Wyoming Bodyguard

by Danielle M. Haas

His job is keeping her safe—

from unrelenting danger.

Ever since the Tremonts and the McKays had a dispute over their neighboring Wyoming ranches, they’ve been bitter rivals. So Madden McKay of Sunrise Security is more than surprised when Lily Tremont reaches out to him for protection after her father is attacked. Soon Madden must deal with vandalism, sabotage and revenge aimed at Lily. Why? Behind it all, he discovers a massive criminal ring. And while the investigation sparks passion between Lily and her heroic bodyguard, one shocking revelation could destroy lives on all sides.

From Harlequin Romantic Danger. Passion. Drama.

Feel the excitement in these uplifting romances, part of the Sunrise Security

Book 1: Wyoming Bodyguard

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Romantic Suspense

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

About the author

Danielle M Haas is a stay-at-home mom turned author. When she isn’t writing fast-paced romantic suspense novels with mysteries to live for and romance to die for, she’s busy being a taxi driver to her two busy kids and forcing her introverted self to talk to other soccer moms. Her kids and husband are her world, which is also shared with her hyper Bernie doodle, two sassy cats, and one leopard gecko who’s happy to chill on a rock all day. Her days are packed with cuddles, kisses, and a brain constantly thinking of new ways to create danger and romance for her next book.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Sunrise Security series. I liked this book. I wanted more action, and I found we went over some things over and over. There were parts of this book that I wanted it to be done. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyoming Bodyguard by Danielle Hass is the first book in the Sunrise Security Series. I truly can't wait for book 2.

Lily is our strong fmc. Her family ranch is struggling and now her dad has been shot. She hires Madden's security company to protect her since she feels unsafe.

Madden is co-owner of Sunrise Security and he started his business in the worst town possible since everyone hate him and his family. Now his business is struggling and he isn't sure what to do. He vows to protect Lily even when she makes it hard.

I really like how Madden and Lilly grew throughout the book. I liked the suspense and was surprised at who the bad guy was...I wasn't expecting that. This is a story about love and forgiveness. Its hard to let go of old hurt but maybe when Lily finds out why Madden's family made some of the decisions they did she can forgive them or will it be to late.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for allowing me to read this book.

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyoming Bodyguard by Danielle M. Haas is the 1st book in a new series. Lily and Madden were once childhood friends, but now their families are in a bitter rivalry. Overall I found this to and entertaining read and would recommend to others.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Harlequin, and I am leaving my review voluntarily

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyoming Bodyguard by Danielle M Hass is the first book in a series called Sunrise Security. The book’s setting is Wyoming in a small town that is surrounded by ranches. Madden McKay is the main character as well as the owner of Sunrise Security. Too bad his name is not the best in town after his father sold the ranch to a development company and now people are very reluctant to hire him.

Lily Tremont used to be a great friend but through growing up and deaths in the family, they grew apart. He left for the service and returned wounded unable to do ranch work. With the ranch sold a schism developed between the families.

Until Madden witnessed Lily’s father being shot down in cold blood by an unknown assailant. That is when things start to change. Lily needs Madden’s help to figure out what is happening and who is trying to kill them.

The book is a fast read, with action and romance. It is clear the book is the first of a series as time is spent introducing us to the area. I enjoyed Madden and Lily together. The action kept me curious about what was really happening in the story. Wyoming Bodyguard by Danielle M Hass was a good read.

[Susie (DFWSusie) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle of the pack romantic suspense. Childhood friends Madden and Lily grew up on neighboring ranches in Wyoming. When his family makes a choice that damages the financial stability of her family and endangers their land, the two turn into bitter rivals. Fast forward many years and Madden has returned to the town that also holds a grudge against his family’s decision. He’s trying to set up a personal security business but it’s not going well. After Lily’s father is mysteriously shot, Madden steps in to guard her and also help her figure out what her family may be mixed up in that could get them killed.

