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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Ryder is determined to make this the last time he ever has to save Kelsea’s ass. These two took me from enemies to lover’s and it was one he’ll of a smoking hot ride. When your past haunts youth would do almost anything to not remember it. Ryder and Kelsea had so much heat and steam that I couldn’t put this down. The way Ryder helped Kelsea through her trauma was a beautiful kind of tough love and it was perfect! Can’t wait for the next one!
Ryder was a fantastic read and an awesome addition to the In the Shadows Security series. You will love Ryder I venture to say he is now one of my favs. I love all these men each in different ways and you will to. I did not want to put this one down for a minute it is nail bitingly great. You really just need to read this book go grab it today.
Rarely do I ever have a hard time putting my thoughts and feelings down in words, but this Book, Freaking WOW!
This book brings us all to the reality of why Kelsea is the way she is. It brings forth her demons, and helps us to see what it is that she needs to make her whole again.
This book is definitely a Must Read, and at times a tear jerker, so be ready. Ryder has quickly become my # 1 guy in this series.
A very well written book, and Ryder finally puts his foot down and attempts to straighten out Kelsea.
Now where do i start… each time i read the next one in the series i fall in love all over again! Ryder… oh Ryder! just stole it all over again! It was literally an amazing way to find out kelsies story too and he was every bit the bossy alpha, with a dose of softy thrown in just how i like it. Had me in tears at points, the way jeanne writes, you truely feel every emotion they go through and my god good this was full of so many emotions! For people to assume their no good for each other and they still fight for each other made my heart swell. Ryder is exactly what Kelsie needed and visa versa. So glad they got their happy ending! This is definately another one ill be rereading again and again
Kelsea and Ryder’s story was amazing!! Before I get into my review though, I must say that if you haven’t read the Dirty Angels MC series by Ms. St. James but want to, you need to read that series first. While all these books are technically standalones, Kelsea and Ryder’s story refers to quite a bit of what happened in the Dirty Angels books. If you read Ryder before any of them, you will have spoilers to secrets that were revealed as the Dirty Angels books progressed.
Oh my gosh, what can I say about Kelsea and Ryder that will actually do their story justice? I’m not sure, but I’m gonna give it a try. For a long time Diesel “D” (from the Dirty Angels) was my favorite. How could you not love the beast and his grunting ways? Crow (also from the Dirty Angels) took over that spot once I read his book. Now I don’t know. Ryder is definitely fighting for that top spot in my heart. I don’t know if I can choose between the two.
Ryder and Kelsea’s story had me all emotional. Both of them pulled at my heartstrings and had me crying for them while also holding onto the little promising glimpses of a relationship I saw. Part of that was personal for me. Although not 100% the same situation, I can relate to Kelsea more than any other character in any other book I’ve ever read. I don’t like to include spoilers, but I will say that when Kelsea told Ryder, “I want a man who … can see past the mess I made to see who I really am. … I want a man who sees me.” and he responded, “I see you, darlin'” I lost it.
Ryder had been dealing with his own stuff, including a shaky past, but was there for Kelsea every time she needed him. He was rough with a tough love approach when needed, but could also see when Kelsea needed a more gentler tactic and proceeded accordingly. Although I can get frustrated as a reader who just wants the characters to get to their chance at a happily ever after, I was glad to see that neither Kelsea or Ryder were miraculously “healed” after getting together. The ups and downs in their emotions, their self confidence, and their outlook on a relationship made their relationship more realistic. I just loved it and I loved them.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
Sometimes rock bottom is exactly where you need to be! Holy smokes! This book is nothing but fire and heartache in the best way possible! Kelsea is spiraling out of control trying to find her place in a world that has recently been blown to pieces for her. Ryder is an ex military man with his own demons working private security for Kelsea’s cousin’s In The Shadows business. He is structure and loyalty and hotness made over when matched with her broken angry and scared is the perfect combination for a redemption story! I could not out this book down! First introduced to them both in the Dirty Angels MC series Jeanne St James writes i have been waiting a long time for them! I cannot wait to see what’s up next for the men of In The Shadows!
