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An ex-Army Special Operations member burned once by love. A single-mom stalked by a powerful enemy. Can he risk his heart for her safety?

Zeke has everything he could want.
A multi-billion dollar inheritance allows him to protect others...
… and with the camaraderie of his brothers-in-arms.
He spends his time growing his security firm and keeping his head down. Love is the last thing on his mind, until Samantha and her daughter are in need of his help.

Samantha used to have a comfortable life.
Now she waits tables to put food on her own.
Forced from the life she had built, Samantha works to restore what was lost. With her daughter in tow, she begins a new life in the Colorado mountains. It’s not perfect, but it’s all theirs. But when the tempting Zeke offers to help her, she begins to wonder if love could heal her shattered life.

What will Samantha do when past troubles come knocking? Will Zeke protect his heart or will Samantha shatter his defenses?

If you like page-turning adventure, fascinating characters, and engaging stories of triumph, you'll love Sara Blackard's exciting clean security romance series.

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2020

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About the author

Sara Blackard

39 books385 followers
Sara Blackard writes stories that thrill the imagination and strum heartstrings. When she’s not crafting wild adventures and sweet romances that curl your toes, she’s homeschooling her five children, keeping their off-grid house running, or enjoying the Alaskan lifestyle she and her husband love. Visit her website at www.sarablackard.com.

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5 stars
1,655 (52%)
4 stars
884 (27%)
3 stars
487 (15%)
2 stars
124 (3%)
1 star
30 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy Jo.
763 reviews135 followers
December 2, 2020
Confession. I did not read the synopsis for this book before I started reading. Had I done so, I probably wouldn't have read it. Why? Because it's a billionaire book. And y'all know how I feel about them. Haha. By the time I figured it out, I was already invested in the book so I just kept going.

I enjoyed this fun break from reality. However, for me, there seemed to be something missing. When I read a romantic suspense novel, I want to see the danger, the planning, the action, a rescue. I want it to be, well, suspenseful. I like being on the edge of my seat wondering what's going to happen next, who's behind it all and why. Sadly, I didn't feel much of that in this book.

Don't get me wrong, it was cute. I loved little Eva. (She seemed older than 4 years old though). She had everyone wrapped around her pinky the moment she met them. There's just something about big, tough guys who turn into a pile of goo when a child comes along. So. Cute!

Content: Passionate kisses. Mild religious content (2 prayers are given and talk of letting God guide their lives). Clean.
3,556 reviews1,752 followers
April 17, 2022
New author. New series. And I'm soooo happy that all the books are on audible!!!! Because, now that I've met the whole gang, I have to read each guy's story!!!

Great team building -- fans of Susan Sleeman's Nighthawk Security series and Christy Barritt's Lantern Beach series will love Blackard's Stryker Security Force series too. It has the same kind of camaraderie and team banter and everyone lives on the same compound. Though I'd say this book reads more like a contemporary romance with a side of suspense.

The romance is toe-curling, Zeke is definitely a swoonworthy hero and Samantha is all too aware of that fact early on. But she's been through a lot and she's wary of complicating her life further. Her priority has to be her daughter, four-year-old Eva. Be prepared to melt into a puddle of goo when all these big, strong, defender types fall under Eva's spell. Nothing exposes the true nature of a man than the way he treats children and animals!

A nice mix of intense and light-hearted with some great action thrown in besides. My first Sara Blackard book but it definitely will not be my last!
Profile Image for Angie Thompson.
Author 44 books1,106 followers
February 8, 2021
Okay, so first off, I have to say, I was really confused at the beginning of this story. There was a whole lot of backstory that was barely touched on or only slightly explained as well as characters that seemed to be already known but kept to the background, more like I was coming in in the middle of a story than starting a new series. (And yes, I had read the prequel!) A few chapters in, I was so disoriented that I went digging and found that the prequel (Mission Out of Control) ties together both this series AND the author's Vestige of Time series, which explains the whole mystery of what happened to Hunter, as well as the characters of Chase and Bea. (For the record, I'm not planning to read that series since time travel isn't my thing, but nothing like that actually plays into this series.) So if you feel like you've missed something, that's why. Anyway, once I figured that out, I was able to let go of my confusion and immerse myself in this story. :)