The story itself for the first 2/3rds didn’t stand out much from the many other similar western romantic suspense stories - enjoyable if predictable fare. However, the love scenes were really well done and felt very attached to their characters. Also, the last third was action packed and had a lot of big moments of emotional catharsis and connection that really worked.
———
Harlequin Romantic Suspense (August 2025)
Series: Sunrise Security #1

Themes/Tropes: childhood friends, rivals to lovers, protection agent/bodyguard, ranch life, Wyoming, danger, family ties, strong woman main character, small town, modern western

Steam/Spice Level: open door, in the bed, and hot on the HQ scale, these love scenes did a very good job of character work, thumbs up

Setting: small town Wyoming

BIPOC Characters: not the main characters

LGBTQ+ Characters: not as directly referenced

POV: third person, past tense, dual POV with MMC and FMC

Standalone or Series: can be read as a standalone, series starter

Cops/LEO: only as supporting cast when a crime occurs, no police corruption themes

Does the Horse Die? No. Queenie, Lily’s beloved horse, is put in danger along with the heroine (avoiding spoilers here) but all the animals are unharmed and safe after the peril.
__________
Thank you to Harlequin Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy. Expected publication date July 29, 2025

[Kelsey Haggerty · Rating 3 out of 5]

*arc review*
i looovveee a suspense romance novel, it fuels me- and this book definitely had the suspense aspect
madden, returned home from deployment, opened up a security business with his friend & fellow marine, reid
however… the town despises his family because his dad had to sell a part of their ranch and developers bought it & with that, brought a whole host of issues. one being lilys dude ranch next door & how the new hotel is out competing hers in price
there was always something happening in each scene- a drive by, finding drugs in an old shed, menacing words painted on a barn- you name it, it was in there
i wish the relationships outside lily & maddens were developed a bit more, maybe some back story or even some added description would’ve helped that a lot
the story was very heavy dialogue which isn’t always my favorite as i like the inner thoughts & opinions from the main characters
overall a solid body guard romance with some extra thrown in aka charming ex marine & cowboy
i did not guess the who done it which i was pleasantly surprised about!!

overall: 3/5
spice: 1/5

[Kendall]

This was the easy, quick romantic suspense I needed! Madden runs a security company, with his own secrets and liabilities that are always lurking. Lily, runs the ranch with her Dad and continues to keep things moving. When Lily & Madden re-connect, it’s not without a fight due to some bad blood after being childhood best friends. I loved seeing their tension build into a great romance, a very realistic development of their relationship that didn’t feel forced and the perfect amount of suspense/ thrill to keep a reader engaged. This was a new to me author and definitely will be back for more; the writing was great and plot really connected all the way through.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequinn for the early copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Wyoming Bodyguard begins the Sunrise Security series, introducing us to Lily and Madden and their families’ bitter rivalry over a long-ago dispute between their neighboring ranches. Once, Lily and Madden had been childhood friends until his father sold part of their ranch to developers for good reasons, if not publicly known reasons. Madden has returned from the military to open a security business with his friend… and that’s not going so well. This small town has a long memory and a grudge against Madden’s family for the division within their community that the sale has brought about. Lily’s family’s dude ranch is suffering financially from the development, and the last person she would have turned to for help would have been Madden… until her father was shot, she was targeted, and suspicious events began happening at their ranch.

There is world-building in Wyoming Bodyguard by Danielle M. Haas, I expect that in the opening title of a new series. It didn’t bog down the story, and flowed quite naturally as we learn about this small town, the residents, and the long-held grudge.

Watching Lily’s animosity slowly give way to attraction as she and Madden search for the truth surrounding the attacks was an emotional journey. Their changing relationship never felt forced, more like old friends coming back to each other as their feelings grew deeper, and became more important than their past. I liked both Lily and Madden individually, and as a couple (when they finally put the past behind them), they fit perfectly. In all, I thought that Wyoming Bodyguard is an excellent beginning to the series. There’s enough danger going on to keep me on my toes and engaged. Along with a few twists that I didn’t see coming.

If you love getting in on the beginning of a series, a story that is well-written, emotional, and full of danger, then you’d love this one. I’m definitely looking forward to Reid’s story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good blend of romance and suspense. Madden returned to his hometown after an IED ended his career in the Marines. Along with his friend Reid, Madden opened Sunrise Security in Cloud Valley. The business is off to a slow start, primarily due to the townspeople's grudge against Madden and his family. Circumstances forced the McKay family to sell a large part of their ranch to developers who built a resort. An influx of outsiders resulted in increased crime and economic hardship for some ranchers.

