Valiant

Shining Knight Protectors #1

by Madison Love

My job is to save lives. When I end up fearing for my own, my family hires a protection specialist, who just happens to be my best friend and secret crush.I’ve been in love with Carter for the past two years, adept at hiding my affection for him. All that’s about to change when random gifts start showing up on my doorstep, and mishaps follow me wherever I go. When events begin to escalate, I’m left with no choice but to flee. The annual family ski retreat provides the perfect opportunity to escape my troubles…and Carter. But when he shows up at the resort, hired by my siblings to protect me, I know I have to face my fears. Finding ourselves trapped miles from civilization—hiding from our past decisions as they come back to haunt us—we have to put everything on the line to survive…including our feelings for one another. Will our devotion to each other be strong enough to weather the storm? Or will it tear us apart?** Shining Knight Protectors Book 1 is a clean, sweet romantic suspense novel that combines intrigue, romance, and humor for a fun and exciting read that will keep you guessing until the very end. It is the first book in the Shining Knight Protector series, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. This is a spinoff from the Just4You Matchmaker The ProtectorMatchmaking The Undercover AgentMatchmaking The Grumpy DoctorMatchmaking The Firefighter

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Christian Romance

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2024

About the author

Best Selling, Award Winning Author, Madison Love enjoys writing clean and Christian romances while intertwining humor, faith, and suspense. She has spent most of her life traveling abroad, discovering new places, and meeting wonderful people. She spent twenty years in the military before settling in a rural town outside of Buffalo, New York, where she now lives on a forty-acre farm with her husband, son, and two dogs. Having been afforded the time and opportunity to bring her ideas and stories to life, she seeks to give her readers the ‘happy ever after’ they seek.

***2024 Global Book Awards Gold Medal Winner in Women's Christian Fiction***

***2024 Global Book Awards Silver Medal Winner in Clean Romance***

*** Recipient of the 2025 Christlit Book Award for The Shining Knight Protector Series ***

*** Recipient of the 2025 Christlit Book Award for The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County ***

Reviews

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valiant: Shining Knight Protectors

I really enjoy discovering new to me authors who have such great books for a reader that loves good, clean and suspenseful stories such as this one. Be sure to read Carter and Leanna’s exciting story.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leanna is 24 and she works as an advanced EMT and Trey is her partner. Her entire family works in the Fire Department in some capacity, from an EMT to Fire Chief. Leanna and her twin sister, Daphne are roommates with Carter. Leanna and Daphne are younger sisters to Calli that we met in Matchmaking the Firefighter.
Carter is a Protection Specialist and takes care of anyone that needs him. His last client was Briar Rose, and she was in his protection for two weeks, while she participated in prestigious competitions. Briar Rose was receiving death threats. Everyone was trying to figure out who his client was, a movie star, musician, Miss America. The fire department even had a bet on who he was protecting. Carter was playing it to the hilt saying how beautiful she was, how pretty her long white hair was and her cute pink toenails. Turns out Briar is a pure-bred Maltese and competes in dog shows all over the world.
Carter and Leanna were just friends and did everything together when they were not working. To everyone else they were a couple with their chemistry off the charts, but they both denied it. Leanna was even jealous of Briar Rose until she found out she was the cutest dog ever.
You did it again, Maddie this book is fantastic! Each book gets better and better.
I am on the ARC team for Madison Love, so I got an advanced copy of this book. I highly recommend this book to you all. Run and get your copy, you will not regret it.

[CatMomReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by the author and it didn't disappoint! The family dynamics and personalities of all the characters were a big reason of why I liked this book so much, I found it fleshed out the story and made me care for our main characters more.

Carter and Leanna's love story was handled well (this is a clean, sweet romance), very heartfelt with just enough bumps and denials to make it interesting while not being over the top. I did like how important their friendship was to them both, all other feelings aside.

I tend to read romances and cozy mysteries and don't usually delve much into thrillers or suspense. I liked this and there was certainly mystery and intrigue involved but I will say it was more tense than I am used to. Not exactly scary, but definitely edge of the seat "Oh my gosh, what's going to happen next, ack?!" moments a few times. Love knows how to write atmospherically and it absolutely evokes a mood at different points in the book!

