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The Protectors of Boone County, Texas #4
Resolute Bodyguard
Their shared past ended badly
But he’ll give everything to save their future
Security expert Nate Reed hates returning to Resolute, Texas—almost as much as becoming assistant DA Sara Bennett’s bodyguard. Their spring break fling years ago ended badly. A second chance can’t happen…no matter how much desire still simmers. But when a dangerous stalker’s threats escalate to a deadly inferno, Nate will risk it all to keep his vulnerable, irresistible charge safe.
But he’ll give everything to save their future
Security expert Nate Reed hates returning to Resolute, Texas—almost as much as becoming assistant DA Sara Bennett’s bodyguard. Their spring break fling years ago ended badly. A second chance can’t happen…no matter how much desire still simmers. But when a dangerous stalker’s threats escalate to a deadly inferno, Nate will risk it all to keep his vulnerable, irresistible charge safe.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2024
4 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Marshman
34 books612 followersDanger. Deception. Desire.
Award-winning suspense author Leslie Marshman is (finally) putting her psychology degree to good use, getting inside the heads of her characters and figuring out what makes them tick. She writes novels that feature kick-ass heroines, the heroes who love them, and the bad guys who fear them.
Leslie called Denver home until she married a Texan without reading the fine print. Now she lives halfway between Houston and Galveston and has learned to embrace the humidity. Her household includes two miniature poodles named Harley and Davidson, and a three-legged box turtle named Stumpy.
If she’s not at her computer making things up, you’ll probably find her camping at a lake, a fishing pole in one hand and a book in the other.
Award-winning suspense author Leslie Marshman is (finally) putting her psychology degree to good use, getting inside the heads of her characters and figuring out what makes them tick. She writes novels that feature kick-ass heroines, the heroes who love them, and the bad guys who fear them.
Leslie called Denver home until she married a Texan without reading the fine print. Now she lives halfway between Houston and Galveston and has learned to embrace the humidity. Her household includes two miniature poodles named Harley and Davidson, and a three-legged box turtle named Stumpy.
If she’s not at her computer making things up, you’ll probably find her camping at a lake, a fishing pole in one hand and a book in the other.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 18, 2024
Resolute Bodyguard was a fantastic second-chance love story for Sara Bennett and Nate Reed. The Reeds are all known in Resolute, Texas as their father was sheriff before his untimely death. Now Nate’s sister Cassie is sheriff with his two brothers also working as deputies in the department. That left Nate the odd man out in the family. Not wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps, he dreamed big and left little resolute for sunny LA, at least that’s the story he sold to everyone else. He may have left Resolute after a spring break fling with his sister's friend became something more for him.
Sara Bennett was running the rat race as assistant DA in Austin, Texas. Determined to be a judge, she put in long hours day after day, only to have her biggest case yet ripped out from under her at the last minute. When her friend, Cassie Reed, calls in desperation to replace their dearly departed judge in Resolute, Sara jumps at the chance to put some distance between her and Austin. The three-month stint as Boone County Judge in Resolute would help her decide what she wanted out of life. Life at a slower pace might be exactly what she was looking for, especially when she kept getting threatening texts from an unknown number.
The last person Sara expected to see in Resolute was Nate Reed, the man she had a college fling with and her friend Cassie's younger brother. Since Nate was in town, wrapping up their father's estate, he agreed to help Cassie move Sara into the judge's mansion, which is owned by the county. It’s there that Nate discovers Sara is being stocked. As the owner of a bodyguard security company in LA, he can't in good conscience leave Sara alone to fend for herself, especially when more attacks occur. He told himself all he had to do was protect her body by keeping his hands off it.
Narrator: He failed. First at keeping his hands off her body and then at protecting it. When push comes to shove in resolute, Nate has to wonder who is after the new judge and why. Unfortunately, since he's not law enforcement, he has to leave it up to his family to find the culprit and trust them when they say he's the guilty party, even though his gut says they've got it all wrong.