One of those ranchers is Lily Tremont. Her family runs a dude ranch that has suffered from the competition. She and her father blame the McKays for their troubles. The McKay and Tremont ranches are neighbors, and Madden and Lily were good friends while growing up. That friendship is now strained. But when Lily's father becomes the victim of a drive-by shooting, she turns to Madden for help.

I enjoyed the development of Madden and Lily's relationship. As they worked together to find out why her father was targeted, Lily's animosity gave way to the rekindling of their friendship, then to the sparks of attraction. I liked Madden's protectiveness as the mystery heated up. I loved the growing trust between them, and that Madden was able to share the reasons for the sale of the ranch land.

The suspense of the story was excellent. From the initial shooting to vandalism, murder, drugs, and cattle rustling, there is no shortage of danger. The puzzle of who is behind the trouble and why kept me turning the pages as I followed their investigation. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with a perp I didn't expect. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first book in the series takes the readers to Could Valley, Wyoming. The place where once upon a time, the McKays and the Tremonts were good ranch neighbors and friends. Nowadays, they are considered enemies.
After Madden McKay’s father sold a large portion of his land to developers, the town has not only suffered, but has turned their backs to the McKay’s. Something Madden is trying to rectify without divulging the real reason for the sale. Especially for the success of his new business. No clients will mean no business.
Lily Tremont is not too happy with the McKay’s. The infamous sale and new tourist development, has their ranch suffering.
All the animosity between Madden and Lily changes when her father is shot and Lily seeks Madden’s help in solving the issue .
As the anger continues, will they be able to figure out who and why is after the Tremonts? Will working this close develop into more than a business transaction or is it all just temporary attraction?
The story was engaging and the main characters well developed and likable. The introduction of secondary characters has this reader wondering who will get their story next.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Harlequin . The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

After leaving the military, former Marine Madden McKay has returned to his family’s ranch in Cloud Valley, Colorado. His family has been treated unfairly since they had no choice but to sell off part of their property to a developer. Their close friends, the Tremont’s, have been upset over the sale as the new development has taken business away from their dude ranch. Madden and Lily Tremont had been friends since childhood, but that relationship is now strained as she blames his family for her family’s financial problems. Madden and his friend, Reid, have started Sunrise Security, but they have not yet been well received by the community. When Lily’s dad is shot, who would shoot him and why? Will he survive the shooting and his hospital stay? Someone is targeting the dude ranch, but when they put Lily’s life in danger, Madden will not stop until he finds out who has a grudge against the family and end the threats. When he finds information that Lily’s father may have been involved in possible dishonest schemes to save their ranch, will Lily stand by his side or turn against him? Just as I thought that I had it all figured out, I was wrong – again! received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madden has moved back home to Cloud Valley, WY to open a security business with a friend of his from the Marines. It's a taller task than what would be expected since most the community is against the Madden family after they sold off part of their ranch. But Madden is determined to win them over.

Lily is one of the people who want nothing to do with Madden. That is, until her father is shot and she is in danger. Since the McKay ranch borders her family's ranch, she calls him for help. And regardless of their personal issues, his protectiveness won't allow him to turn him away.

There is plenty of action from the start to the finish as someone is threatening Lily and her father's lives, family secrets with unintended consequences, and small town community. This was a quick read and a surprising villain.

[Candace P.]

This was a solid romantic suspsense. I enjoyed the characters and storyline, but after finishing I felt like there was something missing.

Madden definitely came back to his small town with something to prove and I liked seeing him get back into the swing of small town life. His backstory was definitely compelling and I liked that we had a little mystery surrounding his family that was unrelated to the more suspenseful elements surrounding Lily.

I liked the enemies to lovers vibes between Lily and Madden when the book is getting started. It was fun seeing the two grow closer and seeing things heat up between the two.

My favorite part of this was one, was how the author developed the world of Sunrise Security! I look forward to continuing the series and seeing what happens next!

[Lindy Dierks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun romantic suspense! Madden, our hero, owns his own security company. He has some secrets which add to the conflict in the story. Lily, the heroine, owns and runs a dude ranch with her father. There’s some bad blood between Lily and Madden who used to be childhood friends,
It’s my first book by this author. I thought it was definitely well written. The connection between the characters was organic and felt like a natural progression. There was good conflict and tension to keep me reading. I thought the pacing was good! I would definitely read the next book in the series! I received this book from Harlequin romance and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Frankie · Rating 3 out of 5]

MCs were childhood BFFs who grew up next door to each other. His Father sells a portion of their ranch to a developer and this hurts her family so things with them chill out. Then in the present, MMC return home and because the town hates his family, his new business is not going well but after FMCs Father gets shot, MMC steps in to help and they start working together to find the culprit and mend bridges.