My hands-down favorite part of the book was absolutely the band of brothers-in-arms that is Stryker Security Force. <3<3<3 (And no, I didn't miss the significance of the name--that is definitely something you'll understand after reading the prequel. <\3) The camaraderie, the banter, the always having each other's backs--I just love, love, love this group of guys! <3 Especially the banter--my word was that enjoyable! :D

Ah, so okay, the romance--the important stuff, right? :P (Excuse me while I go hug on the guys again for a little longer...) Samantha's past was obviously an issue, but I appreciated the way she was committed to moving on and building a better life for her daughter. The way she blended in with the team was great, and her reservations about Zeke at first were understandable. Also I liked the fact that she was willing to rethink her initial reactions at appropriate times, rather than stubbornly sticking to her guns over whatever she had initially decided. What I didn't like was how much of their relationship centered around tingly reactions to the slightest touch or sensory impressions (usually smell) that turned their knees to mush.

Little Eva was an absolute delight, and I loved watching her twist every guy in the place around her finger. XD And the various threats that they had to contend with had me holding my breath at times wanting to know how things were going to work out. If it hadn't been for the physical bent to the romance, I would probably rate it higher, but that was a bit much for me personally and overshadowed the rest of the things I liked a bit. But I do intend to continue the series--mostly because I cannot get enough of these guys... :)

Content--mentions of a child born out of wedlock and being unsure who the father was; noticing, touching, kissing (somewhat descriptive); mentions of threats, harrassment, stalking, ; mentions of wounds and blood (not descriptive); violence, including explosions; some minor language (e.g. "crap")
Profile Image for Sara Blackard.
Author 39 books385 followers
April 6, 2022
The first in my Stryker Security Force Series was a blast to write. I just love the family Zeke has made from his military friends. If you like suspense and romance, you'll love this one.
Profile Image for Kayla Smith.
128 reviews11 followers
May 16, 2024
This was like a soap opera…it was so bad but like I needed to know what was going to happen? The synopsis sounded good but it unfortunately was not😭
Profile Image for Rellim.
1,674 reviews36 followers
November 5, 2024
DNF @ 70%

In theory I should have loved this. Single mom, former military now private security, romantic suspense. Unfortunately, there’s some big hurdles I just can’t get over.

1 The first few chapters are just confusing as the author tries to bridge a previous series with this one. That one was obviously supernatural & this was is not. It seems people only know who Samantha is because she claimed an MC in that series was the father of her child.

2. It’s not romantic suspense. While Samantha is being harassed by her ex’s/daughter’s father’s family, the incidents are few & far between and there’s little tension or feeling of danger in the writing.

3. Zeke and Samantha are ok. But that’s it. Like corn flakes. I’ll eat them, but I’m never going to be excited about it.

4. The narration. Lorana Hoopes was a struggle to listen to. She has a repeating cadence that ignores emotion and punctuation. While she does “voices” for the characters - every man sounds the same and every woman sounds the same. It’s very much someone reading a book, not performing a story.
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,381 reviews121 followers
August 29, 2022
This has all the elements I love in a contemporary novel.
Damsel in distress, cute little girl, handsome hero who owns a security company. And let’s not forget his team of hunky guys who are really big teddy bears when it comes to the cute kid!
I like the way this was woven together. The suspenseful problem, the way Samantha slipped into the role of accountant and just what Zeke and his company needed!
The setting was described beautifully. Colorado and a gorgeous “rustic cabin” built like a fortress and with all the amenities. And the element of faith was consistent throughout.
The romance was quick but believable and the excitement brought the story up a notch!
*I won this book from Kav at BestReads blog. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Aimee (Getting Your Read On).
3,051 reviews282 followers
February 7, 2022
Light Suspense

I was in the mood for some romantic suspense so I picked this one up. It's the first in this series and I liked it! Probably 3.5 stars. It wasn't quite as gripping as other, similar, books I've read in this genre but it was light, easy reading. I'll probably choke back for another book on this series.
Content: mild peril, mild violence. Kissing.
Profile Image for Mandi Blake.
Author 40 books669 followers
May 13, 2024
I am absolutely in love with Sara Blackard and her books! Falling for Zeke is another great read that had me tearing up and cheering all at once. The worldbuilding is fantastic, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Dani.
1,548 reviews133 followers
September 21, 2021
I’m sure things get explained in future books but nothing was really resolved. The hero was more annoyed the exploding car scared off the ducks than he was that a bomb was attached to an employee’s car on his property.

