The Guardsman

by Cat Treadgold

No stranger to adversity, Liam Ryan has also cheated death. He kept himself and his twin sister safe through a tough childhood in the foster care system. Then, at age twenty-four, he took his first trip abroad and was blown up and presumed dead in a terrorist attack. Three years later an investigator locates him working as a security guard in Jerusalem.
Scarred mentally and physically by his ordeal, Liam needs space to decide what comes next. So he agrees to join his sister Ali and her new husband Joe at their sprawling estate in Port Townsend, Washington. Joe’s sister Teresa, fleeing a broken engagement and her controlling mother, also comes to stay. Liam mistrusts rich people, but Teresa, the kind of society princess he would normally avoid at all costs, is hard to resist. Especially when she becomes suspiciously accident prone and in need of a protector.

Genres: Romance, Suspense

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2023

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guardsman is the second book and heartfelt tale in the The Olympic Peninsula series by Cat. This book follows on from the Woodsman where we met Ali and JJ. Just as the first book was it is an interesting story that will have you falling in love with our MC’s.
Cat’s vivid storytelling brings to life the story of a man whose world literally blown apart. Liam Ryan has been lost and is broken but he is trying to put his life back together again with the help of his sister.
He struggles with his new world and hopes to find what it is that may make him whole again. It certainly isn’t the society princess that he comes face to face with.
With frustrations, sometimes hopelessness, hopes and passion sparks fly in this romantic tale.
Teresa has had her fair share of troubles and isn’t what everyone thinks she is. Looking for a place to lay low she finds more than she was bargaining for.

This well-written romance tale should be a must on your reading list.

I cannot wait to see what Cat brings next in the series.

[Feathered Quill Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guardsman is the second book in The Olympic Peninsula series by author Cat Treadgold and it is an excellent addition to the series. As with the first book in the series, The Silent Woodsman, this second story is well-developed and an excellent novel. I will say that, while the second book can be read as a stand-alone story, it would be more beneficial to have read the first in the series so that you are familiar with the characters, as there is so much backstory in the first book.

In The Guardsman, we meet Liam Ryan. Liam is Ali’s brother and a man whom most believed had been killed in a terrorist attack a few years ago. When Ali and her husband Joe hire a private detective to look into that, as Ali never believed her brother was dead, Liam is quickly located working in Jerusalem. While the detective is sure it is Liam he suggests sending someone from the family there to confirm. Since Ali is pregnant with twins, she is not able to make the trip and bring Liam home so Joe’s sister Teresa volunteers to go. It is the perfect excuse for Teresa to do some traveling and get away from the problems that her life currently involves.

When she finds Liam, Teresa finds a man who is very confused, scared, and unsure of what to do next. He agrees to go back with Teresa and they both return to the states to stay with Joe and Ali and help them as they prepare for the birth of their twins. Ali is overjoyed to have her brother back and everyone tries to help Liam deal with what has happened. Then the accidents begin…not for Liam but for Teresa, who Liam is beginning to care for. Is Teresa just accident prone or is there someone after her? What really happened to Liam during the years he was thought to be dead? What will happen to them next? And there are so many more questions. For the answers, however, you will just have to read the book.

The Guardsman is another riveting read from author Cat Treadgold. As with the first book, the plot of the story is not just another romance novel. It is filled with suspense and mystery that really keeps the reader, not to mention the characters, on their toes at all times. Thrown into the mystery are many moments of joy, sadness, and romance which, when all combined, make it a great read for anyone. The best part of this story is the character development that the author gives to the reader. Every character in the story is so interesting and well-written and you really feel for them as you read each page. The best part of the entire story is that we get to watch as Liam changes and learns to live again. He is truly a mesmerizing character that is written perfectly.

I would highly recommend The Guardsman to everyone who likes a good romance story that is not just a sappy story but one that has substance and keeps you riveted to the pages to find out what is going to happen. It is one that will be enjoyed by many and will leave you desperately wishing for the next book in the series. I for one cannot wait to see what the future holds for these characters.

Quill Says: The Guardsman is another stellar example of this author’s ability to give readers a romance novel that has a creative and interesting plot and holds your attention. This is not just another silly story from the romance genre but one that will grab a reader quickly and never let go. Cat Treadgold has become a new favorite author for me and I’m sure she will quickly become the same for many of you.

