Rusty's Command

Team KOA Charlie #3

by Kendall Talbot

Reunited in paradise but burdened by guilt—Sienna and Rusty's second chance at love could be their last.

When nerdy cyber security specialist Sienna Blackwood seeks refuge on Hawaii's Big Island, her morning jog with her little dog turns into a desperate fight for survival when she stumbles on a murder cover-up near an ancient lava tube. Fleeing the scene, she bursts into the police station and crashes into a hauntingly familiar stranger who offers her help.

Ex-Delta Force operative Russell "Rusty" Callahan thought he'd seen it all. But protecting Sienna from a hail of bullets and vanishing evidence pushes his elite combat skills, and those of his highly-trained K9, Soda, to the limit. Deep in a labyrinth of underground lava tubes, they discover a secret door leading to horrors beyond their worst nightmares.

While paradise gleams above, a deadly underworld preys on the innocent below, forcing Sienna and Rusty into a desperate battle against ruthless gunmen—and the demons haunting their past.

Will they save the exploited victims? Or will their second chance at love end before it begins?

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2025

About the author

Kendall Talbot is a thrill seeker, hopeless romantic, virtual killer, and award-winning author of stories that’ll have your heart thumping from the action-packed suspense in exotic locations and the swoon-worthy romance.

Kendall has sought thrills in all 46 countries she’s visited. She’s abseiled down freezing waterfalls, catapulted out of a white-water raft, jumped off a mountain with a man who spoke little English, and got way too close to a sixteen-foot shark. When she isn’t writing, she’s enjoying wine and cheese with her crazy friends, and planning her next thrilling international escape.

She lives in Brisbane, Australia with her very own hero and a fluffy little dog who specializes in hijacking her writing time. Meanwhile, Kendall’s two sons are off making their own adventures – look out world.

Kendall’s book, Lost in Kakadu won the acclaimed title of Romantic Book of the Year 2014, and her books have also been finalists for Best Romantic Suspense, Best Crime Novel, Best Continuing Series, and Best New Author.

I love to hear from my readers!
Find my books and chat with me via any of the contacts below:
Website: http://www.kendalltalbot.com.au/
Email: kendall@universe.com.au
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Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent story. Rusty, Sienna and Soda (his K9) were an excellent team. She had courage to spare. She and Rusty knew each other when they were teens, now that they are adults, it's time for second chances. When danger strikes he's there to protect her. There's action, danger and constant situations. Also can't forget Pickles, a little dog with more bravery than most. HEA.

[Ela La1978 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Rusty starts to doubt himself he gets in trouble, real big trouble. The good and the bad, but not alone. He’s got help his K9 and two more.
Whats a little problem solving without some action . Boring and Rusty doesn’t do boring. Hence this excellent story you will love!

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Rusty's Command: Brotherhood Protectors World’ was riveting. The mesmerizing plot involved a major drug/weapons bust, a trusted K-9, a missing teen, evil men digging a hole, oh no…getting help but getting trapped in a humongous lava tube, getting attacked by unknown forces in the lava tube, lots of action, uh oh…not Pickle, hooray for the cybersecurity expert and Soda, oh no…more evil men with guns, uh oh…running out of ammo, such precision, and a second chance at falling in love.
Moreover, I liked the author’s writing style: engaging yet flawed characters, an incredible setting on the big Hawaiian island, a tension-filled and nerve-wracking storyline, and vivid descriptions including imagery and figurative language such as, “Used takeout containers played Tetris on the counter, and empty beer cans filled every other space,” and “The silence screamed louder than any alarm.” Overall, I liked the thrilling narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is pretty much the non-stop action and suspenseful storytelling I expect from Lori Matthews. Sienna accidentally encounters a murder on the beach and she runs into Rusty outside the police department. He recognizes her as his summer fling from 20 years ago and offers to help her.

From that point the story is fast and furious as Siena and Rusty along with K9 Soda and Pickles discover themselves in danger and running for their lives in underground lava tubes. Siena eventually recognizes Rusty as Russell, the boy who broke her heart 20 years ago, but their dangerous circumstances force them to work together to save themselves and to rescue the trafficking victims they stumble upon. Siena is a fierce and determined partner for Rusty, using her cybersecurity talents to help save themselves day.
A second chance at romance is dependent on surviving the dangerous trafficking ring.

