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Second-in-Command: A action-packed rescue romance (Men of Hidden Justice Book 2) Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 1,581 ratings

Men of Hidden Justice
Because love can bleed into the darkest heart

New York Times bestselling author Melanie Moreland's thrilling romantic suspense series continues

I found her when I least expected.

I should have let her go, but I couldn't.

My world is too dangerous for her.

But she needs the protection only I can give her.

And without her life has no meaning.

For the first time in my life, I'm taking what I want—

consequences be damned.

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From the Publisher

Man hand on forehead with words because love can bleed
Man eyes looking concerned with words Into the darkest Heart
Men of Hidden Justice logo

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Romantic suspense perfection." - Stephanie Rose, author of No Vacancy

"Second In Command was suspenseful, romantic, riveting and I was hooked from the first to the last chapter." - Thelma & Louise Book Blog

"This is a bit different than Ms. Moreland's contemporary romance but she nails it perfectly -- just shows that she can write anything and do it well!" - Tracey, Goodreads

"I just can't get enough of the complex men and women of the Men of Hidden Justice series." - Reading is Passion

"The chemistry between them is explosive and the intrigue keeps you on edge but it the emotional connection between these two strong and independent characters that makes their relationship so memorable." - Kari's Book Reviews and Revelations

From the Inside Flap

Men of Hidden Justice
Because love can bleed into the darkest heart

The Boss
- Book 1
Second-In-Command - Book 2
The Commander - Book 3
The Watcher - Book 4
The Specialist - Book 5

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B099P51HMY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Moreland Books Inc (November 11, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 11, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.7 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 212 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 1,581 ratings

About the author

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Melanie Moreland
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New York Times/WSJ/USAT International bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of thirty-plus years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.

While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys traveling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.

Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling downstairs), and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily-ever-afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.

Keep up with Melanie

Newsletter (no spam!)

https://bit.ly/MMorelandNewsletter

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/authormoreland/

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,581 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this romance novel to be a romantic suspense page-turner with an alpha hero and a sweet love story. The book receives positive feedback for its readability, with one customer noting it gets better with each book in the series. Customers appreciate the characters, with one review highlighting the sassy/sweet heroine, and they enjoy the action content and emotional depth of the story.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

27 customers mention "Story quality"27 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the intense and romantic suspense plot of the book, particularly appreciating the plot twists and sweet ending.

"...This big, strong, beautiful man who swept her up in his arms and carried her away. Made her feel safe and protected...." Read more

"...There was no miraculous recovery. Just a strong, persistent woman, intent upon getting on with her life and building something permanent...." Read more

"...This book was a romance with suspense and intrigue wrapped around it. I thought The Boss was an amazing book, but Second In Command was fantastic!!..." Read more

"...He’s strong and a bit stoic with unexpected sides and depth even though he’s an alpha to the core. (LOVE me some Alphas!)..." Read more

23 customers mention "Readability"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, with several noting it's as good as the first book in the series.

"...And I loved the ending!! It was so perfect and deserving for them. I am really looking forward to the next book – The Commander." Read more

"OMG, I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Once again, I couldn't put it down, just like Matteo's book!..." Read more

"...Marcus is hot, smart, protective, and wise. Melissa is capable, intuitive, pretty, and a great match for Marcus...." Read more

"Another great one. Another alpha possessive man down. Marcus is now the leader and he is determined he will not end up like Matteo...." Read more

8 customers mention "Enjoyment"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very entertaining, with one mentioning the great banter and another noting how it kept them engaged.

"...When he got riled up, his caveman took over and it was such fun reading about how he had to be talked down...." Read more

"Very entertaining and loved the ending. Will definitely read more in this series. I think I’ll go back and read the first book in the series." Read more

"...She is as feisty as he is stubborn. All of that makes great banter and chemistry. Another great read...." Read more

"...Missy was spit-fire and totally lovable. I’m totally enjoying this series. Another job well done." Read more

8 customers mention "Surprise value"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the surprises in the book, finding it smart and clever, with one customer noting how the reality of the situation grabs them.

"...I love Missy. She’s strong, clever, and determined, and not at all what I expected...." Read more

"...He’s a super yummy enigma in The Boss. A mystery that my curious mind was dying to unravel and I got so much more in Second-in-Command!..." Read more

"...The twists and turns, the depth of the characters and the reality of the situation grabs you and won't let go until the last page...." Read more

"...This book is hard to put down once you start reading it. Marcus is hot, smart, protective, and wise...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character depth"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the depth of the characters in the book.

