Worthy

Shining Knight Protectors #3

by Madison Love

I’m undercover as a nanny, protecting a billionaire hockey player and his spitfire daughter. The catch? I have to return home and face the one person who could destroy me.

When Aiden Shaw started receiving threats, his parents hired me to get close enough to protect him and his little girl. Only Aiden doesn’t know I’m more than the hired help. From the beginning, we’re like fire and ice, but we’re forced to play on the same team if we stand any chance of winning. With opponents like the mafia, a vindictive ex, and a raving fan against us, we must go on the offense to ensure victory. Facing insurmountable odds, including my mother and a past that haunts me, Aiden goes for a power play. He announces to the world that we’re engaged, hoping this will solve most of his problems. All it does is make things worse, and I’m forced to call in reinforcements and turn to God for help—something I never thought I’d do. As his last line of defense in a game with no rules and the players out to win at all costs, I’ll have to risk everything for us to triumph—including my heart.

Worthy Shining Knight Protectors Book 3 is a sweet, Christian, romantic suspense novel that combines intrigue, love, and humor for a fun and exciting read that will keep you guessing until the very end. There is no swearing, promiscuity, or cheating by the protagonists in this story. Although this is the third book in the Shining Knight Protector series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

TRIGGER WARNING There is one chapter in this book where there is a discussion of childhood neglect and emotional abuse, but also the power of forgiveness. This is a spinoff from the Just4You Matchmaker The ProtectorMatchmaking The Undercover Agent *Matchmaking The Grumpy DoctorMatchmaking The Firefighter

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 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

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shining Knight Protective Services The team consists of Ben and Ethan ran the show and then the Alpha team consists of Carter, Patrick, Savannah, Jerry, Jessie and Roger. This is Savannah's story.
She used to compete in beauty competitions and her mother ruled her life from what she ate to who her friends were. Eventually she quit. Savannah's new assignment is for her to go back to her hometown and play nanny protecting the daughter of a prominent hockey player. He has been receiving threats and has hired a private security team. The grandparents of the little girl do not want her to be surrounded by a group of burly men all of the time, so they want a female agent to pose as nanny. Aiden Shaw's daughter has now been threatened. Penelope, Penny for short is 6 years old and she is as smart as a whip. Her grandparents Martha and Reginald Shaw say she has an IQ of 160 and loves to quote facts. She also enjoys reading, drawing and singing. So, Savannah is now headed back to her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. She will use the name Anna Blackwood so no one especially her mother will know she is back in town. Savannah does a wonderful job in her new role as a nanny. Penny seems to just love her right away. Savannah is very smart and often challenges Penny in her fact's questions, they cook together, and Savannah keeps Penny busy and does not give her a chance to get bored. Over time Aiden seems to get closer to Savannah as well.
Where will things go from here? Do they find the person that is threating Aiden and his family? Does Aiden's x-wife have anything to do with the threats they are all receiving? What will happen with the budding relationship that Aiden and Savannah seem to have going? This fantastic book that Madison Love has written for us has all of the answers. I know you are going to love the book. I did and it seems as if each of Maddie's gets better them the last one. She is a fantastic author and I get wrapped up in each of her books and the characters.
I am proud to be a part of Madison Love's ARC team and I am very happy to leave my review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiden Shaw, a famous billionaire hockey star and single father would do anything for his daughter Penelope (Penny), so when threats start coming his way, he hires several body guards. But as attempts on his life begin to ramp up, will that be enough? Savannah Jones is a former beauty queen who now works for The Shining Knight Protector Services. She is hired as a nanny by Aiden's mother to work undercover to protect Penelope. Aiden doesn't know about Savannah's bodyguard skills or why his mother has hired her; he just thinks Savannah is the new nanny. Penny is a delightful and energetic little girl with an infectious personality and a high IQ. I love when she quotes statistical facts, and Savannah joins in with more facts of her own. Such a fun pair! Even though Savannah has idolized Aiden since she was a teenager, she and Aiden start off like flint and steel with each other. However, neither can deny the growing attraction towards each other.
When there's an attempt on Aiden's life after a hockey game, Savannah calls in help from the Shining Knight Protection team; and when Savannah runs into the one person she was hoping to avoid--her mother--she finds changes she may or may not be able to deal with. Savannah has several secrets she's kept to only a few trusted friends; when she opens up and tells Aiden about her difficult life growing up with her abusive and neglectful mother, Aiden replies that ". . .God often uses negatives in our lives for the greater good." I liked that insight! I also enjoyed the family dynamics and Aiden's concern for others around him.
All in all, "Worthy" is an exciting story with plenty of danger, romantic suspense, and a precocious little girl that needs protection. . .and maybe a mother. There are twists and turns and quite a few possible suspects in the mystery that Savannah and her team are trying to solve, plus the growing relationship between Aiden and Savannah. I am thoroughly enjoying this clean romantic suspense series and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have really enjoyed this series. by Madison. I like the way she ties in Christianity throughout and not making it over baring or pushing her faith values and beliefs.