I received a free ARC from the author and Valentine PR; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book 3 begins with a mystifying puzzle, and leads Rusty to reuniting with a past love, Sienna, from a time when they were very young almost 2 decades ago. She doesn’t remember him since he is not the thin wiry boy he used to be, but now the well built muscular tough guy whose speed and strength is phenomenal. This story is never-ending with intrigue and with such fast-paced action, I could not put it down, losing sleep over 3 nights until 3 am! The story just keeps getting better with every turn of the page, and all the while, I was hoping the two of them could rekindle their love and have a happy ending. The unbeatable metaphors from Talbot come at perfect timings as she always does so well. The turbulence that these two people must undergo together makes it very debatable whether they will even survive. This was an amazing story with many twists and turns, many taking place throughout the lava tubes of Hawaii. My heart was pounding for these two people, and wow, what a surprise ending! Very well written, and I give it 5 stars.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like coming home

I love that Rusty and Sienna get a second chance at first love. A love that was too big, too overwhelming and logistically impossible when they met. But now, 18 years later it is their time and there is just as much fire now as there was then.
The Rusty we met in books 1 and 2 is quiet but intense, he rarely jokes and when we meet his dad in this book (the chief of Police) we understand why...I am not a fan of his dad! However, here we see a completely different Rusty, Sienna is definitely good for him and matches him step for step, challenging him, pushing him, supporting him and loving him. They are adults now, who have lived, they have scars and baggage but they also have wisdom and confidence and more importantly....they know now just how valuable their relationship and feelings are.
I am a little sad that we get very little of the rest of Charlie team or the other Brotherhood Protectors, but we do get plenty of Soda and the bonus Pickle too!
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Ric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rusty’s Command by Kendall Talbot is book 3 in the Team KOA Charlie. It is based in the Brotherhood Protectors World.

I picked up this book as I love romantic suspense / romantic adventure genres and I am huge fan of Kendall Talbot’s writing.

Rusty used to be a Delta. He has his tryst sidekick K-9 Soda now as part of the team KOA Charlie. He knows Sienna from when they were younger but didn’t expect to meet her again. This is their chance to have a second go at what could have been. But then danger surrounds Sienna and Rusty steps in to do what he does best.

Kendall Talbot always takes the readers on an interesting journey to different / exotic locales and both Rusty and Sienna have very strong and likeable personalities. On this journey, you get to know the characters.

Kendall Talbot has a knack for keep you glued to the pages, and living vicariously through her characters. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh this book has a cover picture that ticks all the boxes and it just gets better and better as the tale unfolds. The first chapter draws you in and it doesn’t stop there. Rusty, ex Delta Force, now part of the Brotherhood Protectors with his trusty K9, Soda. Sienna, Rusty’s first love, returns to the island to try to get over the loss of her best friend and falls by accident deep into a people trafficking gang. With Rusty and Soda, and not forgetting her aunt’s own dog, Pickle they launch full steam into trying to extract themselves but it’s not an easy task.
I loved this story, especially the relationship between Rusty and Soda. With Rusty’s father being head of the Police that also brought an interesting dynamic to the tale.
Sienna and Rusty get their HEA but had their own personal issues to overcome first.
This has to be my favourite book in the series so far.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in the Brotherhood protector storyline I love these small collection written by favourite authors that slip into this world

This is a super fast paced story that is basically set over a 24 hour period and in that time it never slows down. Sienna Blackwood is out for her early morning run when she sees something she shouldn't putting her life in danger she escapes and heads to the local police station to report it but they are busy after cracking a huge case and can't investigate straight away Fuming she leaves where she runs into Russell “Rusty” Callahan ex Delta and the son of the Chief of police He recognises her instantly the girl whose heart he broke nearly 20 years ago. He listens to her story and decides to help her having little idea what she has stumbled onto Soon they are fighting for their lives in the lava tubes of Hawaii and maybe cracking one of the biggest cases the islands have ever seen That is if they can survive a deadly 24 hours

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sienna witnesses a crime and barely gets away, she goes to the station to report it and ends up bumping into Rusty and his K9 Soda. Rusty remembers her from years ago when they were teens, she doesn’t recognize him and it’s for the best as the two left things in not so good terms. He’s willing to help and as they go back to the scene, they end up in a high stakes survival game through lava tunnels and trained killers on their heels. Finding a way becomes more complicated when they end up in the vipers den with no way out, trapped with killers, a psycho and kidnapped women for sale. It will take all of his training including Soda to get them all out alive.
A great read with non stop action and suspense, surprises, twists and turns and great characters. A second chance for Rusty and Sienna, hashing out their past and getting their future that was long overdue.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished reading" Rusty’s Command” by Kendall Talbot, and I am thoroughly impressed! This book deserves every bit of the 5-star rating I am giving it. From start to finish, the story is a fast-paced thrill ride. Talbot's writing style makes it incredibly easy to read, keeping you engaged with every turn of the page.

The action is non-stop, with plot twists that kept me guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making you cheer for them throughout their intense journey. Talbot has a knack for creating vivid settings and high-stakes situations, immersing the reader completely in the world she has crafted.

