryder has struggled with his life after serving his country. He was out of control until he met a man who showed him that he wasn’t as tough as he thought he was, and he needed to value his life and change his ways. He became a member of In the Shadows Security and turned his life around.
Kelsea Dougherty is a young woman who is out of control and doesn’t care about her life. After she found out who her father was, she started spinning out of control and made everyone who loves her constantly worry about her. No knew what caused the destructive behavior other than discovering who her father was, a man who was pure evil.
This is a heart-wrenching story of how secrets can destroy lives and how tragedy in one’s life can be destructive. It is also a story of how understanding and love can help someone who is hurting find a way to turn their life around and find that reason to live and lead a happy life. I loved Ryder and Kelsea’s story. It made me laugh at times, but it also made me cry at times. It is a beautiful yet angsty love story that brings two people together that are made for each other.
I give this story a 4.5-star review and recommend it to readers who like angst, drama, loving families that are not all blood related, and survivor stories. The men of In the Shadows Security are tough, grumpy, loyal, protective and broody. They love deeply and completely. I look forward to more of the Guts & Glory Series.
Ryder and kel are amazing and after everything they both endured in their past it’s such a great way to tell her story. I loved these two so much
Ryder doesnt seem like he cares but oh lord is Kel’s wrong he cares and way to much… Will ryder be able to help her get back to the life she is missing?
I have read all of the Down & Dirty series as well as this series. I absolutely love Jeanne St. James and how she pours her feelings into her books. She makes me cry, she makes me laugh and I love that she creates a true character. I have to say I was a little hesitant to read this book due to Kelsea. I never really liked her in the previous books, but I learned to love her once I read her past and what makes her the way she is. I enjoyed Ryder and Kelsea’s story and can’t wait to read about Hunter in the next Guts & Glory book!! If you haven’t read any of Jeanne’s books you’re missing out!