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Gabe Malloy, dedicated to his brothers, spent his weekends with cheap booze and easy women. When some of his friends finally settled down, he wondered if he would ever find the woman of his dreams. He just never expected to encounter her in an alley.

Jennifer Lambert worked as a social worker for the city and would often take food to the elderly residents in her building. One night, in an alley behind a restaurant, she was startled by a tall, handsome man wanting to assist. Giving him the cold shoulder, she left…but dreams of him followed her long into the night.

Gabe knew the independent Jennifer was a woman worthy of knowing, but convincing the beauty that she needed him was the challenge. Raising her young brother plus the responsibilities of the elder center, had kept her from looking for love…but she took a chance on Gabe.

Now that he found her, can he keep her safe when someone threatens her and those she loves? Calling upon his brothers, Alvarez Security races to save her before it is too late.

****Due to scenes of an explicit sexual nature and language that some consider crude, please be warned - for 18+ only! If you do not like alphas with heart who fall instantly in love with strong female characters while dealing with real life issues...again be warned!!*****

397 pages, ebook

First published March 1, 2015

1124 people are currently reading
1820 people want to read

About the author

Maryann Jordan

216 books1,274 followers

As an Award Winning and International Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo Best Selling Author, I have always been an avid reader. I joke that I "cut my romance teeth" on the old historical romance books. I’ve written as a hobby for over 30 years. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma's Home was created.

My first novel, Emma's Home became an Amazon Best Seller in 3 categories within the first month of publishing. Its success was followed by the rest of the Fairfield Series and then led into the Love's Series. From there I have continued with the romantic suspense Alvarez Security Series and now the Saints Protection & Investigation Series.

My books are filled with sweet romance and hot sex; mystery, suspense, real life characters and situations. My heroes are alphas, take charge men who love the strong, independent women they fall in love with.
I worked as a counselor in a high school and have been involved in education for the past 30 years. I recently retired and now can spend more time devoted to my writing.

I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 35 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters.
When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!

I love to hear from readers, so please email me!
authormaryannjordan@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/authormaryann...
www.maryannjordanauthor.com

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5 stars
2,070 (46%)
4 stars
1,404 (31%)
3 stars
690 (15%)
2 stars
184 (4%)
1 star
85 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,649 reviews449 followers
August 28, 2017
***Free on Amazon 8/28/17***



Originally read November 2015
Revised...
I forgot to mention the heroine, Jennifer. I was in such awe of Gabe, I got ahead of myself. See below:

Wow! I really enjoyed this book. It was more than I was expecting. There was plenty of suspense/mystery to go with the romance.

I have to say, Gabe was a perfect hero. I don't care that he was a manwhore before Jennifer. Once he met her it was all about her, everything. Every thought and action centered around her. He truly regretted his manwhore days. (They do come back to bite him in the ass...He deserved it) but it was all good. He never wavered. He went after her the moment he met her. He even stalks her once he finds out where she lives. HE. WAS. AWESOME!


“I’m saying that I love you. I think I loved you from the moment I saw your pixie face popping out from behind the dumpster.”




I don't care that there was some other woman drama. It was handled and straightened out quickly.



He immediately fell in love with her brother Ross too. This just adds to his desirability.

Jennifer was a very likable heroine and was easy to relate to. She was kind, loving and strong. She truly enjoyed taking care of the people at the elder care center and fighting for them to have a better life. And, she loved her brother, Ross, more than anything. She was very insecure in the beginning with Gabe. She knew he had been with the actress and other more wealthy women. But Gabe did a wonderful job of showing her she was his one and only and that he didn't remember anyone before her.

"It’s all new with her. Everything. The sex. The feelings. Everything."



I loved the epilogue. It gives us a little taste of the future...maybe about Ross...hmmmmm...

Safety gang
Profile Image for Nicla.
416 reviews344 followers
April 21, 2017
Really enjoyed Gabe. Definitely recommend if you want something low on angst, instant love with a alpha that is super sweet to the heroine. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Ashleyjo.
826 reviews519 followers
June 7, 2015
I'm amazed! Not at the book, though. I'm just stunned that so many rated this a 5 star book! Did I read the same book? My thoughts...

"Funny, I always thought that a man my size had to have a tall woman with curves to fit into me."

"She's so small."

"He's so big."

"He discreetly adjusted himself..."

"He moaned."

"She moaned."

"Pixie face."

"Her blonde curls."

Author makes it a habit to repeat phrases like ^ the above multiple times. I can get details like he is f'ing gigantic without being told 15 times in a chapter. Blonde curls (44 times) mentioned in the book, okay... Repetitive ?!?