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying that you don't NEED to read the first book in this series, BUT I would recommend that you DO! You really get so much more information and backstory on the characters in book one, that will help to understand them in this one a bit. Plus why not just start at the beginning? This book follows Liam who is Ali's sister from book one. After an explosion (read book 1!!), Liam was thought to be dead for years! Ali and her husband Joe hire an investigator to look into things and by a small chance they find him! Being well into her pregnancy Ali couldn't go after him, so they sent Joe's sister Teresa. She wanted to travel and see the world, and this gave her the perfect excuse. Two birds, one stone. Finding him scarred physically and mentally he agrees to come back to the states to stay with his sister while he figures out his next plans for life. Teresa heads back as well and helps Joe and Ali find the perfect place for them and their soon to come twin girls. She finds a great three story compound with a few guest cabins on plenty of land. Being VERY pregnant with twins, she welcomes all the help that both Liam and Teresa provide staying in the guest cabins. Ali and Joe head back to have the babies at the hospital and that leaves Liam and Teresa all alone. Unfortunately Teresa has a few scary accidents, some of which could have killed her. Has she always been so accident prone? Or was someone trying to send a message? Finding a man with a camera on the property they start to think it's just paparazzi. Liam sets up security and even picks up a couple guard dogs, but these accidents just seem to find her where ever she goes. Even in town! After a man pushes her off a dock into the freezing water, she finally goes back home leaving Liam alone. Liam does everything he can to keep himself busy and keep his mind off Teresa, but even night life in town doesn't help. Going on a three day hike is his next plan. Ali, Joe, the twins, and Teresa come back to the compound the week he's heading for his hike and it just happens to be Ali and Liam's birthday too! With a weekend dinner party planned the house is full with friends, the new nanny, and the twins. Talk about busy, busy! I could go on and on about this book! So much happens! So much suspense! Like who is trying to hurt Teresa? What was Liam doing those three years when everyone thought he was dead? Is he really an assassin? Or spy? And what will become of both Teresa and Liam? Will the past come to bite him in the butt? And will Teresa find her calling?? Will she go back to Paul? Or maybe the yoga instructor! You have got to check this book out!! I personally can't wait to read the next book!

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guardsman is Book Two in The Olympic Peninsula Series. It is a romantic suspense novel that centers around the character of Liam. Although it can be read as a standalone, I do highly recommend reading the first book to gain a better understanding of the characters and their backstories. Liam was mentioned in the first book as the twin brother to Ali. He was missing and presumed dead after a terrorist attack occurred while he was stationed abroad. Although three years has passed, Ali has never given up hope that he would be found. When a private investigator finds Liam working as security in Jerusalem he agrees to move home to be with his sister, Ali, and her husband, Joe.

Liam has had a troublesome past that has left him emotionally scarred. While they were growing up in the foster care system, he did his best to keep himself and Ali safe. They both had a rough childhood and Liam practically raised his twin sister. Now three years after the terrorist attack he still feels broken. Liam is trying to piece his life back together and move forward from the trauma of his past. He hopes to do that with the help of his sister Ali, and her husband, Joe. What Liam does not expect is for his entire life to change when he meets Joe’s sister, Theresa, who is also staying with them. Theresa is fleeing a bad relationship and seeking a safe place to regroup and relax. When Liam meets Theresa, he does not like her and feels that she is a bit of a high society princess. Yet, he cannot help but find himself attracted to her. When mysterious little accidents begin to occur around Theresa, Liam steps in to protect her. As the two spend time together Liam cannot deny that he loves her feisty attitude and enjoys the witty banter between them.

This was another great book by this talented author, and I was thrilled to read Liam’s story. After book one I was wondering if he would have his own book. The storyline was riveting, and the characters were lovable and engaging. Liam was a broken man with a lot of trauma from his past that he was desperately trying to overcome. I loved watching how his character grew and evolved through the book. Theresa was an unlikely romance interest for Liam, but she seemed to be just what he needed to move forward in his life. Liam felt happy, alive, and hopeful when he was around Theresa. The problem was whether he could allow himself to feel happiness and fall in love. This was a beautifully written story with trauma, loss, despair, grief, hope, passion, romance, and unexpected love. I highly recommend this book!