Wow! Savannah, Anna, really had a rough like during her youth through college because of her mother . Her character is amazing in that she came out ok on the end of it all as an extremely caring, loyal and family (her Knight family) driven and focus in life. She is very private about this past life and only Ethan knows her story.

In her going back to her old stomping grounds, the city she was named after, Savannah, making it a rough assignment for her to accept.Ever since her arrival in

Savannah, she was constantly putting these old horrible memories behind her so she could protect and love Penny, Aiden Shaw's daughter, whom she is protecting and acting as her Nanny. Aiden is a famous and one of the best hockey players and who Savanah has cared out and crushed on for over 18 years. She had to admit that Ethan's calling her a fangirl was correct. Her care and love of Penny was instant because of the sweet, caring and selfless young girl is

Immediate sparks between Aiden and Savannah upon meeting each other and what a rollercoaster to find out the intricate web the author weaved around Aiden and who was after him physically and threatening him and now Penny. Lots of dips, turns, up and downs throughout sprinkled at times with chuckles.

There was too much going on behind the scenes and drama during the last third of the story. Yes, I was glued to the book and spent a sleepless night to finish it, but it did seem to drag on a little longer then necessary. Must admit did enjoy the several chuckles in the beginning and ending of the story and anxiously look forward to the next story

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

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savanah, a former beauty queen has been working for an elite team for the FBI. Her newest assignment is to go undercover as a nanny to protect a child and her star hockey player dad, Aiden. Using the name of Anna, Savanah reluctantly takes the job even though it means going back to her old hometown where she has bitter memories. Soon, however, she is quickly helping the current bodyguards up their game and trying to create a safer environment for Aiden and his daughter. Unfortunately, he has an angry ex-wife, a stalker, and some other shady mafia types who seem to be showing up at games. Things turn dangerous when shots are fired after a game and Savanah brings in her entire team to help out.

Of course, Savanah and Aiden find themselves fighting an attraction to each other and all kinds of other issues pop up. Savanah finds it difficult to keep her identity secret and she also finds herself falling in love with the precocious daughter. All the while, things just keep getting more dangerous.

Madison Love weaves a highly readable page-turner of a story. She adeptly handles multiple characters and surprising twists and turns and still maintains the swoony-ness to get us finally to the HEA. It’s a fun read that is not overly scary but with good romantic elements.

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

[Amy Stead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve grown to love this series 💕

I can’t help it, I love these books. It’s like an action-packed Christian romance Hallmark movie on paper. At first I had a hard time getting out of secular romance novels🫣 I had a serious smut problem and my Spirit wasn’t happy with me either. I almost canceled my unlimited subscription; but these are awesome. They helped curb my addiction to read junk bad for my spirit when I need to take a brake and find wholesome entertainment. Thank you Ms. Love for making a fantastic read. Please keep up the good work I look forward to reading your other series when I’m done with this one. May God Bless you all during these strange times. I pray you all keep seeking Christ Jesus, listen to God’s Holy Spirit and follow the path the Father has set before you. I pray you all become a beacon of God’s light and that you radiate His righteous, faithful and merciful love to everyone you meet. May you grow in His strength and your armor be impenetrable with any attack from the enemy. And I pray you grow in the fruit of His Spirit. In Christ Jesus, Holy name I pray, Amen🤲🏼
P.S. Please always remember my sisters (and brothers) Jesus loves you and so do I ✝️🤗🫶🏼