"Rusty’s Command" is a perfect blend of action, suspense, and adventure. If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, this is definitely one you should pick up. Highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good action-packed novel!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

While chasing her aunt's dog, Pickle, in the lava flows of Hawaii, Sienna stumbles upon two men burying a body. Going into the police station to report the incident she is met with skepticism. Rusty, a member of Brotherhood Protectors, steps out to help her. Sienna does not recognize Rusty as her teenage heart throb, Russell. Once back in the lava tubes, naughty dog Pickle gets away and in chasing him into tubes Rusty and Sienna come upon a full-fledge human trafficking ring. How will Rusty and Sienna come out alive and rescue the women who are being auctioned off to the highest bidders? This book was full of exciting scenes and kept me interested throughout. Like all the books by Kendall Talbot I didn't want the story to end. This is another great book for all romantic suspense lovers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rusty's Command was great. I was surprised Talbot could keep Rusty and his former girlfriend, Sienna, underground for what felt like forever in this book. Running from the bad guys, rescuing a runaway pet, saving young ladies from a sex trafficing ring are just a few of the scary parts of Rusty's story.
Eventually his whole team gets involved, but for the most part, Rusty is without backup.Sienna is a very clever lady and does a great deal to help them escape from the criminals, but she obviously doesn't have his military training. What she does have, fantastic computer programming and hacking skills, puts her in a position to save many lives.
It wouldn't be a complete story if their old love story didn't get rekindled. You'll need to check in on them yourself to get the details. I'm not a voyeur.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rusty’s Command (Team KOA Charlie Book 3) by Kendall Talbot is part of the Brotherhood Protectors World. Still, it has this author style of writing, exotic location and strong personalities. The danger is unexpected for Sienna Blackwood in this case with it not slowing down but revving up as the story progresses. Ex-Delta Force operative Russell "Rusty" Callahan and K9, Soda are there to help her but the fight is an all out one.

What a rollercoaster ride of a story. You can count on Kendall Talbot to keep you reading, rooting for the hero and heroine, knowing that evil will be stopped in it tracks. The hope is that true love with find the good guys and gals in the end.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher/author through BookSprout which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second-chance romance between Rusty and Sienna was filled with action, danger, and suspense. The unsuspecting Sienna unknowingly drags the equally clueless Rusty into a deadly situation within the lava caves.

I was surprised that Rusty and Sienna seemed to do most of their fighting along with Soda and Pickles. It took a while for the rest of the team to make an appearance. I didn't care for the condescending way Rusty's dad chose to communicate with him.

The book was fairly engaging, but Rusty and Sienna constantly battling their enemies became a bit tiring to me. Other than that, the plot was entertaining. The HEA was well worth the wait. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5) Buckle in. Have you ever been on a ride that starts out of the station slow and then goes nonstop and keeps you gasping? If not, open this book. The very beginning with Rusty had me feeling at odds. Once he meets up with Sienna things start popping. Soda (his K-9) just speaks to my heart and Pickle well, one of my dogs name is Pickles with and S and their personalities screams related. There are some major things happening but were dealt with circumspect and also informative. Towards the ending with Sienna starts rattling off IT info made me smile. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #Rusty'sCommand #BrotherhoodProtectorsWorld #TeamKOACharlie #KendallTalbot #TwistedPage #Bookfunnel

[Christina Standridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome story. Sienna is house and dog sitting for her aunt. Her best friend committed suicide recently and she's having a difficult time dealing with it. She is out for a jog when the dog runs off in to some volcano tubes. As they exit she sees two men burying someone. They chase her and she gets away. She goes to the police and they blow her off. She' leaving when she runs in to Rusty and he agrees to look around. He doesn't believe her at first because the ground doesn't looked disturbed. He changes his mind when someone starts shooting at them. Their adventure begins. Suspense, action and twisted.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book is full of adventure, nail biting, leaving you on the edge of your seat adventure. Sienna and Rusty stumble upon something that they shouldn't have and this leads them to further dramas. Along the way you can feel the chemistry between them and you just have to hope for a happy ending. Soda was a great character too! This book was written by Kendall Talbot one of my favourite authors. Everytime you read a Kendall Talbot book, you know that it is going to be an amazing read because all of her books are!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally read about Delta force or K9 dogs but I was intrigued and what I found was a great story.
Set in a Hawaiian island and mostly takes part in Old lava tubes and is action packed from the start.
Sienna was dog sitting for her aunt and pickles ran into a cave, what she found was two men trying to bury another man, not quite dead.
Police don't appear interested but Rusty with his K9 dog Soda want to help.
later they both realised they had met before and they did have a loving relationship that petered out.
What they got entering the tunnel was a nightmare, danger after danger and lots of men with guns.
I really enjoyed it, a must read story.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow brilliant book. Fast paced, action packed, a complete thrill ride of a book.

