Unexpected Hero

An Age Gap Forbidden Romance (Redleg Security, Book 5)

De: Jackie Walker

Narrado por: Aaron Shedlock, Kelsey Navarro Foster

"No one ever saw me or cared to look. Until her. But the man she sees is a lie. And if I reveal who I am, I’ll lose her–the only woman who ever made me feel alive."

Five Steps to Covertly Protecting my Boss’s Secret Daughter

By Tomer Stillman, a hacker and secret Dom with a psych eval full of red flags. Fortunately, nobody cares to notice.

1. Get her a safe job and place to live.

2. Make sure she has plenty of food.

3. Protect her from her overly-trusting self, even if that means crossing lines.

4. Daily checks of her location, phone, and devices for suspicious activity, following her when necessary.

5. Fulfill all her sexual desires.

No. Scratch that last one. Not only because she’s too young and inexperienced. But because I need to keep my distance. The more I watch her, the more the lines blur between protection and obsession. I never intended to come face to face with her, but in a moment of weakness, I intervened. And it changed everything.

She makes me feel things. Things I’m not ready to feel.

I never thought I had a heart, but the more I'm with her, the faster it beats.

Now, I’m left wondering, will she forgive me for the things I’ve done to protect her?

Or will the only woman I’ve ever cared for leave me like everyone else?

Author's Note: Unexpected Hero is Book 5 in the Redleg Security Series and part one of the Unexpected Trilogy. This is not a standalone book. It ends with a Happy for Now and a cliffhanger. Tomer and Lettie's story continues in Unexpected Heroine and Unexpected Redemption. The entire Redleg Security Series is best listened to in order to prevent suspense-related spoilers. Although this trilogy is best as part of the larger series, these three books can technically be listened to on their own if you choose. Content warnings are available on the author's website and in the E-book, available on Amazon.

©2024 Jackie Walker (P)2024 Jackie Walker

 Computer Nerd Hero

🎧⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I almost always listen to a book after I’ve read it and that’s what I did with Unexpected Hero. Listening to Aaron Shedlock and Kelsey Navarro Foster narrate this story was unbelievable. Aaron brought Tomer to life nailing his nearly emotionless tone but also the more tender or commanding tone he used with Lettie.

Kelsey was Lettie with all of her snarky, bratty, vulnerable voices. I loved how she was able to guide Lettie’s southern accent in the hillbilly voice that came out when Lettie was stressed or angry.

One of the reasons I listen to a book after reading it is so I can catch things I might have missed when reading. But I also like to hear the tone of voice, the emotions. It helps bring the characters to life. And these narrators did a good job of delivering on my expectations. I can’t wait to listen to Unexpected Heroine and Unexpected Redemption!!

📖⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tomer is the computer genius behind the scenes of Redleg Security. He knows where everyone is and guides their missions behind the safety of his computer screens. He has a secret life no knows about.

Lettie just lost her grandfather who she grew up thinking is her father. On his deathbed he confesses that he and her mother are really her mother’s parents and they are her grandparents. They are very religious and she grows up believing anything sexual is a sin.

Jackie Walker does a good job of building these characters and makes us care about and love them. If you’ve read Rival Hero you know who Lettie is. If you haven’t read it, I’m not giving any spoilers!!

This is a story of personal awakening and the love of two lost souls. This book ends in a cliffhanger, but the next book is just weeks away. While this can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the series starting with Heartbreak Hero.

This is a 5 star plus read that I recommend adding to the top of your TBR!!

Tomer my heart be true!

Originally read this on Kindle…as soon as the audio came out I knew it was gonna be my new fave! Love, love, love the narrators that were picked for this! They both have such great tempo and enunciation and did a wonderful job of bringing Tomer and Lettie to life. I was a little underwhelmed for my fave part of this book though….sad face. “I came for you.” Was hoping that to be better.

Awesome Audio!