Story moves at a snails pace with just everyday nothing happenings taking up most of the storyline. At 50% nothing has f'ing happened other than the MC stalking the female MC to get to know her, dates, & charity work.

Characters are bland, not believable, and uninteresting. She's so sugary sweet, naive, and goodie two shoes that it's sickening. Yet, I'm supposed to buy that she lets a guy she's seen (with other chicks mind you) a grand three times and spoke a couple of sentences to finger fu@k her on the public kitchen counter of her elderly charity house? Nah... Just didn't work. He's what would happen if you teleported a Navy SEAL TO Disney but forgot to bleep out his constant need to adjust himself and some cursing. Again, just didn't buy who he was supposed to be.

Writing tone is juvenile.

Writing style is confusing. Author introduces multiple characters and just randomly skips POV in narrative to reflect inner thoughts and feelings of all these various characters. It's often very hard to even tell who it is voicing thoughts, and it's just weird and distracting to hear some random secondary character's thoughts on a scene.

DNF @50%:(

Profile Image for Hollie.
1,678 reviews
June 21, 2015
DNF at 45%

all of a sudden this manwhore decides he wants to find the one. so he meets the sweet little heroine who works for charity and is raising her 8 yr old brother.

here is what did me in. the hero sees heroine and decides then and there she's the one. horrible insta-love. she giggled he continually told her how special she is and she kept saying "This is so not like me" No character depth at all. lame ass plot. I'm actually surprised I made it to the 45% mark. nothing about this was.enjoyable for me .sorry.
Profile Image for ~Nichole~  Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews.
1,697 reviews624 followers
October 4, 2015
This would have been a solid 5 star book of it had been about 1/4 shorter. I loved Gabe and his huge heart. Jennifer described him as her giant. I think he had to be so big just to house the most amazing soul. A true hero in every way. The way these two loved Ross and did everything to make him feel loved and safe just melted my heart. So many romances go the playboy way and even though Gabe may have had that history there is no doubt that this author did everything right to convince the readers.. Especially me that Jennifer was the most unique and special woman he had ever known. Every time he thought of her as his princes I had tears. For every time that the friends and prior military heroes stepped forward to help or support I shivered with emotion. So many beautiful moments and I am just so thankful to have discovered this author. I definitely will be reading more from Maryann Jordan. 4.5 JennyBenny and her Giant stars.
Profile Image for Gi's Spot Reviews.
1,130 reviews1,362 followers
November 26, 2015
3.5 Stars

Basic Info

Standalone or Part of a Series:
MF, Ménage, etc.:
POV:
Triggers:
Cheating:
Descriptive Sex with OW/OM:
HEA:
Safety Gang Notes:

Personal Overview

It was a enjoyable read. I was a bit put off my so many OW early in the book, it was nothing descriptive but since it didn't add anything to the story except show Gabe's manwhoring ways. One or only mention (and the book had plenty of those) to it would suffice to that.
After that and Gabe meeting Jennifer, he changed his ways, and became devoted to her, and her brother Ross. Jennifer's character couldn't be more selfless, she was a social worker, lived and helped at a elderly center, and was raising her eight year old brother, after their parents death by herself. After realizing all this, Gabe became even more charmed by her, and did everything so his attention became reciprocated, even requiring his friends help, since he knew nothing of relationships or dating.
"His mission? Meet her on her own field and show her the man he wanted to be."

So he managed to convince her, and they both fell in love, and they fell hard.
“Baby, look at me,” he pleaded. “I’ve never once been in love. I’ve never loved any woman. My past is fucked up and is just that...the past. There’s no comparison with anyone else.”(..) "I have never, and I mean never, been with any other woman that meant something to me emotionally. So whoever I was with, famous or not, they were just pussy. That’s all. It was just sex. A physical release. I know to women it means something different, but right or wrong there it is. For me, it was just physical. But with you, babe? It’s everything. It’s my world.”

The secondary plot with extortion and politics was also interesting and I really liked the epilogue.
I don't know if it was the writing style, the story, or my mood (or the manwhoring in the beginning), but I never really felt involved in the story, and in their romance. That said it was still a very pleasant read, but not one of my favorite series of this type (ex-military security companies). Anyway lets hope Tony's book captivates me more...
Profile Image for ♥ WishfulMiss ♥ .
1,382 reviews116 followers
April 24, 2018
I love me a story about a reformed rake and when Gabe meets Jennifer, he finally realizes that his reputation as a love 'em and leave 'em type, has come back to haunt him.

The story has some angst, but mostly it was sugary sweet. Gabe did everything he could to prove himself worthy of Jennifer and I loved how he was with Ross. The rest of his security team were also amazing guys.