[Sarah Cudlipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! Sometimes I'm careful when it comes to Christian romantic suspense series as they can be a little heavy on the religious side of things and the plot can get lost. But that is definitely not what happened here.

Savannah was incredible and I am always here for a female body guard! Way to dominate that mostly male trope. It was pure perfection from start to finish. The characters, the romance, the action, the suspense. Chef's kiss perfection. I was absolutely engaged the entire time and not once did I feel that the plot was put into the background for the religious aspects of things. And while I do love some spice in my romantic suspense. Sometimes it's nice when that takes a little bit of a back seat and lets the characters and their stories just completely dominate. This was a fantastic book and I am looking forward to going back and reading the first two in the series. I can't wait to see what this author has in store next.

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

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

“you’re stronger than your past. You’re the strongest woman I know, Savannah. Don’t let something you can’t change dictate your future and your choices as you move forward.”

This is my second book by this author, and my second in this series. I’m really enjoying this Christian romantic suspense bodyguard series. It’s obvious that this is a spin off series and I’m interested in looking into the books that came before.

I really enjoyed the reverse bodyguard theme as well as the hockey celebrity. I was definitely shocked by some of the happenings in this mystery. Our high IQ six year old was adorable.

Forgiveness was a major theme in this book and Love hit it hard. She used some extreme situations and examples to highlight forgiveness. The mark of Christ being a changed life was also front and center.

I’m excited to read more in this series.

I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series I have read. But will look into getting the previous ones. Loved seeing Savannah accept a job in a city she never wanted to see again. Traveling incognito as Anna so she wouldn’t be recognized, she became the nanny to Penny, daughter of Aiden, famous hockey player. Miscommunication and secrets all around put them in the deep end early. Threats coming from several directions kept them on their toes. Finally, with everyone working as a team, how would they determine who was behind all the threats? Dropped one star, as I never figure out who, I did this time. Inspiring, HEA, and many threads to follow, make this a good read.

Received an ARC and this is my honest unsolicited review.

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this down!!

I am enjoying each of the books in the Shining Knight Protectors series more than the last. Worthy, featuring Savannah Jones, has exceeded even my expectations. The characters are so multi-dimensional and the action is non-stop. The layers of the plot build as more and more nefarious activity is uncovered.

What struck me the most is the strong Christian theme of repentance and redemption that runs through the book. I loved how Aiden, Penny and Aiden's parents tried to actively live out their faith as an example for others, and how that example changed lives

I received a free advance copy of this story from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercover nanny

A very enjoyable 2 person point of view Christian suspense. Savannah, while she loves children is extremely reluctant to take on the personal protection job as she never ever wants to return to her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. She has always been a fan of the Savannah Rockets, and Aiden is one of her favourite players - she knows his stats backward and can't turn the job down. As we learn more of Savannah's past you can't help but be horrified, yet she has come out of it strong and fierce - and with total disinterest in religion. I loved how the godly characters of the Christians around her showed her without words that things could be different, and how when things went bad, she learnt how to lean on God, and how to forgive.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy is my first book by Madison Love. It is the 3rd book in the Shining Knight Protectors Series. It did not disappoint. Worthy is a Christian Romance w/ some suspense thrown in. Savanna is hired by Aiden's mom to protect his daughter when there is a threat on their lives. There is an instant connection between Aiden and Savannah. I like how the author weaves the story together. There is laughter, suspense, intrigue, romance and a who done it.

I have not read books 1 & 2 and I do not feel it hampered my understanding of the book 3 in any way. This is a great book as a standalone or in order, whichever you prefer.