When Sienna get caught up witnessing a cover up, she races to the police and runs into Rusty and his K9 Soda, needing his protection.

These two sure had the chemistry and the slow build of the relationship was instrumental in building the suspense. The trouble coming for them was pretty intense as was the attraction between them.

So well done. I loved this book and couldn't put it down to the very last word. The plot got me involved and these characters really were so believable and endearing.

Fantastic book and highly recommended!!

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a deep breath as the adrenaline rush starts right from the first and doesn't let up throughout the book. A run on the beach turns into a nightmare for Sienna. Rusty can’t believe that danger has reunited him with a girl from the past. Not believing her story at first,Rusty suddenly finds the lethal truth. They find more than they bargained for as they flee for their lives. As always, this authors puts you right in the middle of the action and suspense but balances it beautifully with humor and passion. Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[readbythorns · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a cool concept, FMC and MMC find murder and mayhem with a crazy dog named Pickle. It was very fast paced with the majority of the book occurring in one day. It felt a bit more like an episode of a TV show rather than a book. We see some backstory with the characters with minimal details on their contexts. The romance was present but not a large part of the story, the old lovers reunite and then they're suddenly together again without really getting into the details. It feels like fast forward was held a bit too much but the book does end in a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rusty Callaghan Works for Brotherhood Protectors Team Hawaii K-9 unit. He is also former Delta Force.
Soda is his K-9. Alsatian Dog.
Sienna is an old friend of Rusty from his teenage days.
Pickles is Sienna’s Aunt’s dog.

Rusty and Sienna have a past when they were teens.
Rusty and Soda meet Sienna , when she asks for help when she is targeted on seeing someone being hurt by some savory individuals.
There are hair raising moments against the cartel with illegal dealings ( drugs, weapons people), but they overcome
With numerous plans
Can they have a Happily Ever After?

This book has edge of your seat suspense, danger , intrigue.

Great Job Kendal Talbot. !!!!!

[Krissy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. This was so much more than an easy to read second chance romance as it dealt with some heavy issues that may be triggering for some readers. Expect to be pulled in from the first chapter as the action grips you from the start and the adrenaline doesn't let up with the danger and unknowns coming at Rusty and Sienna. Add in an intelligent, highly-trained K9, Soda and a high energy crazy and yippy terrier Pickles, and this made for an exciting and engaging read you don't want to miss!

[Anima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance love, intense K9s, lava tubes and the Yakuza! When Sienna agreed to dog and house sit for her Aunt she never thought she’d run into her past. Rusty and Soda, his K9, are incredibly in sync together as they hunt and attack evil bad guys. Rusty and Sienna happen to meet up and walk right into a serious crime unfolding before them. She can be a cool cucumber under pressure while he’s intense and deadly. Such a fun book with something for everyone, romance, crazy dogs, scary bad guys and a happy ending. I got to read an early copy and am sharing my voluntary review.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rusty's Command is the 3rd book in the multi-author Brotherhood Protectors World Team KOA Charlie subseries, but can easily be read as a standalone. The story brings together hair-raising, nail-biting suspense, heart-pounding action and a second-chance-at-love romance set on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii - an absolutely awesome combination! Add in two completely different but equally lovable four-legged side characters and you've got a winner!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rusty and his K9 Soda are one ex-military team that doesn't give up and work together as one. Sienna has no idea that her life is fixing to change in a blink of an eye. She saw something she shouldn't have and Rusty has been pulled into it. It going to take trust,strength, digging deep inside for courage, and working together to stay alive. Not enough words to express what a phenomenal story this is. Just when you think you can relax watch out because it's not over yet.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. It is amazing how long one day can be. Rusty with his K9 Soda, day starts with a drug raid and then moves to helping find an area that Sierra saw a body being buried by two men. What they find is nothing, but soon they are running for their lives when they are being shot at. They are chased into the lava tunnels and will discover more danger, that will have them working together to survive. This book is full of danger, high tension and a happy ending. I enjoyed reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm over half way through this team now and each story is a winner.
Rusty bumps into someone from his teen years, Sienna doesn't recognise him after 18 years but trusts him to help her. Witnessing a crime she returns with him to the scene and it's game on from there. Bullets flying, danger is around every turn. Will they make it out alive? In roughly a day the action and running didn't stop, heart stopping moments kept me glued to my kindle.
By the end will these two have a second chance at love?
Great series, I can't wait for the final story and character.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start of this book, you have fast paced action. With romance and mystery.

Sienna and Rusty find themselves coming across a trouble which brings them action and drama. Both are fighting for their life’s but also the chemistry that is so strong that they share.

Both are great strong characters that have history, but together they are perfect.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.