And then it was never addressed again! Who blew up the car?
Profile Image for Susan.
2,175 reviews11 followers
October 29, 2020
Sweet romantic suspense

This book has a good framework with good characters, but it just seemed like it was too scattered with too many different threads.
Profile Image for Rachel Luke Parker.
267 reviews311 followers
June 6, 2024
I haven't read a book from Sara Blackard but absolutely enjoyed this book so much! It hooked me in from page one and I finished it within a day.

This was like Three Men and a Little Lady but make it a romantic suspense. Four year old Eva was so cute and I loved her quirkyness and her heart of gold.

I loved that Zeke had walls around his heart from past experience and yet saw the potential of a new start with Sam and Eva.

I loved that Sam could take care of herself and yet felt safe and protected near Zeke.

This had everything from romantic suspense, to swoony moments, to faith and hope. Just a great blend of everything.

Physical Intimacy Level 2 longer non descriptive kisses
Zero swearing
Dual POV
Profile Image for Amica Alleyne .
74 reviews
September 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Sara is an admirable character, her devotion to Eva and her commitment to provide for her despite the tough situation is commendable. I also liked that both her and Zeke were able to let go of their fears to take a chance at forever. The strong sense of family that was illustrated throughout the book is beautiful. I look forward to the rest of the series, I'd like a story for each of Zeke's teammates, especially Jake's
Profile Image for Carolyn Bryant.
746 reviews77 followers
February 28, 2021
Falling for Zeke is the compelling start to the Stryker Security Force Series. This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it to the end. The well-constructed plot flows at a steady pace with lots of action. The characters are diverse and believable. The romance is slow-building and sweet. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it especially for lovers of romantic suspense.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Stephanie Newsome.
139 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2024
it’s not my favorite and there isn’t really a plot or build up and yet i can’t stop reading them because there is comfort to knowing nothing crazy is gonna happen. but also i’m like trapped in a reading vortex
Profile Image for Angie Hackett.
975 reviews5 followers
March 1, 2021
Good read.

This was a good enough read with plenty going on. It was nice seeing both leads learning to trust. There was a moment at the start where I felt I’d missed something going into this book and the constant references to ‘god’ put me off a little though.
Profile Image for Lisa.
689 reviews9 followers
October 17, 2023
I really enjoyed listening to this shorter novel. It was sweet and easy to follow, and has me interested in reading the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Patience.
19 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2021
This was the first book I read by Sara Blackard, and I immediately looked for more! I love books with handful of romance, a pinch of danger, and a dash of religion. The Hero was a strong character who wasn’t afraid to admit he was wrong and was willing to look past the surface. It was wonderful watching our Heroine grow past her mistakes. Her struggles and fears pulled us in. Sara has an amazing talent of weaving an enchanting story with threads of religion while not trying to convert the reader to her way of thinking. I have since read Sara’s Vestiges of Time series as well as more of the Stryker Series, and I’m looking forward to the next one
February 28, 2021
Good short story.

Story was really good the book needs to be much longer. Hope next book is longer. Will see that shortly.


Profile Image for Charline Romine.
673 reviews
February 2, 2021
Zeke ❤️ Samantha 💗 Eva