I knew this series was going to be great, I just didn’t know how gut wrenching it would be. I adored Ryder when he appeared in other books from the original DAMC series and from book one of this series but I am totally enamored with him now. He is a great guy who wants nothing for the best for Kelsea. Kelsea is on a self destructive journey and Ryder is the one who is always going after her and pulling her back home. This time the rope she is dangling on is at its end. He is determined to show her what she is ignoring, her home, her family, and her mother. They are her greatest strength but something is holding her back from relying on them. What she counts on is alcohol, drugs and sex with strangers. Ryder recognizes the results but doesn’t know the cause. His solution is to take her far away from everything and decompress.
Kelsea has been a brat in the books leading up to this one. She hasn’t had a reason other than finding out who her father really was. Her reaction is over the top and no one in the club or out of it can understand her rebellion. She wont let anyone in and that leads to her downfall. Ryder wont give up on her and is determined to find out the why behind it all. In the process, he falls. Kelsea is hard headed but during her time with Ryder, she falls as well. This road is the most difficult that I’ve read from Ms St James and at times I was screaming at my book for them. I was riveted to my seat for the happily ever after that I was determined for them to have but may not come.
This book broke my heart, stomped on it then put it back together again. I loved every second of it.
Ryder and Kelsea’s story is like a wild ride; there are several up and downs. They each have a lot of emotional baggage to overcome. There were times you thought they would just go their seperate ways and there were times you found yourself rooting for them. Ryder has a great amount of patience and Kelsea was the complicated one. He never gave up on Kelsea and was always there for her even when she did not want him or his help.
I loved how this story ended. These were two great characters and I hope to read more about them in the next book. It was also great reading how some of the previous couples were doing. This was an outstanding addition to the series and I look forward to the next one.
I received a copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion.
I don’t know if I can do this book justice in a review. I have to say right off the bat, that Ryder and Kelsea’s story is still haunting me. Kelsey has been a peripheral character in the DAMC series. When secrets came to light about the former MC president and the crimes he committed, Kelsea completely spiraled into booze, drugs, partying and sex. Every time she has taken off, Ryder has been the one tasked with bringing her back. He hates doing it but Kelsea doesn’t change. I have to admit, I didn’t particularly like Kelsea going in and wasn’t sure I wanted to get into her head. She is in her late twenties and acts like a teenager, a spoiled brat. Ryder has had enough of this ridiculous and useless cycle. So this time he is going to do things his way. He takes her to his cabin in Kentucky to try and get her head on straight. This forces Kelsea to look at herself and her actions and Ryder is in dangerous territory. As a member of the Shadows, he has a dark past that haunts him and helping Kelsea could bring his demons to the surface. Let me tell you, my heart cracked open with these two; the road to recovery isn’t easy. Jeanne St James always, always takes you on a journey with her characters. I think that is why I love her books so much. She shows you who her characters are and by the last page, you have experienced their transformation. Ryder is a phenomenal read and there aren’t enough stars to adequately show how much I loved it!
I absolutely loved this book.
Ryder and Kelsea were a complicated and amazing couple.
Their chemistry was amazing.
The story was very well written.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book from
an advanced reader copy.
This book will give you all of the feels. It will frustrate you and make you feel whole by the end. While Kelsey has honestly been my least favorite character of the DAMC series, hearing her story has totally changed that. Ryder and Kelsey will make your heartbeat change pace throughout the story for the good and the bad. These two characters were written so well. I’m a sucker for good character development and with these two it was exceptional.
I absolutely loved Ryder. He’s a complex man who has seen more things in his lifetime that he would live to forget. Kelsea has had a lot to deal with. Finding out who her real father was and what he’s done was more than she could handle. Ryder and Kelsea aren’t that different in retrospect. They have both hit bottom but Ryder has someone to help him through it and that’s what he wants for Kelsea. He’s always had a soft spot for her and he wants to help he just hopes that it doesn’t ruin his own progress. Kelsea is a fighter but needs her family and needs to understand that she’s worth it, brave and strong, not defined by who her father was. They both have secrets, neither feel they are good for the other, but what if they are just what they need? The attraction is there between them and so is the pain and despair they each feel, but together they just might get through anything. Can Ryder help Kelsea see that she’s so much more than she thinks she is! Will they be able to walk away when this is all over? I guess you have to read for yourself. Loving this series, these two are explosive together in so many ways, you don’t want to miss out on anything!!! I received an advanced copy of this book.