"...This fast paced read was the perfect length to tackle the plot and characters well without leaving the reader in a mid-read slump." Read more

"...The twists and turns, the depth of the characters and the reality of the situation grabs you and won't let go until the last page...." Read more

"...Another great read. Loved in inclusion of other characters. I thought he would have reached out to Matteo more but it still worked...." Read more

"...I love all the male characters & glad he joined the others to retire." Read more

5 customers mention "Love story"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the love story in the book, with one review highlighting the sassy and sweet heroine.

"...I loved seeing Marcus and Missy together. They had a strong push/pull and neither wanted to back down...." Read more

"...Another great story with my favorite type of JPP hero and sassy/sweet heroine." Read more

"...I loved this couple, and I loved their love!" Read more

"I can’t get enough of the Men of Hidden Justice. Strong men and women that they love...." Read more

4 customers mention "Emotion level"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one noting how it encompasses all feelings and another highlighting its passion.

"...Marcus is the perfect alpha hero. He saves her, mind, body and soul. I like the way their story played out...." Read more

"...Felt every emotion and it felt real. Thank you again for sharing your gift with us. Finished it in one sitting." Read more

"I do recommend this story that encompasses all emotions. There are surprises. The writer made you care about the characters" Read more

"...It just had more intensity and more passion. I will however gladly read again and look forward to Julien's story." Read more

3 customers mention "Action content"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the action content in the book.

"...How he gains her trust, and then her love. It has some good action, and has a sweet ending. It’s a good series." Read more

"...Players remain hidden lending to the twists and turns, mystery, and action." Read more

"...Marcos and Missy's story is an action packed page turner that you won't want to put down." Read more

Read in one sitting romance!
5 out of 5 stars
Read in one sitting romance!
Marcus Gallo is the kind of man who walks into your life and rocks your world with his strength, courage and need to protect. I fell half in love while reading The Boss, Book 1 of this series and completely lost my book loving heart to him while reading his story. Marcus’ life is forever changed when his instincts kick in and help him save a young, entrapped woman. Missy is in rough shape, beaten, starved, broken, caged. Once Marcus sets his eyes on her he is lost. Every protective bone in his body is on alert and he takes her in. Caring for her, helping her heal becomes his number one priority. When the smoke clears, things become clearer and who Missy is, the danger she faced and continues to face, brings them even closer together. Watching them love on each other made this a read in one sitting romance and seeing them face the danger they are in together, made this an unputdownable, suspense filled romance. I lost myself in their story and was on edge until the very end. Their happily ever after was sweet and perfect for them. I’m giving Second-in-Command the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2021
    Amazing read! The second book in Moreland’s Men of Justice series, it’s just as compelling as the first.

    In the first book in the series – The Boss – we meet Matteo, who was the leader, and the woman who changed everything for him, Evie. Now with Matteo gone the leadership role falls to Marcus, his second in command. In this second book – Second in Command – we meet Marcus and Melissa (Missy).

    Marcus never wanted to be in charge, but he begrudgingly accepted his new role as leader after Matteo left trying to follow his example with a few slight changes. He has a smaller, elite team and since he has no family or others to protect, he and his team can hide in plain site rather than having to deal with the trappings of opulence as a façade to protect his family as his former boss had done. He and his team still track down and eliminate the scum of the earth while rescuing as many innocents as they can.

    Following a lead to their current location, the bad guys are eliminated and the victims saved but something still causes Marcus to pause – a gut instinct he can’t ignore. That’s when he finds her and everything changes. He wanted to protect her, keep her safe and hidden away while he and his team uncovered her past, found the threat against her, and ultimately the man behind the scenes calling the shots. He had no intention of letting her walk back into danger if he could prevent it. He was also not going to succumb to the feelings she evoked in him. Yet she slipped under his defenses when he didn’t even realize and became his everything.

    Melissa (Missy) never thought her nightmare would end and then he was there. This big, strong, beautiful man who swept her up in his arms and carried her away. Made her feel safe and protected. He stayed by her side as she recovered and helped the nightmares go away. The more she regained her strength and memories, the more determined she became to get back into the fight and to help Marcus and his team find and eliminate the people who took her and kept her caged. She was determined to regain her life and her independence and not lose her heart along the way. Too bad her heart didn’t get the memo. The more she got to know Marcus – the leader and the man, the more she fell under his spell.

    I loved seeing Marcus and Missy together. They had a strong push/pull and neither wanted to back down. Seeing everything she went through, I loved her strong will and that she stood toe-to-toe with Marcus. And that he did not treat her as broken or inferior. Even when he tried to be firm and unyielding, the spitfire that she was, Missy could always bring him around to her side. They made a good team. And I loved the ending!! It was so perfect and deserving for them. I am really looking forward to the next book – The Commander.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2022
    I was looking forward to Marcus’s book after reading Matteo’s. I dove right in since I had the time while waiting for an 8-hour flight. I might be what one would call a captive audience. Captive other than the 3 hours where I attempted to sleep but didn’t succeed very well. The “bed” on the flight was like sleeping on a plank. Not comfortable at all.