I loved how they brought this story to life!! I loved this book anyway, but hearing it, hits on a whole other level!! Highly recommend this audio!!

such a good audiobook

Loved this book so much.
First off the narrators were perfect. Just perfect.
Especially the one who plays Tomer.
Secondly, the story is amazing.
The characters.... the plot.... the suspense... Lettie's sayings... all *chefs kiss*.

Wild & crazy ride that's hilarious & heartwarming

If there's something that Jackie Walker knows how to do well is pick the perfect narrators for her stories & write the heck out of a face paced, twisty-turny story that's filled with unexpected plot drops & heartfelt characters. This was a terrific audio!🙌

After Lettie's grandfather's death, she yearns for a fresh start & to experience life on her own. She ventures out but eventually finds herself backed into a corner, needing money & help. She meets Tomer Stillman AKA James. He helps Lettie get on her feet with some cash, food, housing & a job. Tomer has a secret though. He's learned that Lettie is his bosses daughter & ever since this realization, he's been keeping track of her. It's slightly stalky but his intentions actually come from a well-intentioned place. Tomer seems a little reserved or even withdrawn but he's completely devoted to Lettie & her safety.

Over the course of a year, these two get to know each other. There's tension & attraction between the two & they finally give into their desires. Tomer takes care of her, teaches her & begins to open up to her, all while carrying the burden of knowing her true identity. Jackie knows how to write the spice ya'll & this book is no exception.🥵

Both of these MC's have past trauma they are dealing with & working through. We get some flashbacks & back story as to why they are they way they are. Lettie's character goes through a liberation from her upbringing in a purity culture. Because of Tomer's past, he's become a DOM & he helps Lettie work through her past trauma through BDSM & Jackie handles these plot lines with care & sensitivity.

🎧Let's talk narration...Kelsey & Aaron are such great narrators & their performances are nothing short of terrific! This story has a mix of heavy & light all while mixed with humor & fun banter. These two deliver all the emotions you want from this wild ride. Aaron is the perfect broody, quiet & somewhat awkward Tomer that has a heart of gold. Kelsey gives an amazing performance voicing Lettie with the sweetest Southern accent. A woman whose working through her trauma showing bravery & resilience. These two brought the story & characters to life. Amazing work!

This book delivers laughter alongside life lessons. It's a light-hearted adventure that proves sometimes the biggest heroes come from the most unexpected places--often with a healthy dose of humor along the way!😂 Fans of Jackie's will absolutely LOVE this book! PLEASE check TW before heading into this one.

Part 1 in a story of overcoming so much to be truly happy

Tomer & Lettie have stolen the show. After the jaw dropping revelation at the end of Rival Hero, I couldn’t wait to dive in to the story of these two. But these two have so much more to give than what is on the surface.
Unexpected Hero starts off the trilogy of Tomer & Lettie with a bang. We get to see where they started and quickly find that true love can come in the most unexpected ways. Their chemistry is undeniable & off the charts. But while I found myself fanning myself from the heat often, I also found myself wiping away the tears as they both suffer from a sheltered and heart-wrenching past.
Buckle up for a wild ride of secrets, mystery, & intrigue.

Audiobook Review:
Aaron Shedlock & Kelsey Navarro Foster are so absolutely perfect for these characters, it’s unreal. They have literally brought Tomer & Lettie to life! Their overall characteristics are captured impeccably by the narration from these two! I cannot wait for the deep dive into the emotional journey that is yet to come with the rest of Tomer & Lettie’s story.

Tomer’s new nickname should be Knotty by Nature

Unexpected Hero is the story of Tomer and Violet.

**AUDIO BOOK REVIEW**
Aaron Shedlock as Tomer
Kelsey Navarro Foster as Lottie

The audio-book of Unexpected Hero was everything I hoped it would be, and more. The narrators did an amazing job of bringing the characters to life. Kelsey Navarro Foster’s portrayal of Lettie was spot on and truly highlighted the essence of Lettie. Aaron Shedlock as Tomer was perfection. He was able to convey all of the aspects of Tomer’s complex make-up. He brought to life the dominance, as well as the vulnerability of Tomer. I laughed until I cried and I cried until I laughed.