One of the great parts of Resolute Bodyguard was the found family aspect of the storyline. Sara never had a big, loud, busy family like the Reeds are. Living with her parents who could’ve cared less that she was around made it difficult for her to connect with anyone except her grandpa, or Pops, as she called him. He was a judge whom she stayed with every summer and the reason she wanted to become one. Sara wanted to make him proud, but she also believes strongly in justice and has always found the court of law fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed Sara's blossoming relationship with the Reeds and how she got Pops involved in the family too.
Resolute Bodyguard was the perfect story to finish the Reed siblings series. If you love second-chance love stories, stalker plots full of suspense and found family books, you can't miss Resolute Bodyguard!
Sara Bennett was running the rat race as assistant DA in Austin, Texas. Determined to be a judge, she put in long hours day after day, only to have her biggest case yet ripped out from under her at the last minute. When her friend, Cassie Reed, calls in desperation to replace their dearly departed judge in Resolute, Sara jumps at the chance to put some distance between her and Austin. The three-month stint as Boone County Judge in Resolute would help her decide what she wanted out of life. Life at a slower pace might be exactly what she was looking for, especially when she kept getting threatening texts from an unknown number.
The last person Sara expected to see in Resolute was Nate Reed, the man she had a college fling with and her friend Cassie's younger brother. Since Nate was in town, wrapping up their father's estate, he agreed to help Cassie move Sara into the judge's mansion, which is owned by the county. It’s there that Nate discovers Sara is being stocked. As the owner of a bodyguard security company in LA, he can't in good conscience leave Sara alone to fend for herself, especially when more attacks occur. He told himself all he had to do was protect her body by keeping his hands off it.
Narrator: He failed. First at keeping his hands off her body and then at protecting it. When push comes to shove in resolute, Nate has to wonder who is after the new judge and why. Unfortunately, since he's not law enforcement, he has to leave it up to his family to find the culprit and trust them when they say he's the guilty party, even though his gut says they've got it all wrong.
One of the great parts of Resolute Bodyguard was the found family aspect of the storyline. Sara never had a big, loud, busy family like the Reeds are. Living with her parents who could’ve cared less that she was around made it difficult for her to connect with anyone except her grandpa, or Pops, as she called him. He was a judge whom she stayed with every summer and the reason she wanted to become one. Sara wanted to make him proud, but she also believes strongly in justice and has always found the court of law fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed Sara's blossoming relationship with the Reeds and how she got Pops involved in the family too.
Resolute Bodyguard was the perfect story to finish the Reed siblings series. If you love second-chance love stories, stalker plots full of suspense and found family books, you can't miss Resolute Bodyguard!
May 21, 2024
Nate Reed fled his hometown of Resolute, Texas many years ago. He is happily single and living in California. He owns a highly successful security company. He loves his family, but he is only in town for a short while with no plans to stay. Those plans are about to unravel.
Sara is Cassie's best friend from college. Sara has been in Austin, Texas trying to move up in District Attorney's office, but she seems to be stalled in her position. When Cassie asks her if she will come to Resolute to fill in as the temporary judge for the county, she decides this will look good for her future job security.
Sara has been receiving threatening messages, which she has not shared with anyone. When she arrives in Resolute and the threatening messages have followed her there, Nate does what all heroes do, he offers to protect her. He knows this protection detail will not be an easy one as she broke his heart all those years ago, but his protective instincts will not allow him to walk away.
The intertwining romance and suspense kept this book interesting. The puzzle of who the stalker may be is a complex one. Serving as an assistant district attorney has garnered enemies from her past. The Reed crew are just the right people for this job. Nate will provide the protection, and his family will solve the mystery. Leslie Marshman knows how to draw you into the story so that you cannot possibly put the book down until you know how everything ends up. I really like the characters in Resolute. Nate and Sara both have lofty goals, which is not a bad thing, but they are so staunch in their insistence of where they want to go and be, that they cannot see what is right in front of them.
If you enjoy a solid mystery with plenty of suspense, action and intrigue, you will enjoy this book and this entire series.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sara is Cassie's best friend from college. Sara has been in Austin, Texas trying to move up in District Attorney's office, but she seems to be stalled in her position. When Cassie asks her if she will come to Resolute to fill in as the temporary judge for the county, she decides this will look good for her future job security.