Memorable Moments:
I liked that Gabe owned up to his past and regretted his promiscuous life style because it affected his relationship with Jennifer. Watching him go above and beyond to earn her and Ross' trust was something we don't see enough of in contemporary romance.

Would I recommend?
Yes, I liked Gabe and Jennifer and definitely want to check out Vinny's story :)

SAFETY INFO:
Profile Image for Shadi ***save your ratings use disclaimers**.
321 reviews181 followers
May 12, 2016
Book Facts:

Genre: Romance
Part of a Series/Installment: Series
Standalone/Cliffhanger:
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex in The Book 1-10:
Overall Steam Factor/Chemistry:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Any Triggers/Warnings:




My thoughts: Loved it! Good writing and strong alpha that went after what he wanted with no waivering

Overall Rating: 5 stars
Do You Recommend This Book: Absolutely
ReRead: Probably
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes I started one last night.

Profile Image for CC.
1,780 reviews238 followers
July 2, 2017
3.5 stars. This was a good safe read, with a super sweet (ridiculously perfect) heroine and a good guy hero. Hero had been a man-whore which would normally not bother me except that he thought and talked about it a lot. He did not miss the life, I just did not want to hear about it. Heroine handled things with maturity and confidence. She was pretty awesome. There was some intrigue and action/drama. Read on Kindle Unlimited. Going to go back and read her prior books. She tends to write safe books.
729 reviews72 followers
August 7, 2015
A cute story with yet another h that was so fairytale-ish sweet I was waiting for the birds to come dress her and an alpha who was nothing less than a hero. The author definitely needed editing help. Contradictions in sentences and absolutely no research was done on property law. We also got no closure on what happened to the bad guys. We saw no arrests, no explanations, nothing.

Profile Image for Big Joe  Rossi.
1,776 reviews51 followers
October 20, 2017
Gabe Malloy is ex military and currently working for his former team leader doing specialized security. When at an event he runs into a little pixie of a woman in a dumpster. When he sees her face his world is rocked. Always one to hit it and quit it with one look he is sure he wants her and not for one time. As he learns more about her he cant help to be little spit fire.

Jennifer Lambert grew up with parents who want to change the world and she is no different. A social worker specializing in the elderly she is happy making other happy even at the expense of herself. Thrust with the care of her 8 yr old brother Ross after her parents die in an accident over a year ago she worries she isnt enough to raise Ross to be a good man. Make no mistake she is a great substitute for a mom as she showers him with love and gives him all she can but to herself she feels he is slighted.

With Gabe, he is a man she cant even dream about being with let alone him wanting to be with her. She lives not month to month but day to day. He is tall sexy and well off. The player on the arm of sexy women, movie stars but the more Gabe learns about her the more he knows she is the one. The one you dont let go of.

Unknown to either her job has put her in the criss hair of an evil man looking at the building she works and lives in. While Gabe tries to protect her things develop deeper than he or his team know and in the process Ross and Jennifer are now at risk of death.

Loved story, the characters. Reason this aint 5 stars, the ending. Too quick, no info of what happened. Not a fan of the epilogue either. But still a good read
Profile Image for Emily.
5,768 reviews542 followers
May 14, 2016
Gabe Malloy is starting to get bored with the frequent non committal hookups, his closest friends are settling down and he is beginning to think he might be missing something. When he meets Jennifer Lambert he knows she is a game changer, however Jennifer is not interested.

Jennifer has enough on her plate as a social worker and custodian of her little brother. Gabe isn't taking no for an answer though, he comes up with a plan but when Jennifer looks to be the target of an investigation that puts her in danger, Gabe pulls her close planning never to let her go.

Very fun read. I liked Gabe a lot, he is like a dog with a bone when it comes to Jennifer and I thought the way he courted her was fantastic. Jennifer is a feisty and very sweet woman, perfect compliment to Gabe. Look forward to more in this series.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
5,864 reviews210 followers
May 2, 2016
4.0 star review of Gabe (Alvarez Security #1) by Maryann Jordan

This was a new author to me. I enjoy the romantic suspense genre and felt that this was a good example.

This is the story of Gabe Malloy a former Special Forces office who now works with previous comrades and his twin brother at Alvarez Security. Whilst on assignment he accidentally trips over Jennifer Lambert, a social worker out collecting food for the elderly residents in her building.

Jennifer also looks after her little brother since they were orphaned a year ago. Therefore she has very little, if any time to follow her dreams. She cannot believe that Gabe is even interested in her. I liked Gabe, although his constant reference to his past and his antics in loving and leaving the ladies did get a tad repetitious at times, as did Jennifer repeatedly saying that her actions were untypical of her normal behaviour. Having said that, the two of them obviously had chemistry and it was interesting to see how Ms. Jordan built the tension, whilst the suspense and mystery was woven into the story line.