As this is my first book by Love, I can say that it read well as a standalone. I'm not sure, but I think it may give away some of the romantic pairings in her other series, but I would read more by the author. Recommended for fans of clean romantic suspense. I received an ARC which I chose to review.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story! From the first page to the very last I couldn't put the book down. There's everything in this book - mystery, intrigue, revenge and all covered and written superbly in a Christian manner.

Main characters Leanna and her family (all 6 siblings and mom and dad) along with Carter the Shining Knight security specialist are all very realistic and this theme was carried throughout, even at some of the most dangerous situations. Especially appreciated Leanna's strong Christian character and 'love' that is a strong reminder of how we are to live our lives. Don't want to say much more and give anything away, but truly enjoyed the tense drama, mystic, close family and love throughout.

It appears that this will be a series and hope to follow along with it.

I received an early, ARC, copy for my free and voluntary review.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining read…

What can I say that other five-star reviewers haven’t already said? They each have hit the nail on the head. Madison Love brings her characters alive on the page. Family and friends are so well connected that it is a joy to see them have fun with each other and still go out of their way to protect each other. Leanna and Carter each receive their wake-up calls to move out of the friend zone when their close friendship appears to be threatened. Yes, old flames and potential new ones, suspense and intrigue draw you into the story while good writing and natural dialogue flow till we reach our HEA. I am glad that there is more to come in this new series…I received an opportunity to read and provide my honest and voluntary review.

[Jennie Pendergast · Rating 5 out of 5]

A protection specialist and his best friend finally bite the bullet and declare their love .

Enjoyed being back with this author again. Carter and Leanna story was fun and exciting from the start. Their love for each other had been growing for a long time. But things started happening to stop that love and it escalated. Carter became Leanna fake boyfriend and protector on a family trip. But it all changed and he became her one and only. Their was still someone who wanted her love even on the trip. But Carter came to her rescue. Hope to get a story for Brody, Daphne and Ansel along with the rest from Shinning Knights. Will read more by this author.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valiant is book 1 in the Shining Knight Protectors Series by Madison Love. I thought that this inspirational thriller was excellent. Leanne and Carter are great characters and I liked that they are best friends and Carter is close friends with her family. I thought that it was interesting that the person after Leanne could have been anyone. The mystery was well written and the romance had many bumps on the road. I think this series promises to be very good. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leanna is currently working towards becoming a full-fledged paramedic. She happens to be the youngest member of her firefighting family. Leanna shares her living space with her best friend, Carter, and twin sister, Daphne. Although Leanna and Carter have feelings for each other, they are afraid of jeopardizing their friendship. However, things take a scary turn for the worse when Leanna gets stalked by an unknown individual. This story has action, love, and romance, ending in a HEA and a cliffhanger. Very highly recommended.

[C.Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I’ve read anything written by this author, and I really enjoyed it. I always love the grumpy/best friend Love Story, but sometimes it can get pretty smutty. I love how wholesome this book was, and it just proves that you can treat each other with respect. I liked the mystery aspect of it as well. I totally totally recommend it, and I’m looking forward to reading more written by this author in the future.

I was in an advanced copy of this book for free, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it down. It was addicted. These characters were physical and chemistry of attraction for one another it was spicy 🥵. But he was falling deeper in love with her than he could’ve imagined? Will their relationship grow stronger and deeper then they expected. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[Denzel Struchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love triangle, first responder family what a mess. When one brother starts a high risk security firm for wealthy clients and hhirers a former army buddy who happens to sub let 2 rooms of his house to his boss sisters, you get a tick8ng bomb. Come along for a story of redemption and forgiveness. God is honored and so is His word. I won't spoil the end but it sure is a twist!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet Christian romantic suspense with no cliffhanger. The novel combines love, faith, and humor for a fun and exciting read that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Who is threatening Leanna? Who slashed the tires on her car? Who sent her a dozen black roses? These and other questions will all be answered.