It was an okay story on the most part as I never would have guessed who the baddie was but I was not sold on the romance part.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequinn for the early copy in exchange for an honest review!

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

New series. I really liked it. The book was filled with suspense, drama, danger, and feelings between two people who are not friends at all. Madden McKay did something that Lily Tremont wasn’t happy about. They have been neighbors, and rivals. He changed things when he helped Lily out. A terrible thing happened to her father, and Madden came to her rescue. I’m glad they finally were working together with everything going on. It wasn’t easy, but they did.

Buy the book to see what happens. I did buy a copy myself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from netgalley.
Opinions expressed are completely my own.

[J · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF because: [excerpts] ... the receptionist Madden had mostly inherited with the rental space, ate her packed lunch at the sitting area in the middle of the room. She'd laid her plastic containers on the coffee table ... balancing a peeled clementine ... smearing a bit of the pink lipstick that always painted her lips. She wore her gray hair straight and to her shoulders ... lightly wrinkled face.
Really? I need that much on the receptionist? Unless she's going to become the surprise FMC in this romance with a former-military-always-cowboy-security company owner MMC or the romance is going to take a turn and become a murder mystery with her as the victim, why???

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Sometimes the things we need to hear might not be easy, but they’re necessary.’

Madden McKay’s family betrayed the community of Cloud Valley in the worse way possible, they sold most of the family ranch to developers. They had their reasons but they also have their pride. Madden’s determined to regain that respect one drink or good deed at a time. Until Lily Tremont’s father is gunned down in a drive by shooting. She may be the worst of his detractors, but she’s also an old friend and that’s what matters most. What ensues is an unputdownable romantic suspense that leaves you breathless!

[Amber Llambias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!

This was an enjoyable and quick read, featuring two engaging main characters and a quintessential small-town atmosphere. While the romance was sweet, the mystery surrounding Lily’s father was particularly compelling and captured more of my attention. Overall, a well-balanced and satisfying story. 4 out of 5 stars.

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madden McKay of Sunrise Security has a problem getting his business to be profitable. When Lily Tremon reaches out for help, he is right there for her. People in town don't like that the McKay family sold their ranch land to a developer and Lily's family guest ranch is failing because of the new competition.
Lilys father has been shot, and some is messing around on her ranch and Madden decides to help her anyway he can. Great suspense mystery.

[Kaitlyn Cotton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast paced romantic suspense filled with danger, tension, & spice. It moved unrealistically too fast for me (multiple instances of years long animosity between characters either romantic or familial resolved in one quick convo….), but I still enjoyed the read.

Thank you to Harlequin - Romance for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. I was very excited for a small town, mystery, romance book. I think that for the depth of the plot of this book, it needed another 50-100 pages. Also, the timeline of the book is over a few days which made it seem very instalove. I think if the timeline had been a little longer it wouldn’t have been such an emotional whiplash for the reader and the characters.

[Christina Mages · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I enjoyed this book and didn’t want to put it down once I started it. 2 people who didn’t talk or get along for years, come together when tragedy strikes. Lily thought Madden was just helping her for all the wrong reasons. Once she found out his true intentions she actually accepted him. So many twists and turns. Definitely a must read.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good romantic suspense story. Some surprises. A few tense moments. Nice to see the growth of the characters once correct information is revealed. I did skip the intimate scenes. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madden and Lily work together to figure out the mysteries the ranch is saddled with while falling for each other. Despite their childhood friendship turning sour for no real reason, the overall story was great and the suspense was perfect.

[Alyssa Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an arc through Net galley. very cute book. it was kind of Bones meets Yellowstone with some adorable second chance romance for childhood friends!

[Harlequin Books]

Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Sunrise Security (Book #1)

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read

[Calypsos · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was more interested in Reid than the main characters. Didn't feel the chemistry and the suspense was not great. The "bodyguard thing" wasn't really a bodyguard thing...

[Cynthia Netherton]

DNF