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

[D'anah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy strong, sassy, godly, intelligent females. This book is full of them. The story is really well crafted, as usual, a great deal going on to keep you turning the next page as you can't wait to see what happens next. Really appreciated Aiden's mother's input on:
Feeling abandoned by God during abuse and her take on that. Very helpful. Loved the truths of how anger dissipates when forgive; the notion of building a new relationship instead of 'fixing' an old one. Deals with some difficult subjects well. Highly recommend it. This whole series is a must read if you enjoy books with some depth and clean godly characters and real life issues.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shining Knight to the rescue – of hearts?

A very well crafted romantic/suspense story that held my interest throughout.
The characters were relatable and likeable while delivering humour and intrigue to the plot. The writing is clean and portrays the personal growth of both Aiden and Savannah as their relationship blossoms. Penny, Aiden’s 6-year-old daughter is a charmer and loves her new nanny/body-guard. With on-going threats, Savannah/Anna is committed to protecting both her and her father. Relationships build as the mysteries are being unveiled…I received an opportunity to read and voluntarily give my honest review.

[Rosalynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great hockey romance. And another great read from Madison Love. Savannah finally got her story shared. Her past wasn’t all the great and neither was her mother putting her into beauty pageants all the time. Her new job assignment brought her back home to face her past. The relationship she had with Aiden and Penny developed quickly over the first few days of her being there. I loved watching the relationship between Aiden and Anna blossom into something more and the relationship Penny had with Anna develop onto a Mother/Daughter relationship. I did however not like watching how the attacks on Aiden and Penny grow more frequent but they were soon out to rest. The plot twist at the end was definitely unexpected.
Thank you to the author for my advanced copy. These words are my own.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is the first in the series that I have read and I will definitely be looking for more from the series. The story had suspense, danger, alpha males and females who had each other's backs and protected those in their care. And in the case with Aiden and Savannah, their feelings developed into a sweet romantic love story. I also loved the very precocious, Penny, as a wonderful addition to the story.

There is a Christian element to the book that teaches a good morale lesson, as well.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willing offer my honest review.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy

A great story full of suspense, laughter and a little romance on the side. Aiden Shaw is a single father and wealthy hockey star. When he and his daughter are threatened, his parents hire the Shining Knight Protection Agency. Savannah is brought in to be the new nanny to protect Aiden’s daughter and Aiden, unbeknownst to him. Savannah is also facing her past when she returns to her hometown. Using another name may not be the best solution since she is a former beauty Queen. Will Savannah and her Shining Knight team be able to keep the Shaw family safe without her losing her heart?

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about starting off on the wrong foot! I don't think Aiden could have had a worse start with Savannah (Anna) if he tried! Which makes for a fun read. This book had so many tropes! Enemies to lovers, fake relationship, single dad, hockey player, body guard, Christian redemption arc with a heavy forgiveness theme. Romcom thriller involving exs, stalkers, mafia, family drama, hockey games and parties. And oh yeah, cute baking sessions with the adorable kid.

It is a lot stuffed into one book but somehow it totally works and I want more. Complex plot with lots of characters - but enough detail and foreshadowing that it is easy to follow. Super satisfying HEA.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This can be read as a standalone, however reading in order would make it more enjoyable.

Savannah is being assigned a case where she is undercover as a nanny while providing security for Aiden's daughter. She loves the assignment, just not the location. Aiden is a hockey player receiving threats and lives in her hometown. Why doesn't she want to go home? Who's after him and why? What happens when his ex shows up. Between the ex, the mafia, and a stalker threats are showing up everywhere?.