I love the story and it was very hard to put down. I received a free ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, Christian, friends to forever, romantic suspense book. I love the characters, this family and that they all work in the fire department. It's inspirational how they help other people. This is great storytelling with family, values, love, romance and of course suspense, intrigue and humor. It completely held my interest from beginning to end. What a great series! Looking forward to the next book! I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MyFairLady Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Leeanna and Carter’s love story! It was totally sweet (and clean) with just the right amount of heat! And I loved the romantic suspense element! This was my first time to read anything by Madison Love. After the reference to some of the stories and characters in the Just4You Matchmaker Series in this book, I’m planning to look those up too! Captivating characters and storyline!!! Absolutely Outstanding!!!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing quite better than starting a new book in a new series that grabs your whole attention from the very beginning. I fell in love with this book because Leanna reminds me of myself in some ways. Carter is a really hunky character and when the two of them come together look out because this book is going to warm your heart and put a smile on your face. I am looking forward to book #2 next.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most "Brother's Best Friend" romances center around one of them hiding the secret until the other comes around. This was torture for both Leanna and Carter, but both too stubborn to take the chance.
However, that is not the whole story, so I will let you discover on your own, the run-a-round of a stalker and protection duties.
This author has become a name, that when you see it, you grab the book.

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valiant

Valiant is the first book in the new Shining Knight Protector Series and you will totally love the storyline as well the the beautifully written characters. This is a sweet Christian friends to forever suspense romance that keeps you on your toes trying to figure out who the bad guys are. The author set up the future books in the series nicely and i will definitely be looking forward to reading them.

[BecReadReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 1st book by this author & she has done a great job. The family concept is done well with humor & banter. There is love, concern, respect but not by underestimating both the main characters. I enjoyed the push & pull between Carter & Leanna & the final expression of love. Read it & enjoy it! My Honest review!

[Mrs LIR Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant read. A lot of characters and many from the same family and their various partners - to build a series of books around fire fighters, paramedics and protections specialist.

I got a little lost in some of the characters but I enjoyed the read and the clean romance and mystery.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leanna has had a crush on Carter for years, but never acted on those feelings. Now he is the one person that can keep her safe and figure out who is after her. When fake feelings turn in to real ones the stakes become even higher.

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

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carter and Leanna have been friends for years and are roommates. Both have feelings wanting more but don't want to ruin what they have so they are afraid to admit it. When she ends up with a dangerous stalker will it be too late? Who is it? His ex, a grieving son, a former patient, or someone unknown?.

I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.

[Divya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows Leanna who is part of a family of fire fighters who is in a spot of bother when someone starts stalking her. She then gets her close friend Carter to protect her and Sparks fly! It was an interesting romantic mystery with good characters. I received a free copy of the book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[MommyO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started this book there was no way I could put it down! There was suspense, friendship, family, misunderstanding, and of course a HEA. It’s rare that I stay up until the wee hours of the morning to start and then finish a book, this one kept me turning pages from the first to the last.

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

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family and Best Friends

I love stories where one's family is fun and has your back. This is so true for Leanna's family and best friend Carter. They're all professional firefighters or some sort of first responders. Carter does personal security, and his services are needed for his best friend. The romance is sweet, and the family interactions are fun and funny. Good ending.

[Desiree Luhnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great romantic suspense read that includes not just one suspect but three. Add in all the unspoken feelings between Leanna and Carter and you have a suspenseful story indeed. You will enjoy this story.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a nice clean romantic suspense novel! Not all of the choices were stellar, but the main characters overcame their troubles, grew in character, and became better people for it! I loved the surprise ending!

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great characters and plenty of action to keep you glued to the story. I also liked the inspirational points. The author does a good job bringing them out, but it isn’t “preachy”. Looking forward to more in this series!

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! A beautiful clean story with Godly principles. Strong family bonds, friendship, mystery, action and love rolled up in one great story.

Can’t wait for the next book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I have been waiting forever for this spinoff book/series. We get romance, humor, “family”, danger, firefighters, surprises and twists. Now to have to wait for Book 2. Patience is not my strong suit.

[Ruth Abbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this romance/suspense

I loved the characters, the reality of the story, brought back memories for me! But suspense, humor, reality and forgiveness! I love the big family protectiveness of the brothers as well!
Highly recommend!