Gabe has found what he felt was missing in his life in the lovely Jennifer. When danger surrounds her Gabe enlists his company to ensure her safety. I did feel that the book dragged a little in spots but overall I enjoyed the intrigue and action mixed with the romance.

I look forward to seeing where this series goes and will definitely read more from Maryann Jordan.

Profile Image for Noelle.
112 reviews
August 2, 2015
5 stars!

Favorite quotes:

"...'Don't know how to explain it. I saw her and felt a goddamn punch to the gut. I went from thinking I'd found a street urchin, to realizing it was a gorgeous woman, to wanting to kiss the hell out of that pixie, to wanting to paddle her ass for being out in the cold, dead of night in alleys."

"Come on, baby. Give me a chance."

"God, she's so beautiful."

"So fuckin' gorgeous. Outside of his close circle of friends and brother-in-arms, she was the best person he had ever met."

"How could I have fallen so far in love in just a few weeks?"

"Baby, I may be many things, but I'll always lay it right out there. I want you, in my bed and in my life..."

"...She fits. Right here, next to my heart..."

"I love you more than life itself, baby. You...and that little boy, are my whole world."

Profile Image for Maryann Jordan.
Author 216 books1,274 followers
November 16, 2022
I loved writing this story! With each of my books, a part of me is in them. Jennifer's work wit the elderly and homeless was based on my parents. After they retired, they spent many evenings getting bread from restaurants who had fresh bread that did not sell. They carried hundreds of pounds of bread for years to take to the church for the weekly meal for the homeless in our community.
Gabe was a delight to write - the band of brothers from Alvarez Security (former Special Forces) are true to each other and will protect what is theirs.
I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,961 reviews421 followers
May 1, 2015
This is the first book in The Alvarez Security Series and what a fantastic start it is. I read this in one sitting as I couldn't put it down. This is my favourite read from this author so far.

There are plenty of hot sexy military men In this series. This is Gabe and Jennifer's story. Gables a hot alpha male. Jennifer's a social worker that's taking care of her brother.

Really great story with great twists and turns. The emotion was perfect. Loved it. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
Profile Image for Kim  Brewing.
3,538 reviews35 followers
July 26, 2016
Are you looking for some insta love with a sweet heroine and an alpha looking for more than a hook up with a bit of suspense thrown in - look no further, this is the book for you.

Jennifer is a hardworking sweetheart working with the elderly and taking care of her 8 year old brother - the adorable Ross. Gabe Mallory is tried of the cheap hook ups he's been having and wants something more. He's not sure what that is until his eyes land on Jennifer. The way they meet was quite "unique" Loved it!

I really enjoyed this story and will definitely read more of the series.
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 39 books91 followers
June 16, 2015
Book: Gabe: The Alvarez Security Series (Alvarez Security #1)
Author: Maryann Jordan
Publication Date: 3/29/2015
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars


REVIEW
New to me author.

Gabe has always been a carefree type of man. Gabe and his twin Vinny were like two peas in a pod when it came to bedding beautiful women. But all of that changed for Gabe. He is thinking he wants what some of his friends have. See him and a few friends were all in the Special Forces together and after their tour ended they all signed up with their commander as security for Alavarez Security. Tony is an excellent commander so it was a no brainer. A few of the men have now married and even have kids on the way. Gabe wants this.

One night while working a gala he goes out back to find someone near the dumpster and when he gets a good look well he loses his heart.

Jennifer is a young woman who is left to care for her little brother after her parents are killed. She is also a social worker who cares deeply for the elderly. Someone is after her because they want the property that houses some of these elderly people and Jennifer refuses to give up.

Can Gabe find love with this blue-eyed beauty?
Can Jennifer allow herself the right to love?

This was a fantastic romance book. I enjoy books like this very much and the author gives us romance, action and suspense packed in there to.

I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review

Maryann Jordan
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews64 followers
February 15, 2016
In this first book we’re introduced to Gabe Malloy and his sexy teammates for Alvarez Security Agency. The men all served together in the military and have a bond that they’re now using to provide private security. Gabe has always been a playboy but one day finds himself looking for more than just a one night stand, he wants forever. While guarding a starlet whom he’s slept with a few times he runs into a tiny woman collecting boxes from a dumpster to gather left over food from the venue the event is being held at. Gabe knows from the moment he sees this tiny woman that she’s different and that he wants to get to know her better.