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

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I loved every minute of it. This is book 3 in the series but it can be read as a stand alone. Having said that it does make me want to go and read the others in the series to read the other team members stories. The romance is sweet. The characters have depth and growth. The suspense is great, I did guess who was behind everything early on but it was still fun to see how it all fit together. I genuinely loved this book from beginning to end.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy is book 3 in the Shining Knight Protection Series by Madison Love. Savannah is former FBI, but, her life has been hard. Her mother is controlling and her next assignment is protecting Penny in her old home town. Easy peasy, except it is not. The author has written many layers in this story. Savannah and het mother, her assignment with hockey player, Aiden, Aiden's ex wife, his best friend, Swank….twist and turns and an unexpected ending. This should be on the reading list of all mystery lovers. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Crystal Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This one was action-packed!!! Yet still full of swoony moments. It was so so good.

I loved the emphasis and genuineness of Aiden's faith throughout the book.

I loved how sincere and raw Savannah was with her past and the incredible emotional toll that took on her.

🏒 Instant Attraction 
🏒 Fake Engagement
🏒 Adorable daughter 
🏒 Deep conversations 
🏒 Held my breath moments
🏒 Kept me guessing until the end
🏒 Faith Based

Content Comments: Makeouts, Infertility discussed, Prior Abuse - discussed on page (see authors trigger warning)

Thank you Madison for a copy of this book!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison Love is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I have enjoyed this series and this book will keep you reading so you might want to consider what the time is when you start it. I love Aiden’s parents, especially his mom. She has no problem keeping Savannah/Anna’s true identity hidden from Aiden. I loved Aiden and his sweet heart in spite of the toughness of his profession and standing. This book has romance, secrets, humor, danger, and several twists and turns. Now the problem is waiting for the next book. My fingers are drumming.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one bites the dust!

I am in love with the Shining Knight Protector books.

What an absolute joy to read!

I truly value the deep Christian faith woven through all the books. It resonates with my heart and soul.

A story filled with beautiful people on the outside and on the inside, suspense, drama, deep friendships and love awaits.

How the Lord uses broken people and their past to heal the future

I love the book covers.

Looking forward to the next book in the series!

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

[C.Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in Madison Love’s “Shining Knights” series. I liked how the tables were turned, and it was the woman who was hired to protect the daughter of a famous hockey player. Of course, the nanny will always fall in love with the dad, but what I like about this is that it’s very wholesome. The relationship between the father and the nanny is not filled with lust, but a mutual respect that turns into love. Of course, there is a mystery solved.

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

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable:
This was another fast paced and exciting romantic suspense novel. There was plenty going on to keep my interest and enough personal elements to balance everything out. I enjoyed the faith aspects and the everyday advice that was given. I thought the romantic elements between Savannah and Aiden felt realistic and the addition of his daughter brought some lightness and laughter to the story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read? 😮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 even imagine of put it down. The chemistry and romance between them was sensational passionate. It was addicted. The physical attraction between were tension of physical intimacy between them. Could he be falling in love with her the one he post to protect no matter what. 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

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked On This Series

I had no idea what a Christian romantic suspense story would be like, but I am totally hooked on the genre, thus author and this series. I love Savannah's dry wit, her strength mentally and physically, and the way she made something of her life after hard circumstances. Aiden's ability to see the good in everyone and give forgiveness and second chances is admirable. Once again the Knights come through professionally and personally. Beautiful story with another great ending.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book definitely hits all the high & low points. I love how Madison writes in a smoothing way in which to overcome danger, pain and any emotions. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the Knight team. It's family through & through. Penny is absolutely adorable. Anna has always captured my attention from the start & remains a brilliant character. A journey of action, danger & love enjoyed all the way.

[Desiree Luhnow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Shining Knight Protection series, Worthy, is just as great as the previous books in this series. There are sparks from the first time Aiden and Savannah meet and it just keeps building. This book includes action, danger, lies, drama, a precocious daughter and a mouthy best friend. All the things you need for a thrilling book with a few extras thrown in. Plan your day because you won’t want to put this story down.

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah's mother almost sounded like a Hitler experiment where children were given no love or shown affection. Thankfully, she was able to break free but not certian damage was done. Adian was her heart throb when she's was a teenager, but is now her client is the only second one that can get through to her, the first being Penny his daughter. Between the two they are able to make love blossom in her heart again. Excellent Read and a definite five star.