    Marcus’s book surprised me because I had no idea what it was about and who Marcus’s heroine would be. The blurb really didn’t tell me anything useful. If not for me trusting Ms Moreland’s writing and having read book 1, I don’t think I would have been quite so sanguine about it. I tend to like to read the blurbs of books that give me the gist of what to expect. Basic plot. Tropes.

    Not to give anything away, Marcus rescues Missy as part of a job he’s on. Marcus has been leading his team for a while now and team are doing what they do best. Diving into the darkest of humanity and rescuing those who need rescue.

    I love Missy. She’s strong, clever, and determined, and not at all what I expected. She’s as intent on playing her part to help as Marcus is at protecting her. I loved that she showed moments of trauma from what she suffered. That she needed help, and she had moments when things were overwhelming. There was no miraculous recovery. Just a strong, persistent woman, intent upon getting on with her life and building something permanent.

    I laughed at Marcus’s reaction to wanting to protect Missy. If it’s at all possible, he’s even worse than Matteo. Even more protective and even more of a caveman. The difference being Missy is not Evie, and Missy knows how to protect herself. I loved watching Marcus struggle with his feelings for Missy, needing to protect her, but not stifling her. When he got riled up, his caveman took over and it was such fun reading about how he had to be talked down.

    The sparks between Marcus and Missy are combustible. Again, Ms Moreland makes it realistic with Missy’s reactions to her trauma and the conflict in their relationship. And here’s make up sexy times too because Marcus and Missy do clash as two strong willed people are inclined to.

    This book kept me engaged right through my 8 hour flight though I didn’t read the whole time. I did manage to finish the book right before we arrived though. I was thinking I might dive right into the next book in the series which is Julian’s story. It’s his turn to find love and while I’m slow getting to this series, I’m rather glad there are a few books out that I can enjoy and keep reading on instead of having to wait for the next book. Onwards.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2021
    OMG, I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Once again, I couldn't put it down, just like Matteo's book! I read it straight through because I had to know what was going to happen! I also want my own Marcus, if possible.
    Marcus was Matteo's second in command, until he left to be with Evie and his children. Now Marcus is the boss. I fell in love with him when I first met him, he has a strong outer shell with a soft inside.
    Missy is phenomenal!!! She had to be to be the one that captured Marcus's heart. Turns out she's a cop from a small town who wound up on the wrong side of a sting. Marcus is her hero when he saves her. But she really saves him. She is so strong and challenges him at every turn!
    Missy and Marcus were so HOT together!!! Lord, the steam that came off of the pages of this book!! And the suspense and plot twists were incredible! They kept me on my toes the whole time. And then I thought Melanie had seriously lost her mind toward the end because she went a direction I never saw coming!!!
    This book was a romance with suspense and intrigue wrapped around it. I thought The Boss was an amazing book, but Second In Command was fantastic!! And I can't wait for The Commander and Julian's story, especially after the teaser at the end of the book!!!!
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Down Under Reviewer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow
    Reviewed in Australia on September 5, 2024
    This was a great read. Though similar to the first story in this series, still a fantastic read of a woman changing a man’s thoughts, and he promising to keep her safe.
    Narrator was amazing.
  • Evelyn 194
    5.0 out of 5 stars Second in Command
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 10, 2025
    Just like the first one,this book has it all. Engaging story, filled with danger,some action, suspense ,as well as insta-attraction, protective and possessive MMc, feisty FMC ,steamy scenes, affection and love. Likeable characters and enjoyable read. I suggest to start with the first book in the series The Boss for better understanding of the plot and some spoilers.
  • Roxan
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good story line
    Reviewed in India on December 19, 2021
    So this is my review for books 1 and 2. Melanie Mooreland is my favourite author and both the books were good. Loved Matteo and Marcus as protective alpha males who fall hard. My only crib is that both books seemed to have the same pattern. Rescue girl on job, feel protective, dote on her, have sex, finish mission. Leave and settle down and have a family.
  • Zdibido
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 11, 2022
    Great book and a fantastic story line. Marcus and his team are on a job when they find a woman bound and chained in a cage behind a wall. Marcus is drawn to her, looks after her to find out she was an under cover cop taken in a sting. Their romance is sweet, hot and fast. Great book.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars You could be forgiven ......
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 28, 2022
    You could be forgiven for thinking this series, at times resembles a mafia theme, but these are the good guys , only out to better the world. Twists and turns, heavy and light, good and evil, lots of dad's and even more heat. All makes for great reading.

    Loved this series. I started with book 3 first, then 1 & 2 but it didn't spoil anything.

    Great covers, models quite yummy. They deserve 5 stars on their own.

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