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 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?

My Review

I loved that the author included a playlist for the characters alongside this book because it really helped set the tone for the story and the emotions behind it. The introduction is especially important to read since it helps catch readers up on the storyline and Kelsea’s past. Kelsea is a DAMC girl who has clearly been heading down a destructive path, and readers familiar with the Dirty Angels MC series by Jeanne St. James will recognize her story. While the books can absolutely be read as standalones, previous stories provide some great background and context for her character.

In this book, Ryder takes on the job of helping Kelsea get her life back on track before her self-destructive choices lead her too far down the wrong road. What he doesn’t initially understand is the deeper reason behind her behavior and pain. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that both Ryder and Kelsea are carrying emotional wounds and battling demons of their own.

Their relationship is undeniably steamy, intense, and filled with chemistry, but what I loved most was watching both characters slowly begin to heal. Kelsea’s journey of putting herself back together felt emotional and genuine, while Ryder’s own brokenness added another layer of depth to the story. Like many damaged people, they find comfort and understanding in each other, even while struggling with their own fears and insecurities.

Things seem to be going well between them until they are forced to return to Shadow Valley so Kelsea can continue working toward healing and recovery. During this part of the story, more truths surrounding the DAMC come to light, adding emotional tension and conflict. Both characters are stubborn, guarded, and carrying heavy emotional baggage, which makes their growing connection feel even more meaningful.

The author did an excellent job weaving Kelsea’s attitude, stubborn personality, and emotional struggles into the storyline, making her growth feel authentic. Watching Ryder and Kelsea slowly fall for one another while trying to overcome their pasts kept me emotionally invested throughout the book.

While the story ultimately delivers a happy ending, the emotional journey to get there was anything but easy. From what begins as a simple job to an unexpected romance, this story turned into an emotional, steamy, and heartfelt ride that I truly enjoyed.

If you would like to read Guts and Glory; Ryder by Jeanne St. James you can find this book on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn on qualifying purchases.

If you enjoyed this book you aways also enjoy books with thees tags and categories: Forced Proximity, Playlist and Damaged Mc.