Discusses alcoholism realistically……I’ve been sober 30 years, so I know.
Want a steamy read? This one will definitely fill that void! Loved it! From the moments of vulnerability of the perfect hea in the end- this book doesn’t disappoint!
I received an advanced copy from the author for my honest review. In pure Jeanne style she takes you on a ride of emotions. Ryder is yet again put to the task of chasing Kelsea, Diesel’s bratty cousin down and dragging her home. He is sick and tired of being the one tasked with the job, he didn’t become a Shadow to play babysitter. Kelsea is confused when she wakes up in Ryder’s truck….crap he’s found her. Why can’t they leave her alone? They will never understand…… she will never tell, she can’t. In a cabin in the woods will Ryder learn a secret that eats at Kelsea’s very soul? Will he be able to show her that she can heal one sunrise at a time.
Ryder – Guts & Glory Book 2
By: Jeanne StJames
It took me a bit to gather my thoughts to put together a review for this book without spoilers. Being a huge fan of Jeanne StJames, I knew Ryder was going to be a great book. What I didn’t expect was to be totally blown away with this fantastic story!!!
Ryder and Kelsea have both stolen my heart!! Love these characters to no end but what got me the most was the compelling story. Ryder and Kelsea’s story has so much truth behind it, it rips at your heart. Their story hit so close to home personally it took my breath away (no spoilers).
Ryder is a MUST READ with absolute 10 stars!!! You will laugh, cry, fall in love, and get angry once you complete the novel since it will be over.
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!! Trust me!!
Thank you Jeanne StJames for writing this fantastic and realistic story that truly touched my heart!!
Please keep them coming!!
In this second book for In the Shadows Security, we get to know Ryder and understand what makes him, well him. We have met him many times before during his babysitting clean up duties and you just felt for him for getting that job. What we didn’t understand is why he did it. We met Kelsea in the series Down and Dirty – Dirty Angels. I would say that Kelsea is lost, to herself, her past and her family. I can honestly say that coming into this book, I did not like Kelsea at all and didn’t want her paired with Ryder. By the end of the book, I was rooting for Kelsea like I was her #1 cheerleader. There is so much that these two have been through in their past that makes them who they are presently. This book is honestly one of my favorite Jeanne St. James’ books.
My heart still belongs to Crow but damn Ryder comes in a close second.
“Well f*** him and his perfect ass.” Has to be one of my favorite lines in Ryder and Kelsea’s book. I read this book nonstop because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. The reason for all of Kelsea’s actions is finally revealed. I went from wanting to smack Kelsea to wanting to give her a hug.
Darlin’, Ryder is dreamy. What’s not to love about a singing country boy. He’s frustrated with Kelsea and determined to help her.
I loved that the DAMC continues in this book and we see glimpses of favorites from the previous series. These books can be read separately, but why not immerse yourself in the DAMC and escape to Shadow Valley.
I received this ARC in return for an honest review.
I fell in love with Ryder and Kelsea ! Kelsea broke my heart. I knew there had to be a reason for her acting out and there was and it was heartbreaking. Their time alone together was wonderful and I loved seeing the bond that formed between them. I had to stop reading at one point and find the song “Sunrise” and listen to it (you’ll see when you read it). Amazing choice, so perfect and romantic. We do get some DAMC sisterhood time–wish it had been more. I loved the scene with Diamond and Kelsea but I also really wanted a scene with Kelsea and Brooke–that kinda felt like a hole in the story. I love Ryder, he only pissed me off once (he had NO right to even threaten to tie Kelsea up in anger. It was obvious the poor girl was dealing with some heavy baggage.) One of my favorite scenes ****SPOILER*** was at her car at the gym when she told him she deserved a man who would walk up to her door in broad daylight with the parking lot full and not hide her or their relationship (paraphrasing) **END SPOILER**. Overall, they are perfect for each other, Ryder is a romantic and Kelsea came a LONG WAY to show her true, beautiful self! Wonderful story!!!