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cat Treadgold returns to the rugged emotional terrain she navigates so well in The Guardsman, the second book in the Love in the Pacific Northwest series. A deeply introspective and slow-burning romance, this novel explores the intersections of trauma, class divides, and the healing power of love—even between people who, on the surface, couldn’t be more different.

Liam Ryan has every reason to keep the world at arm’s length. A former foster kid turned trauma survivor, he’s spent years surviving rather than living. Presumed dead after a terrorist bombing overseas, Liam reemerges three years later, physically and emotionally scarred. He seeks refuge with his twin sister, Ali (familiar to readers of The Silent Woodsman), and her new husband Joe at their estate in Port Townsend, Washington.

There he meets Teresa—Joe’s elegant, privileged sister—who’s licking her own wounds after a failed engagement and a lifetime of living under her mother’s thumb. Teresa represents everything Liam distrusts: wealth, ease, and a world that never had to fight for survival. But when accidents start happening around her, Liam’s protective instincts are triggered—and so begins a complicated, compelling dance between two wounded souls.

Their chemistry crackles, but what’s more powerful is the emotional vulnerability they gradually allow themselves to share. Watching Liam wrestle with his need for solitude versus his instinct to protect, and Teresa learning how to stand on her own while accepting love, is genuinely moving. Treadgold’s writing is both grounded and compassionate, allowing their relationship to unfold with authenticity and tenderness.

Additionally, while this can be read as a standalone, readers who haven’t read The Silent Woodsman may miss some of the emotional resonance tied to returning characters and the familial dynamics at play.

The Guardsman is a rich, emotionally intelligent romance that balances heartache and hope in equal measure. Treadgold doesn’t rush the healing process—she lets her characters earn their peace, and in doing so, makes their love story feel that much more real. With strong themes of redemption, trust, and learning to let go of the past, this is a satisfying, heartfelt read for anyone who believes that the most unlikely people often make the best matches.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Olympic Penisula series. It can be read on its own however for me personally I recommend reading the first book as the characters are linked together. This is a gripping romance that I couldn't put down. The chemistry between our 2 main characters was intense and despite each of them having problems they couldn't deny their connection.
I really felt for Liam. He has been through so much with him being involved in a terrorist attack and presumed dead for 3 years he has been missing. He has a lot to deal with and suffer mentally from that incident. When he is found by an investigator he agrees to move and be with his sister and her husband while he decides what to do next and how he can move forward.
Also staying at the estate is Teresa. She is going through upset of her own by fleeing a broken engagement and a mother who is trying to control every aspect of her life. When she meets Liam she is immediately attracted to him but she can't figure out why he has taken an instant dislike to her?
All Liam sees is a rich princess who he doesn't trust but when she starts to get very accident prone and in need of someone to look out and protect her Liam can't stop himself from stepping into that role.
Could Teresa be the person to finally help Liam through his traumatic events of his past? Why is Teresa seemingly so accident prone, is it just the way she is or could something more sinister be working against her?
When 2 people are trying to fix themselves can they fix each other at the same time?
This is a heartwarming story and the author does an amazing job of bringing the characters to life and giving them depth that makes you feel invested in their story.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guardsman
By: Cat Treadgold

This is the second book in the Olympic Peninsula Series. I read the first book, The Silent Woodsman, and was anxiously awaiting the second book. I do think this book functions as a standalone, however, I will say that I definitely recommend reading the first book first. This is due to the same characters being featured in both books. I feel that you miss a large part of this story if you are unfamiliar with the background of the characters.
This time it’s Liam’s story. He was presumed dead in a terrorist attack. His sister, however, never lost hope that he was alive. She believed in their connection. Ali (his sister) and her husband, Joe, bring him back home. Liam and Ali are such amazing characters, they are dark and twisty and completely believable. They have had such a tight bond and have been through so much. It only makes sense that Liam is completely unsure of what he wants next in is life. However, if you read the first book, you know that not only did Liam and Ali have difficulty in growing up. Joe has an incredibly complicated family. And his sister needs his help. Joe and his sister have a good relationship. Teresa is also an excellent character. I loved how she and Liam interacted.
Cat Treadgold is a fantastic author who really has a strength in creating complex, believable and relatable characters. Each and everyone one of the characters introduced in this book is perfect. They are absolutely well written and why I know that I will be seeking out more of Cat’s book’s in the future!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series I was looking forward to this second instalment, and I was not disappointed. It can be read as a standalone story but the characters do crossover, as Liam is Ali’s brother, who is missing and presumed dead in book one. Liam and his twin sister had a tough childhood in the foster care system where Liam helped keep them both safe, so when he was blown up in a terroirs attack whilst abroad, Ali was determined to prove that he was still alive. Then three years after he went missing an investigator locates him in Jerusalem working as a security guard. Liam is scarred mentally and physically and so agrees to join Ali and her new husband Joe at their home, on a large estate in Port Townsend, Washington. At the same time Joe’s sister Teresa, who is fleeing a broken engagement and wanting to get away from her controlling mother, is also staying with them.
His first impression of Teresa is that she’s the kind of rich society princess that he avoids, however, he finds it hard to stay away from her. When she needs a protector, having become suspiciously accident prone, Liam steps in. I was kept happily turning the pages by this heartwarming romantic suspense novel. The characters and the setting are brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the storyline. I liked ‘catching up’ with Ali and Joe, as well as having the new relationship between Liam and Teresa develop throughout the story. An enjoyable and engaging read.