Sara has been receiving threatening messages, which she has not shared with anyone. When she arrives in Resolute and the threatening messages have followed her there, Nate does what all heroes do, he offers to protect her. He knows this protection detail will not be an easy one as she broke his heart all those years ago, but his protective instincts will not allow him to walk away.
The intertwining romance and suspense kept this book interesting. The puzzle of who the stalker may be is a complex one. Serving as an assistant district attorney has garnered enemies from her past. The Reed crew are just the right people for this job. Nate will provide the protection, and his family will solve the mystery. Leslie Marshman knows how to draw you into the story so that you cannot possibly put the book down until you know how everything ends up. I really like the characters in Resolute. Nate and Sara both have lofty goals, which is not a bad thing, but they are so staunch in their insistence of where they want to go and be, that they cannot see what is right in front of them.
If you enjoy a solid mystery with plenty of suspense, action and intrigue, you will enjoy this book and this entire series.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2024
Nate Reed is the last single member of the Reed family and he has no intentions of changing that anytime soon. He likes his life in California and doesn't plan on staying in Resolute with the rest of his siblings. As a young man he fell hard and fast for his sister's college friend Sara Bennett but things didn't work out and he has no plans on falling in love again. Sara was a serious college student over a decade ago. She had a wonderful week with Nate but she had an agenda that she wasn't going to change for love. Now she's back in Resolute helping her friend by filling in as a temporary judge when she gets targeted by a stalker. Nate's sister assigns him to be her temporary bodyguard before he has to return to California for business. These two definitely have some unfinished business. They both need to reflect on their life choices and think about what they want for their futures. That is if Nate can keep Sara safe! Resolute Bodyguard was a great addition to the series. It was told from dual POV and was funny, exciting, reflective, and had a bit of heat. It stands alone in the series however I recommend reading the rest of the books in the series so that you can get to know all of the Reed siblings.
May 10, 2024
Wow! This is the first book that I have read by Leslie Marshman but it definitely won’t be the last. The book started with a bang, literally, and had me with every turn of the page. Sara has dreams to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps, and become a judge. And when the opportunity comes available to go to Resolute Texas, to temporarily fill in as a judge, she took it as an opportunity, not only to help her cause but to get away from the harassing and threatening texts and to spend time with her best friend Cassie.
Cassie’s brother Nate is also visiting but trying to avoid Sara…hurtful past that he didn’t want to face. But when he realizes the danger that Sara is in, he knows he has to protect her any way he can. Will the past make it impossible , make things worse, better, or will it cost him the love he desperately wanted to leave in the past. I definitely recommend this book, which if full of love, family, regrets and second guessing and second chances
Cassie’s brother Nate is also visiting but trying to avoid Sara…hurtful past that he didn’t want to face. But when he realizes the danger that Sara is in, he knows he has to protect her any way he can. Will the past make it impossible , make things worse, better, or will it cost him the love he desperately wanted to leave in the past. I definitely recommend this book, which if full of love, family, regrets and second guessing and second chances
May 22, 2024
Resolute Bodyguard opens with an action-packed courtroom drama, that ends with the death of a judge! The action never slows down, and the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Sara’s first high-profile case has been yanked away on the eve of the trial. Her best friend is the sheriff of a small town that needs a temporary judge until an election can be held.
Hoping the change of address will put a stop to the threatening phone calls she is receiving on her private line, and discouraged by the trajectory of her career path, Sara reluctantly agrees to accept the temporary judgeship.
Unfortunately, the threats follow her, and Sara is forced to accept protection from the man she spurned years ago.
Will living in a small town make her an easier target?
Can her bodyguard keep her safe, even as they are forced to confront their secret past?
Don’t miss this action-packed, suspense filled, highly satisfying romance!
Sara’s first high-profile case has been yanked away on the eve of the trial. Her best friend is the sheriff of a small town that needs a temporary judge until an election can be held.
Hoping the change of address will put a stop to the threatening phone calls she is receiving on her private line, and discouraged by the trajectory of her career path, Sara reluctantly agrees to accept the temporary judgeship.
Unfortunately, the threats follow her, and Sara is forced to accept protection from the man she spurned years ago.
Will living in a small town make her an easier target?
Can her bodyguard keep her safe, even as they are forced to confront their secret past?