**BOOK REVIEW**
Tomer is the Brains of the Redleg Security family and the epitome of broody and mysterious. I have been intrigued by Tomer since Love & Other Accidents (The Love and Laughs Series). The enigma that was created throughout his appearances in the previous stories created a riveting character and made you yearn for his story. The author does not disappoint in creating a complex, broken, and HAF hero. The truth behind Tomer is more compelling and heartbreaking than I imagined.

Violet “Lettie” is a young woman who finds herself in turmoil after receiving life-changing news when her Papa makes a deathbed confession. Lettie escapes her small town in the hopes of a new beginning. A “chance” meeting introduces Lettie to “James” and subsequently to a world beyond her experience. This new world has Lettie struggling with the teachings of her past and feelings of shame and guilt.

Unexpected Hero is an extremely well-written tale of love, loyalty, humor, angst, and plenty of steam!! It’s a study in how our pasts can mold who we are today. Woven into a maze of secrets, misunderstandings, and mystery lies the question of whether the pairing of two unlikely souls could be the key to healing the past traumas of the other. The author does a great job of handling difficult topics tastefully with care and respect.

Although the book culminates in a cliffhanger, after my initial pouting, I decided to take this time to enjoy the calm before the storm when the other shoe drops in part 2 of the duet!!!

The protector plus DOM combo is everything.

Story rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(0-5)
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 (0-5)
Overall: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (0-5) mild bdsm and voyeurism

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 The trilogy can be read alone, but I highly recommend the whole Redleg Security series, especially the perfectly cast audiobooks!
🤩 Jackie has the most amazing way of giving a truly all the feels experience with the added suspense in the Redleg Security series plots along with her witty charm and humor even among difficult topics.
🤩 Aaron Shedlock gives us his all as the many sides to Tomer, and I’m so in love and lust. Kelsey Navarro Foster is the perfect Lettie, giving us her sweetness, her strength, and all the sass in between.
🤩 I’m here for the good guy stalker vibes (tagged as stalker light by the author). When Tomer finds a way to call Lettie and check on her.
🤩 The heart-wrenching flashbacks are so well written and captivating.
🤩 The protector plus DOM combo is everything.
🤩 Secret pining, ok actually obsession, and self-pleasuring. PUFF
🤩 The characterization is so developed and fabulous. But the inner dialogue by these MCs is laugh-out-loud hilarious.
🤩 The plot is so full of feels and written so believably.
🤩 When I highlight almost everything in chapter 34 because it is just so perfect. Tomer’s sweet dirty talk works on me too, Lettie baby!
🤩 Inexperienced FMC, but she’s a very good girl!
🤩 And Tomer is 100% book boyfriend material because of his tender after-care and his ability to teach Lettie open communication.

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 My heart doesn’t like a cliffhanger, but Jackie’s been honest about it being a trilogy, so I’m okay with it! For her, I’m okay with it. I have mild bookish depression here at the end, but it’s fine. I’m fine. Everything is fine. My heart is ready to heal with them in Unexpected Heroine and Unexpected Redemption.

🔬Caution/Trigger warnings: flashback memories of childhood mental abuse, on-page drink drugging and abduction. Jackie does a tasteful job of leaving out the icky details during and after the abduction, thank goodness.

oh my, I didn't see Tomer coming

Tomer had been a side character for a very long time. Never in a million years did I think that quiet hard working guy was a Dom and so complicated. Lettie comes to Clearwater to start over after her father's death, shortly after learning life she was raised by her grandparents not her parents. This is a fun a crazy ride and anxiously awaiting the conclusion of the duet. I recently listened to this after reading this a few months ago. My word, the addition of these fantastic narrators really added to it's magic.

let's be friends

🎧 Audio Review 🎧
This book was engrossing to read but Aaron Shedlock and Kelsey Navarro Foster made listening and experience! I didn't want to stop listening once I started. Tomer and Lettie weren't just in my ear, they were with me. Lettie's squirrel powers, Tomer's trauma were there with me. I absolutely can not wait to listen to the next two books. I am so looking forward to having these two very talented narrators read to me again.