[Melissa Saxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guardsman is book 2 in a thrilling series. Though book 1 isnt required to read it, will definitely help you understand the main characters, this book focuses more on Liam.

Liam, whos been presumed dead for over three years (after an explosion at the end of Book on is found by a private investigator. Ali, His sister has never given up on him still being alive. Theresa, who is Joes sister (Alis Husband) brings Liam home to Ali. Theresa is instantly attracted to Liam, however hes quite resistant. Theresa is rich and appears on the surface to be a society princess: everything Liam hates. deep down he cant help but admit hes feeling the attraction even if he wants to deny it. Shes independent and spirited and the banter between them keeps him enthralled.
After coming home to live with his sister and her new husband (joe) but struggles to settle into "home". When Theresa starts become more and more "accident prone" and increasing strange events happen Liams heckles raise and his protection instinct kicks in.

What is going on with Theresa? Will her independent streak crumble to allow Liam to help her? Are these all accidents and coincidences? Will Liam and Theresa get past all the things they think they didnt like or couldnt have and accept one another?

This is a romantic suspense, with the audio reading by the author which I feel gave it extra flair. I felt the characters emotions and the story kept me turning page after page.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guardsman is book 2 in the Olympic Peninsula series by Cat Treadgold. Liam, thought dead after a terrorist attack from, has come back to Port Townsend to recover over the loss of family and friends, especially his twin sister and her husband. Liam is a character built entirely on self-reliance, trauma, and loss. His “death” left those who knew him devasted, so when he resurfaced, minus his sister everyone doesn’t know how to help him heal. As a naturally reserved person, Liam tries to wall himself off from the outside world to deal with his grief, and that works for a time until his paths cross with Teresa Morelli.
Teresa was born into privilege, a socialite from her roots to her toes, yet she has her own demons that call to Liam’s. There is something about her that draws Liam in. When they first meet, he immediately tries to walk away but finds himself drawn to her and the need to protect her at all costs. Teresa must be willing to admit that she needs something in her life that can help authenticate her feelings, and if neither of them gets out of their own way, a love of a lifetime could be gone.
This was such a great story following Mister Movie Star. While each of these stories is an interconnected standalone, I have found it best to read them in order, otherwise the full story won’t make sense. If you are looking for a story full of self-discovery, loss, and love, emotional healing, and romantic forced proximity, then this is the story for you!

[Rebeca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Olympic Peninsula series. I would recommend reading the first book prior to this one to get a deeper background on the characters and their connections to each other.

Liam is a character I took an interest in in the first book, as despite not actually meeting him properly he was featured heavily. It was thought that he may have been dead by most, but his sister firmly believed him to be alive. Getting to know him in this book was interesting, pieces together what I thought I knew to what is revealed started filling the gaps in knowledge, answering questions I’d had since the first chapters of the previous book. Liam has certainly been through and lot but remains strong despite this and his mistrust in people, he remains caring.
I loved Teresa in the first book, she was so sweet and welcoming so I’m glad to see her get a shot at true happiness in this book, she truly deserves it. They both do. Their story is a sweet one, slowly their opposites attract.

The descriptive language once again paints vivid imagery of both the scenery and characters, creating a world you could almost step right into.

This was another enjoyable book in the series, and I look forward to reading the next one in November.