Jennifer Lambert has a huge heart and has dedicated her life to help the elderly in her community. Most evenings she comes to the local hotel and takes leftover food back to her apartment building so that the elderly can have a good meal. She’s picking up the food for the day when she runs into the giant Gabe. Jennifer’s parents were killed a few years prior and she’s since gained custody of her 8 year old brother, with him in her life Jennifer doesn’t have the time for a relationship. Gabe won’t give up so easily though and sets out to prove that he is exactly what Jennifer needs in her life… and to protect her from the men trying to keep her from protecting the elderly folks that live in her apartment building.

Great story, you won’t want to put it down! I can’t wait to read Tony’s story next!
Profile Image for Babs.
Author 15 books189 followers
February 20, 2017

Cabe was in the special forces and when it was time to get out he went to work with Alvarez Security that is old Captain now runs. He has some demons in his past but moves on.

He is on a job escorting a movie star and needs a break when he walks out back through the kitchen to an alley he sees what he thinks is a male going through the dumpster. When he calls out he is quick to notice it is a woman. Before he can learn about her the actress runs out drunk and wants to know what is going on.

Cabe keeps going back to the alley until he sees her again and finds out her name is Jennifer. She is a bit shy and leery of getting involved with anyone. She is taking care of her 8 year old brother since hew parents have passed away. She also works for social services during the day and helps the kitchen at night with feeding the elderly in the building she stays in. Her mission is to help the elder center. She has great friends there and they help take care of her bother as well.

Jennifer stays on top of her job and funding for the elder center but there a person who wants her building and will do anything to get it even kidnapping her brother to make a point.

Cabe helps Jennifer as they are falling for each other hard and he wants them to be a family. He wants to settle down and loves them both but will Cabe get there in time?

The author does an excellent job with the start of this series. A page turner with romance, action and suspense.
Profile Image for Diane (Books and Tequila Blog).
1,495 reviews70 followers
March 14, 2021
Romance with a touch of danger

Jennifer is a young woman shouldering more than her fair share of responsibility. Caring for her younger brother, working as a city social worker, providing food and often aiding the elderly residents in her building. With her big heart, she doesn't consider any of this a burden. When she chances to meet Gabe, a tall, handsome, former special forces, she feels an attraction right away. And Gabe realizes that he is ready to settle down from his wild bachelor ways.

"Gently lowering himself to the sofa again, he curled one arm around Ross as he held Jennifer close. Protected. Safe. Loved. Together."

Gabe must protect Jennifer and her brother Ross when their building and their lives are in danger.

“I also told the little lad that people, just like the glass, can become polished and beautiful from the rough effects of life.”

I loved the romance with a bit of danger. I can't wait to read the stories of Gabe's brothers-in-arms.
Profile Image for 100sweet.
1,594 reviews
May 16, 2015
DNF @ 56%.

I tried to get through this but it was boring. The h had a real attitude when the H first meets her and then she does a complete 180. I was disappointed that she had no problem letting other people, like the H and his friends, take care of her brother. The brother was annoying. The h's situation was a little too much. She was a kindhearted, self sacrificing, struggling, and poor h who is barely making it by. Everyone loves her and is protective of her. The H was too sweet. I hate abusive heroes but I want a guy to be OTT possessive, caveman, and ALPHA. This H just didn't cut it. The story wasn't very interesting either.
Profile Image for ~`*Ella Lee*`~.
546 reviews47 followers
June 5, 2015
This was a good alpha read.
The H and h were very devoted to each other and there was plenty of possessiveness, adoration and sexual feelings going on from our H to our h.
It was, in typical Maryann Jordan fashion, a little OTT with how awesome, perfect and beautiful the heroine was, but when you know to expect it, it's not too distracting with the corniness that can make an eye roll.
However, also in typical Maryann Jordan fashion, it was exciting, had great sex scenes and kept you entertained through out the book.
This author is quickly becoming a go to for me.
202 reviews
March 30, 2015
Fantastic start to a new series!

I saw Susan Stoker's release day wishes for this author on Facebook today and, since she is one of my favorite authors, I figured if she thought it was good, I should try it. I was not disappointed at all. I loved this book! There is heart, compassion, love, heat, sexy military men, suspense, everything you could want, all wrapped up in one book! Hope next book comes out soon!
Profile Image for The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha).
2,081 reviews352 followers
September 22, 2017
3.5
Good over all; kind of a slow start but once the action picked up, I was more interested. Jennifer's job is interesting and not one you read about often (a social worker for the elderly).
I like her Saints series better, but will still probably keep reading this series.
417 reviews
April 10, 2015
Great surprise

This was a great surprise I started not to read it but very glad I did. I can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews

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