Read the free prequel and the series that comes before this story! This is a terrific story filled with uncertainty, fear, running from terror right into the arms of an everlasting love. And...with an adorable 4 year old. Can it get any better than that? A good, clean Christian read.
Profile Image for Marichus Real.
2,948 reviews17 followers
January 28, 2021
Zeke has started his own security firm along with his brothers-in-arms.
Samantha and her daughter Eva are going to be collected by Zeke to attend a wedding of a common friend.
I enjoy reading the book. All the characters are very likeable and I loved how they enjoy with Eva. The little thing goes into everybody’s hearts to stay there forever. She changes their lives for the best. I understand Sam’s dilemma; she has been told to get away from men who live dangerously so many times that she can’t see past those words. Luckily for her, Zeke was there.
This is the first book I read by Sara Blackard and it won’t be the last.
1,062 reviews
January 22, 2021
This is such an enjoyable and entertaining read that has two people thrown together despite feelings in order to protect Samantha and her daughter Eva. Zeke didn’t trust Sam and didn’t necessarily like her but when he learned more of her story and Eva nearly being idnapped he stepped up to give them protection. Both are wary of trusting or falling in ove and losing their hearts. The characters are wonderful as well as the other members of the Stryker Security Force team with their teasing and the attention they gave to the little girl. One big happy family.. Eva, the 4 yr old daughter, was delightful and kept me in stitches. A good storyline with danger suspense, laugh out old moments and a sweet romance that blooms. I loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Book Haven.
66 reviews15 followers
October 22, 2024
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's not spicy at all

This is a very sweet grumpy / sunshine book with loads of cinnamon roll vibes. No trigger warnings or smut in this book.

The MMC is grumpy and has a warped idea of love after he was hurt before, FMC is full of sunshine and also reluctant on love. She is independent, protective, and has a fire in her

They come together in a rather unusual way, but it doesn’t end there. It’s a sweetly written story, I think at times so sweet it hurt my teeth.

Underlining Christian views, but not a full Christian romance. The romance is clean, and you will find yourself relating to one, if not more, of the characters, including the secondary ones.

All around, I enjoyed this book and can recommend it if you are looking for a palate cleanser or a quick, easy romance book to get lost in for a few hours.
317 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2020
What to say

I dont think this series claims to be stand alone, but I definitely don't think they are. I assumed so because it is the start of a new series, but you have to read the other series to get a grasp of what happened and what Zeke is talking about in the first chapter.

Add the fact that Samantha apparently used Chase years ago and brought up a question of paternity for Eva... turned me off to her immediately. (I don't know the entire story because I didn't read the previous book/series, so maybe her situation isn't as bad as it seems. But given the info we have to work with in this book, it shows poor character and just doesn't endear me to her at all.)

I guess Samantha is supposed to be "a strong, independent woman". But all she did was stomp and march. And the way she left Zeke was nothing short of cowardice. Her strong persona just didn't translate.

Zeke was very transparent. You got what you saw. How he fell for Sam is a mystery. He seemed to be attracted to her, and Eva was adorable, but that's it.

Overall, reading the other books/series may have made this one more enjoyable. And painted a fuller picture. But I didn't read the other series because this is book 1 in an entirely series. I'm torn on if I will continue reading or not. I am curious about the back story that is clearly missing, but not sure I want to venture down that rabbit hole.
2,749 reviews20 followers
September 16, 2020
Review of Falling for Zeke

I absolutely loved this book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is a new author for me.
518 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2021
Jekd and Smantha

Loved this story of a security specialist and a woman running from the parents of her ex boyfriend and then comes to a friend's wedding and winds up with the security specialist.
Profile Image for Orangetails.
403 reviews
July 16, 2020
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This is a cute story akin to Hallmark movies, complete with a "clean" stamp of approval.
I definitely enjoyed the sense of family in this book. It really spoke of a proper brotherhood, which is touching to see. I also liked Samantha - she can defend herself, but she's still caught between a rock and a hard place. Her adversaries are also relatable - the in-laws. Ugh. Most of us know the feeling.
Overall, the story was a touch realistic, but got out of hand near the end and with the romance. I know Hallmark movies show that sort of instant-fall-in-love, but this was silly even by those standards. All of a sudden, Zeke and Samantha are both mooning over each other before they even know each other's favorite color or whatever. Also, how many times can someone mention someone's "scent?" Plus, LITTLE CHILDREN ARE NOT LIKE THAT. Eva felt like she was only there to be a plot device and a sweet way to show that Zeke was a good guy. So, cute addition, but unnecessary.
Anyway, it was cute. I liked the atmosphere and the characters, but brace yourself for it to be unrealistic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews

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