[Brandy Jo Rymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat Treadgold outdid herself with this second book in The Olympic Peninsula series. In this book we get to meet Liam and learn about his whereabouts when he was presumably dead, Ali's long-lost twin. The love story could not have happened for anyone better than the love interest that the author has for Liam, especially after all of the trials that he had faced in his time abroad. No matter how much he fights the temptation to allow this young woman into his life, he soon finds that protecting her safety doesn't allow for him to hold her at arm's length. This book is primarily focused on Seattle and Port Townsend, both cities in Washington state. The author did an amazing job combining the beauty of Port Townsend, with the gorgeous scenery of the other cities surrounding this small town to draw the reader into the simple beauty of small-town life and the joys that one can find in escaping the big city life. This was another masterpiece of writing; the characters are so well-developed that you cannot help but cry over their heartbreak and cheer over their successes in life and love. This is a wonderful addition to this book series and cannot wait for the next book to continue the story of these families.
@Brandy Rymer
09/2023

[Audrie Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that this one had the characters from the first books so I got to keep following them but really focused on a new couple. We met Liam and Teresa in the first book and this is their story. Liam was missing for a while and is now back in the states and living with his sister, Ali. He seems lost and isn’t sure what to do with himself. He is also very private and quiet and doesn’t want to talk about what happened when he was overseas. Teresa is Ali’s sister in law and she is also floundering. She was brought up with privilege and her mom watches her every bite, but Ali is ready for a change. There is chemistry from the very beginning but Teresa doesn’t think that he is truly interested and Liam thinks that he doesn’t have the right background for her family. There is an heir of mystery to this one when Teresa starts to have “accidents” that seem to harm her but are getting almost deadly. Ali and Joe have their twin babies and finally move back to the compound. This helps and doesn’t because she really wants to see Liam and Teresa together. We get to see all of the secondary characters from book one, just a few years later, which I love! Also set in Washington, my home state, and makes me want to visit the small towns again soon.

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Liam & Ali and Teresa in book 1, and I really love when series characters are woven together so it all feels natural and like real life when they circulate back in for their own story to be told.

Liam had rewarded himself after a difficult life with the gift of a solo trip. While on his adventure, a terrorist group attacks and Liam is blown up and presumed dead. When an investigator finds him in Jerusalem three years later, Liam returns home to Ali and her husband Joe, desperately in need of decompression and learning how to live his life from this point, with his mind and body scarred from the attack.

While Liam is learning how to go forward, Joe's sister also ends up needing a place to stay for awhile, and Ali and Joe's estate fit the bill. Teresa has a controlling mom and a cancelled engagement she is fleeing, after a lifetime of being accustomed to getting exactly what she wanted. She and Joe are intrigued by one another, although neither expected it. When Teresa starts having suspicious accidents occur, Joe spends even more time with her as he vows to be her protector. Will they discover the source of the accidents before Teresa ends up hurt? Another great addition to the series!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam Ryan was presumably dead after being involved in an explosion in Israel. His twin sister, Ali, has been looking for him ever since. Ali and her husband Joe hire a private investigator to seek him out since Ali senses he's still alive. The PI lets them know that he's pretty sure he found him but just in case, a family member should go scope him out.

Theresa is the one chosen to go. While she's not blood kin to Liam, she is Ali's sister-in-law. Theresa lays an eye on Liam and immediately knows who he is. Once Liam moves back to the States and into a cottage on Ali and Joe's property, he finds himself playing protector to Theresa. He's not a fan of people with money, especially the way that Theresa flaunts it around, but sometimes the heart will override all other emotions.

Another stellar read by Cat Treadgold! I do recommend reading this series in order since they build on each other. It would be super helpful to know the progression of the relationships in order of them happening. I look forward to reading the remainder of this family's stories!!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

The Guardsman is the second book in The Olympic Peninsula series by Cat Treadgold. It is a heartwarming contemporary romance with an opposites attract element, a protective hero, damaged soul, trauma, family dynamics, emotion, finding love unexpectedly, and the healing power of love.
Here we meet Liam, who is Ali’s ‘missing- presumed dead’ twin brother (Ali is the FMC in Book one- The Silent Woodsman). Liam has been through quite a lot in the past few years and has quite the story to tell. Needing time to reevaluate his life and come to grips with everything, he goes to stay with his twin sister and her husband- and life takes an unexpected turn. What happens makes for a heartwarming tale.
As with the first instalment, Ms. Treadgold crafted a touching story which is woven with plenty of emotion which tugged at my heartstrings and made it easy to connect with the characters and invest in their story completely.
I am looking forward to the release of ‘The Magic Man” (Book #3).
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Cat Treadgold!