Don’t miss this action-packed, suspense filled, highly satisfying romance!
May 14, 2024
Lots of action and suspense.
In the town of Resolute, Texas, just lost a judge. They need a quick replacement until a new judge can be voted in. Sara Bennett, Austin’s Assistant District Attorney, has stepped up to temporarily fill the position. She always wanted to be a judge. Sara soon discovers she has a stalker and that stalker has followed her to Resolute. She needs a bodyguard fast. That’s where Nate Reed, a security specialist, steps in. Years ago, Nate and Sara had a spring break fling and never saw each other again. Will they be able to keep it professional, or will old feelings make a come-back?
This book had everything I was looking for, suspense, action, romance and great family dynamics.
In the town of Resolute, Texas, just lost a judge. They need a quick replacement until a new judge can be voted in. Sara Bennett, Austin’s Assistant District Attorney, has stepped up to temporarily fill the position. She always wanted to be a judge. Sara soon discovers she has a stalker and that stalker has followed her to Resolute. She needs a bodyguard fast. That’s where Nate Reed, a security specialist, steps in. Years ago, Nate and Sara had a spring break fling and never saw each other again. Will they be able to keep it professional, or will old feelings make a come-back?
This book had everything I was looking for, suspense, action, romance and great family dynamics.
May 22, 2024
This is a charming second-chance romance. Sara is content in her job as an assistant DA, that is until politics throws a kink in her career plans. So she agrees to become the judge in Resolute until the next election. Nate's life is now centered in California, but he's been spending plenty of time in Resolute handling his dead father's estate. When it comes out that Sara has a stalker and she refuses to have a uniformed guard, the sheriff appoints Nate as Sara's bodyguard.
This action-packed story is also full of humor, danger, family connections, and memorable characters. I loved Sara's grandfather, Pops - what a great character. The attraction between Nate and Sara was obvious to others. The only question was whether they could admit it to themselves.
This action-packed story is also full of humor, danger, family connections, and memorable characters. I loved Sara's grandfather, Pops - what a great character. The attraction between Nate and Sara was obvious to others. The only question was whether they could admit it to themselves.
June 7, 2024
"Resolute Bodyguard" is a winning, fast-paced tale of suspense and second chance romance. The Reeds of Resolute, Texas, are a loyal, fun-loving family dedicated to each other, law enforcement and personal security. Handsome Nate runs his own personal security company in California but is back home on family business. His long-ago crush, Sara Bennett, an Assistant DA, is back also and they can't ignore the mutual attraction that ignites between them. Nate steps in as Sara's bodyguard when her dangerous stalker follows her to Resolute. The Reeds form a united front and you can't help but want to be part of this close-knit bunch. Bravo to author Leslie Marshman for crafting a superb romantic suspense story. I'm ready to read more of The Protectors of Boone County, Texas!
May 20, 2024
I’m just peachy keen and hunky dory
What would it take to bring the black sheep in the Reed family home for good? The murder of his father and then the stalking of the girl he once loved that is now a judge in Resolute. Considering being a bodyguard is his profession, he knows there is no one better to watch out for his sister’s best friend, Sara, than him and he reluctantly accepts the job and vows to see it through to the bitter end even if she breaks his heart again. Or will he? I love Resolute, I love the Reed family and I can’t wait to see what this wonderful author is going to share with us next. Whatever it is, it will be a treat!
What would it take to bring the black sheep in the Reed family home for good? The murder of his father and then the stalking of the girl he once loved that is now a judge in Resolute. Considering being a bodyguard is his profession, he knows there is no one better to watch out for his sister’s best friend, Sara, than him and he reluctantly accepts the job and vows to see it through to the bitter end even if she breaks his heart again. Or will he? I love Resolute, I love the Reed family and I can’t wait to see what this wonderful author is going to share with us next. Whatever it is, it will be a treat!
June 26, 2024
I’m an unabashed fan of this author’s books. I read her Crystal Creek Mysteries then this series, which begins with Resolute Justice. But honestly, I thought she might not be able to keep up the quality. I shouldn’t have worried!