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Guardsman, it’s the 2nd book in this series. The author wrote a follow up novel that works out quite well.
Liam has returned! Ali has her twin back, but does she? He’s changed and he has secrets to keep. Is it for good reason or just privacy to spare what really happened?
Teresa is the one who finally convinced him to admit his true identity and come home. She also has a lot on her plate she’s running from. Running right into Liam’s arms. When freak accidents start happening one starts to wonder if someone is after her.
The author navigates all these obstacles and challenges wonderfully. The growth of Liam’s character is what kept me glued to this novel. Despite his past he’s one of the good ones, however does he know that?
You don’t necessarily have to read book 1 to read book 2. It’s a series but a standalone in its own right. Now for you it’s time to check it out! Me I’m going to go back to book 1 and read it right through book 2 to see if I’m missing anything.

[Rhonda Pulk · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guardsman: A Forced Proximity Guardian Romance by Cat Treadgold
5 Star Review
This is book two of the Olympic Peninsula Series and the story of Liam and Teresa. Liam is Ali’s twin from book 1; Teresa is Joe’s sister. Liam has cheated death and had his share of troubles. He is not comfortable around the rich and snobby. Teresa is running from a failed relationship and needs a place to stay. She is everything that Liam wants to avoid. He can’t do the rich and famous vibe. But when she needs to be protected, he is there even when he doesn’t feel he should be. I actually like this better than the first book. I think it may be my favorite yet.
The background and emotion in this book hits different for me than in the others. As with other Cat Treadgold books, the writing is crisp and clear. The book is easy to read. The stories are relatable. I love the fact that the author puts the characters together that are the furthest for being the right for each other. She really embraces the opposites attract plot.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold. I love this Olympic Peninsula series. Its the second book in the series and I recommend reading the first book before due to the same characters being in this book. This is Liam's story. Liam is a troubled man who has pretty much had to raise his sister Ali and they had a very hard time growing up. Liam was presumed dead for 3 years after being in an explosion in Israel. Ali has never stopped looking for him and when they find him, she and her husband bring him home with them. Liam is trying to heal and get his life back together and decide what he wants to do with his life. When he meets Theresa, Ali's sister in law, he becomes very protective and feels things he swore he would never feel. As he tries to process all the emotions of what he has been thru will there be room for Theresa and will he allow himself that happiness. Read this amazing 2nd book in this series to find out!

[Jennifer Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was book number 2 in the Olympic Peninsula series, and I honestly think I may have liked it even more than the first book. The main characters added a beautiful blend of sass, banter, and stubbornness to the story.

Teresa is Joe’s sister, and Ali’s sister in law. She’s engaged to a man named Paul, but she’s not overly thrilled with him. The book opens with her visiting Jerusalem to find Ali’s twin brother Liam. She convinces him to come home, and reconnect with his sister.

Once everyone is back home in the states, Ali and Joe convince Liam and Teresa to move onto their compound to help with the newborn twins. A lot of things transpire in this time frame, but no spoilers from me!

I will recommend reading book 1 before diving into book 2 because there are things that may not make sense if you don’t! Overall, it was a great read and I’m looking forward to continuing the story with book number 3! 4.5/5

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Olympic Peninsula series is just as good as the first one. This one follows the story of Liam and Teresa who happen to be the siblings of the characters in the first book. Liam had been abroad and got caught up in a terrorist attack and is presumed deceased. Teresa is fleeing a broken engagement and is trying to get out from under mother's controlling hand. They both end up at Ali and Joe's home in Townsend, Washington. Liam tries to avoid high society types like Teresa but she is nothing like the ones he has met before. Also, she seems to be accident prone and she needs somebody to protect her. Is he the right guy for the job? I enjoyed this story just as much as the first one and the characters are just as likable. Liam is the knight in shining armor that Teresa needs in her life.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series which is just as great as the first one if not better. I highly suggest reading the previous books as well to help your enhancement of this author’s writing style. I found this book to be well written and full of romance. What happens when you are accident prone and are in need of a protector? Liam and Teresa are about to find out. Their story is one that is hard to put down and will keep you coming back for more. They are great characters where their growth keeps the story engaging and easy to read. There is great chemistry and attraction between them. I really enjoyed these two characters and what they brought to the story. I highly recommend reading their story.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the first book I couldn’t wait to get into this book because I had questions that needed answering …….

Liam and Ali didn’t have an easy life as children and now that they’re grown up he takes the chance to explore life and the world only to get blown u in a terrorist attack , believed to be dead and how do you walk away from something like workout scars ?!


Liam goes to spend time with Ali and her family and this is where his path crosses with Teresa who is licking her wounds and on the run so to speak but she grows on you so just be patient and reserve judgment all is not what it seems 🤫😉

Did I enjoy it ? Yes ! Will I tell others about it ? Yes
Looking forward to more from Cat ❣️📚

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the second book in The Olympic Peninsula Series, The Guardsman, explores the story of Teresa (Joe's sister) and Liam (Ali's twin brother). Joe and Ali move back to Washington following their extended honeymoon in France. Their sprawling estate accommodates their siblings, who quickly realize their powerful connection with one another. After a near-death experience and recovery overseas, Liam is reluctant to get involved with the wealthy, sophisticated woman that is Teresa. Cat Treadgold uses the same detailed writing to draw the reader into the world of wealth, family, drama, connection, and a touch of the paranormal. I loved that this book continues the story from the first book, although it can be read as a standalone. I cannot wait to read more of this series!

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second in the series and follows on from book one. This book is just as good as the previous one and I was pulled into the story as soon as I started reading. I loved the main characters. Their story, their connection it all felt so relatable and real. The characters are what made this book for me, I wanted to see how things would work out and how they would develop.
The book was well written and has a great pace to it. I like the authors writing style and I will be looking into more of her work for sure. This book was thoroughly enjoyable and I think it is well worth the read.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and you don't necessarily have to read the first to understand what's going on. I would recommend it just to have a better grasp on *some* of the characters but it's not necessary. I really enjoy Treadgold's writing style and the way she writes and develops her characters. They are very realistic and relatable. I am really digging the thriller/suspense with a little bit of romance and spice thrown in there...two of my favorite genres :) I thoroughly loved Liam and Teresa's story, both individually and together and I can't wait to see what else Cat Treadgold has in store.

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam is usually the protector of his twin sister Ali. He travels overseas and is presumed dead by all but Ali. Three years later, he is “found” and comes back home to help his pregnant sister and new husband. Ali and new husband, country singer Joe, have just bought a new house with 2 guest cottages on the property. Liam stays in one and Joes sister Teresa. Liam’s protector instincts take over even though he typically is weary of the rich, after Teresa starts having serious accidents.
I did read the first book in the series and would recommend doing the same. While the story focuses mostly on Liam and Teresa, knowing the backstory is very helpful.

[Rebecca Billman · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a long hard life, Liam decides to take a solo trip, but when a terrorist attack happens his whole life changes. An investigator finds him three years later working as a security guard in Jerusalem.

After being found, he returns home and joins his twin sister. He needs time and space to figure out this new part of life for him. His twin, Ali, has since been married and lives with her husband Joe.

Joe’s sister, Teresa, comes to live with them as well for a short time and Liam feels an instant connection to her and he is shocked because he doesn’t trust easily.

A great romantic suspense that has you wanting to keep reading to see what happens next the entire time.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing 2nd book. I was so happy to know that we'd get to learn Liam's story. He is so fiercely protective of Teresa. While I absolutely adore Joe, Liam has quickly become a 2nd favorite. Even thought he tries to hide it, and so does she, the chemistry between the 2 of them is so alive and HOT. I definitely recommend reading the 1st book in the series, as it explains a bit of Liam's story, but I also feel like this book does a really good job making it possible to read as a stand alone. Cat Treadgold is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine.

Review By: Manda Kelly 2023

[Kelli Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, the second book in the Olympic Peninsula series says WATCH THIS! Liam and Teresa are both a handful on their own but when you throw them together watch out. It is very rare that the second book rivals the first but I must admit I think I like Teresa and Liam's story better than Joe and Ali from book one. You should read these in order as they do carry on from book one and Joe and Ali are very prominent in this second book. I am eagerly awaiting the 3rd book.... I have read the blurb and let's just say I can't hardly wait!