Just when I think Leslie Marshman must have surely reached her peak, she climbs even higher with engrossing characters, fabulous prose, and unexpected twists and turns that made me finish this book in 3 nights. (It would have been two, but for me eating something that didn't agree with me.) If you’re looking for a page-turner with great romance, this is it.
Well worth a read, y'all!
Just when I think Leslie Marshman must have surely reached her peak, she climbs even higher with engrossing characters, fabulous prose, and unexpected twists and turns that made me finish this book in 3 nights. (It would have been two, but for me eating something that didn't agree with me.) If you’re looking for a page-turner with great romance, this is it.
Well worth a read, y'all!
May 5, 2024
Book four in the Protectors of Boone County, Texas is as amazing as the rest of the books!! Nate, the only sibling not in law enforcement is suddenly hired to be a bodyguard to someone from his past he never thought he would see again. Sara decides to take a new job in Resolute only to realize she has a big problem. Nate and Sara, along with rest of the Reed clan have to stop an unseen evil. I absolutely loved this story! An absolutely perfect addition to the series!
August 12, 2024
This book started out not very good to be honest. I feel like this author had so many mistakes in this book and half of the time her wording made no sense. Anyways I felt like Nates and Saras relationship was so random like they literally had sex and then apparently he slept with her every night and then when her grandpa got there they just stopped and their relationship grew apart like what. Omg literally the person who was stalking he and the person kidnapped her came out of nowhere. I feel like it should have been someone more important but instead it was some random ass girl like what. What I don’t understand is how that girl kidnapped Sara and Sara wasn’t strong enough to get away but she was strong enough to pull Nate out from under a floor that just collapsed. Anyways it was an ok book but not very exciting and had like no climax.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2024
The Reed family is very prominent in Resolute, and if you mess with one, you pretty mess with them all. Enter Sara, Cassie’s life long friend. You don’t mess with her either! This story is action packed and keeps you guessing! Follow along as the Reed family protects Sara as one of their own. Let’s throw in a little romance too! Loved this book!
August 3, 2024
The BEST!!!!
I love reading about the exploits of the Reed clan. The story kept me waiting for the next twist. Which I love. As with the rest of the books in the "Resolute" Series the story kept me coming back for just another chapter til the surprise ending. The perp was a surprise. Another great read!
I love reading about the exploits of the Reed clan. The story kept me waiting for the next twist. Which I love. As with the rest of the books in the "Resolute" Series the story kept me coming back for just another chapter til the surprise ending. The perp was a surprise. Another great read!
April 14, 2024
Enjoyable book. I thought the romance was a bit predictable but the mystery was entertaining. It’s been awhile since the first three books such that I didn’t remember the characters as well as I would have liked.
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May 4, 2024Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
The Protectors of Boone County, Texas (Book #4)
Miniseries
The Protectors of Boone County, Texas (Book #4)
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May 4, 2024Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
The Protectors of Boone County, Texas (Book #4)
Miniseries
The Protectors of Boone County, Texas (Book #4)
May 24, 2024
Awesome read! I liked absolutely everything about this story and was sad when it ended. Hopefully there will be more books in the series
August 18, 2025
This book keeps you guessing who is after Sara. Sara and Nate fight their feelings but you know they really like each other. I read it in 2 days. Didn’t want it to end.
August 1, 2024
I hope this isn’t the end for Resolute, TX. It seems whenever I read one of the stories of the Protectors of Boone County, it becomes my favorite in the series. This is Nate’s and Sara’s story. Nate is a bodyguard with a company in CA, and Sara works for the DA in Austin, TX, and they meet up again in Resolute, TX. They know each other from years ago and reconnect because Nate becomes Sara’s bodyguard. I love Sara’s grandfather and the relationship she and her grandfather have. He’s quite the character. It’s fun catching up with previous characters and learning about new ones. This story has all the action plus family dynamics and love of family by blood and chosen. I voluntarily read an advance copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 20, 2024
Resolute Bodyguard by Leslie Marshman! This was the 4th book in The Protectors of Boone County another great story with wonderful characters and it will keep you reading and turning the pages until the end! As Nate Reed has returned to Resolute Texas, he will get to be assisant DA Sara Bennett's bodyguard. As this story unfolds can he keep her safe until he finds out who her stalker is! I highly recommend this book I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opionion!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews