Guarding Bristol

Crimson Point Security #4

by Kaylea Cross

She was just trying to help him get back on his feet.

Once upon a time, Bristol Moreau managed to drag her late brother back from the brink of the abyss. So when she finds out that one of his former brothers-in-arms is living on the streets, she makes it her mission to do the same for him. But he makes it clear from the start that he doesn’t want her help—or anything to do with her. When she persists, it unleashes a chain of events that lands them square in the crosshairs of a deadly cartel. And now her only hope is the man who wants nothing to do with her.

Instead, she accidentally blew up his world.

It feels like every time former Ranger TJ Barros turns around, she’s there. The exasperating, stubborn, and gorgeous woman who refuses to take no for an answer. He shouldn’t want her—because he knows the scorching attraction between them could destroy them both. She deserves better than him, a broken man who’s spent the past year living on the streets. But now they’ve both got targets on their backs, and armed gunmen hunting them down. And just when he finally breaks away from her, things go sideways. Now she’s facing certain death because of him, and TJ will do anything to save her—even if it means trading his life for hers.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult Romance, Romantic Suspense, Romantic, Drama, Chick Lit, Realistic Fiction

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2025

About the author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, HOLT Medallion, and the National Readers Choice Awards. A former Registered Massage Therapist, Kaylea holds a BA in anthropology and history from UBC, and a MSc in Human Bioarchaeology and Paleopathology from Durham University. She’s also an avid gardener, artist, baker, osteology geek, novice rower, history buff, humpback whale enthusiast, and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and rescue pets.
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Reviews

[Shelley C]

Guarding Bristol💪

Guarding Bristol is the next book in the Crimson Point Security series by Kaylea and gives us some insight into the man, TJ, who helped saved Gavin’s daughter during the riots in the previous book.

I won’t give up too much info on this one as I reckon some of it would be classed as spoilers but I will say I loved Bristol and her big heart, it was endearing and I really liked TJ🙌 I wonder if Bristol would mind sharing?🤔😂

A great story, with some suspenseful moments and an unfolding romance neither expected🥰 Can’t wait for the next book…Bristol’s stepsister Cassie is going to be a tough nut to crack. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❣️

[Anita]

You can read this as a standalone, but I highly recommend the whole you read the whole Crimson Point world. A lot of past main characters make appearances in this one and, like I said, this is a whole world that Kaylea Cross has created with a seaside Oregon town with wonderful characters. I often morn the lack of true Romantic-Suspense book being produced lately. Guarding Bristol is a wonderful example of the genre.

[Sandy S]

4.25 stars-GUARDING BRISTOL is the fourth instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult CRIMSON POINT SECURITY, a spin off, set in the author’s CRIMSON POINT worlds. This is former US Ranger TJ Barros, and ultra-sound technician Bristol Moreau’s story line. GUARDING BRISTOL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. TJ was first introduced in book three GUARDING AUTUMN.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Bristol and TJ, GUARDING BRISTOL follows Bristol Moreau as she endeavors to save a homeless vet, who once served with her late brother in the US Army Rangers. TJ Barros is currently homeless in the city of Portland but a visit from Bristol brings TJ to Crimson Point, and an offer to work construction with Crimson Point Security but all is not as it appears to be; there is more to TJ than anyone could have ever imagined, and in this, TJ will find himself on the run with our story line heroine, struggling to stay one step ahead of the people targeting the couple.

The world building follows several pathways including Bristol’s need to save the man with whom she is falling in love but TJ does not need saving in the sense that Bristol is hoping, a hope that brings our couple together as TJ struggles to keep Bristol alive.

The relationship between Bristol and TJ begins as a friendship predicated upon mutual loss. Bristol is determined to help TJ find a permanent job and home, and in this, offers up friendship and connections for a man she knows nothing about. The sexual tension is fraught with secrets and lies but TJ suspects his time in Crimson Point comes with an expiry date when all is said and done. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic, colorful and determined including several Crimson Point Security agents and staff as well as CPS agent Tristan Abrams, and Bristol’s friend, former police officer and bodyguard Cassie Edwards, and several members of organized crime. The requisite evil has many faces. Cassie’s story is next.

GUARDING BRISTOL is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is intriguing, suspenseful, twisted and thought provoking; the characters are confident, sassy and animated; the romance is edgy and playful.

copy supplied for review

[Yvonne Cruz]

We are back in Crimson Point where this time, the members of Crimson Point Security are the supporting characters in the story.
On a previous story, former Army Ranger TJ Barros, saved the life of the daughter of one of the Crimson Point Security members and afterwards disappeared. Only known as the homeless man that saved the child’s life.
When Bristol Monreau realizes it’s Tomas, one of her deceased brother’s brother-in-arms from his days as an Army Ranger, Bristol is determined to do what she did for her brother. Find him in whatever homeless encampment he’s at, and give him all the support necessary so that he can live a life full of joy and hope.
Though TJ doesn’t want her involved , her determination and dedication in finding him, even at the expense of her own safety, has him admiring her for wanting to do what he can for him.
Her association with TJ can and will put Bristol’s life in danger. Will TJ be able to keep her safe? Who really is TJ?
While the story was engaging and wonderful, it was also thought provoking. One, a reminder that for many returning troops, re-entering civilian life is very difficult. As individuals and as a society, we need to do more for this brave men and women that are willing to put their lives in danger for the safety of our nation.
The other reminder is that life is not black and white , but rather many shades of gray. What would you do if a love one is in danger or in great need of help? Would you walk on the “dark side” ? A reminder, that one must not judge until one has had a chance to walk in someone else’s shoes.
Kudos to the author for those reminders.
Definitely another winner in this already much loved series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Jo Cooper]

GUARDING BRISTOL by KAYLEA CROSS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Guarding Bristol is the fourth (4th) book in Kaylea Cross’ Crimson Point Security series.

When Bristol Moreau learns that a former comrade of her late brother is living on the streets nearby she makes it her mission to seek him out and try to improve his situation. But when she finds TJ he is initially reluctant to even entertain the idea.
Bristol encounters him again and it appears he may have changed his mind but when she witnesses him seemingly up to no good and is then drawn into a terrifying situation she begins to questions everything she thought she knew about TJ……


§§§§§§§§§§§§


Kaylea Cross continues her pulse raising, action packed, heart in your mouth, Crimson Point Security series in this gripping, edge of your seat romantic suspense. With action around every corner, an assassin with a conscience, an amoral villain and some sizzling attraction between the main characters, this delightful story has everything you could wish for.

Kaylea writes easy to read, page turning romances that you can’t help but be drawn into. Relatable characters and a delicious small town setting make for the perfect read. At around 280 pages, the story reads fluently and is the perfect length. S€xy but tastefully written love scenes that perfectly complement the progression of the main character’s relationship.

Thank you to Kaylea for an early copy of this book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion. Highly recommend 😊

👩🏻‍⚕️ Small town romance
👩🏻‍⚕️ Single minded, strong willed MFC
👩🏻‍⚕️ They fall together
👩🏻‍⚕️ Fast paced action

[Linda Carlson]

TJ & Bristol

Bristol has a heart of gold. She will help anyone she thinks needs it. Her friendly personality and beautiful smile is infectious. TJ is a loner who has wound up on the streets after leaving the military. He prefers to be alone where no one knows him and doesn’t ask anything from him.

What an intense situation when, feeling like she could help him, Bristol decides to look for TJ which takes her to the seedy part of town. TJ is not very welcoming and sends her on her way despite her giving him a job lead.

This story immediately turns intense and dangerous. Bristol finds herself in a deadly situation and is very glad TJ is there to protect her as things could have been worse. Undoubtedly, the situation could have been avoided if Bristol would have just listened to him from the beginning and left him alone.

A lot of twists and turns. This story shows a behind the scenes lifestyle of an ugly part of our world. Danger and murder are a very real circumstance if you are caught being in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

I loved the way CPS assisted in the rescue of Bristol and the reunion when TJ came to see Bristol after all the drama was over. Bristol’s step sister, Cassie, is a warrior and protects her family with a fierce vengence and Bristol is no exception. She feels like she could have done more to keep Bristol safe and not sure if she accepts TJ as someone Bristol should be involved with.

Love, love, love this. I don’t want to reveal any good spoilers, so this is a must read! Great story!

[Woodatsi]

Guarding Bristol is the 4th book in the CPS series which evolves around Bristol and TJ.

Bristol has a heart of gold, she's always ready to help those in need and this has brought her in many dire situations before already. Having been on the shadier and more dangerous side of the city when a few years ago she had to go in search of her brother, she's about to do it again when she finds out TJ, an old team mate of her brother, living on the street. Unknowingly she gets involved in a dangerous situation where she's going to need all the help she can get.

TJ's a former Army Ranger, now living on the streets. We've met him in Kayla's previous book Guarding Autumn when he saved the young daughter of Gavin, a CPS team member. After that though he disappeared with good reason. When he meets Bristol who's relentlessly trying to help him, he refuses and bluntly turns her down. But Bristol is not giving up and even helps him get a job and a place to stay.

What starts out as a tentative friendship turns into something way deeper when they need to go on the run after they get into a dangerous situation.

In true Kayla style she kept me on the edge of my seat, twist and turns around every corner, surprises you don't see coming and a romance to die for. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series which will be Cassie's story.

[Reading Addict]

Wow Guarding Bristol was a great romantic thriller! We were first introduced to homeless veteran TJ Barros in Guarding Autumn. When Crimson Point resident Bristol Moreau heard about everything TJ did she was intrigued by his heroics. When her her stepsister Cassie notices a picture of Bristol's late brother Eric with his military unit and recognizes one as TJ, Bristol is motivated to track him down and assist him on moving forward. TJ doesn't want anything to do with Bristol but as she continues to break down his walls, he accepts a job in Crimson Point. Little does Bristol know that TJ has another side and now she's gotten tangled up in his world. Now the question is will these two move forward into a future together or will they even survive the week?! Guarding Bristol is a roller coaster of a thrill ride until the very end! It stands alone in the series, however you will see lots of other CPS characters mentioned throughout. It was told from multiple POVs and has all the action, laughter and heat that I look forward to from a Kaylea Cross book. Looking forward to Cassie's story next!

[NICUnurse Stephanie]

I’m a long-time fan of romantic suspense books and Kaylea Cross. She writes edge-of-your-seat romantic thrillers I can’t seem to stop devouring. She’s on the short list of authors I 1-click without reading a blurb. With Guarding Bristol, we’re once again back in Crimson Point with an edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense. It’s the next book in another Crimson Point spinoff, Crimson Point Security, and you’d better believe I’m here for all of them! You can read it as a standalone title; however, some crossover characters and references to a previous storyline may confuse you, so I recommend reading them in order. Honestly, I can’t help but encourage you to read all the Crimson Point books before this one because they are just that good. This book was suspenseful, emotional, and action-packed: the perfect trifecta. This story had nearly nonstop action and, man, was it intense! As usual, I didn’t want to walk away from it until I finished. Guarding Bristol is just one more reason in a long backlist of reasons that Kaylea Cross is a top favorite of mine!

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Reading In the Red Room]

Oh boy she did it again!!! I was hoping on more information about TJ..and wow did we get it!! I love when Kaylea teases us with something and then she delivers…boy did she deliver! Bristol is an ultrasound technician that has been through a few things. She misses her brother immensely and carries him with her. When she puts two and two together about TJ, she is on a mission to help him. He takes one look at her and knows, she’s trouble…the really good kind. I really loved this book so much. The characters had amazing back stories and undeniable chemistry. This book was extremely well layered and fast paced. The stories within the story is something I have Always loved about this authors writing style. I also truly love how she always tells the story from the villains perspective, I just enjoy being in their heads…for a little while. This is another wonderful page turner in a series that I truly enjoy. Bring on the next book!

[Imogen Dior]

I loved Guarding Bristol! The plot, main and secondary characters and suspense elements were done perfectly. It kept you entranced and needing to know what happened to the characters next and where the plot was going to go. I loved both Bristol and TJ. Bristol had such a huge heart and was so genuine, she just had such a caring nature about her and was always willing to help someone. Seeing her courage towards the end of the book, doing whatever she could to get out of the situation was really good to read about- you don’t have to have training to do everything you can to survive and save others. TJ was also an awesome character i didn’t see his plot coming and it was a great surprise! He seemed so detached and yet you could feel the chemistry between him and Bristol and how he cared about her. Learning about the two of them was great as was seeing their chemistry ignite. Loved seeing the other characters in this series and seeing a glimpse into Cassie and Tristan- can’t wait for their book!

[Vanessa LeBlanc]

This is story you will see

Small town
Teammates brother
Innocent yet capable FMC
Alpha protector MMC
dangerous
Some steam
Some unexpected moments
HEA

Book 4 of the Crimson point security series follows TJ and Bristol. Bristol discovers that TJ, who severed with her brother, is living on the streets. She makes is it her mission to help him out as best as she can as she knows that’s what her brother would have wanted.

TJ however makes it very clear that he does not want or need her help. As the story unfolds secrets are revealed and a case of wrong place wrong time brings an unwanted, dangerous adventure that these 2 will never forget.

This is an easy read, that will have you lost in the pages. Would recommend and cannot wait for the next. As all of her story does include a teaser at the end for the next story, always makes you wanting more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

[Julia David]

Bristol is tenacious. Bristol goes into the homeless community to find a man that served in the with her brother. Her brother would expect her to help the man; except he doesn't want to be helped. She persists anyway. TJ can't believe his buddy's sister came looking for him. He just wants to be left alone; she doesn't understand the concept of space. When he comes to town to get a job, Bristol is so happy that he took the job and will have a stable place to live. When Bristol sees TJ doing what she thinks is a drug deal, she definitely sticks her nose into it. Only that paints a target on her back and TJ's. TJ has been undercover for a year and had just started getting the information he needed when Bristol blows the whole thing. Now he has to protect her. A drug cartel is now after him and Bristol. TJ will do anything to protect Bristol. Will it be enough?

[Lynette Shaw]

I have had the privilege of reading the ARC. Yet another story that deals with very difficult situations in a sensitive and understanding way, these subjects are not the easiest to write about as an author and to read as a reader but as always kaylea Cross does it very well and does not flinch from these subjects that individuals face every day.kaylea Cross is one of my favourite authors and always look forward to a new book again she has knocked it out of the park. It gripped me from the first page to the last, and it was good to catch up with all the characters we know, love and have had their happy endings, I am glad Bristol found hers.Can't wait for the next journey Kaylea Cross takes us on but you can be sure it's going to be by the seat of your pants stuff

[Sue]

I have really been looking forward to this book! I won't summarize the book here, it's done well on the page!
Bristol and TJ are so different, yet at the same time they're not. Guarding Bristol is dark, edgy and intense and I loved it! I loved finding out more about these two characters. The characters are strong and mature, not angsty, despite the unexpected events that follow TJ to Crimson Point. I was hooked on this book.
I liked learning more about the 'supporting cast' too., and am really looking forward to reading more about all of them.
I highly recommend this book (and the whole series!) for anyone looking for entrancing characters and a romantic suspense that will take you along for the ride!

[Dawn Cruikshank]

Wow! Another fantastic book by Kaylea Cross! This story is about Bristol and TJ. The beginning was very interesting. Bristol has a big caring heart and when she finds out that her brother's friend was spotted, she takes it upon herself to find him and get hom out of his homeless situation. It was a surprise to find out that he was actually undercover. It started getting intense when Bristol got caught in a situation that blew TJ's cover. This is where things get very intense with this couple in more ways than we expect. Now we are at the end where most of the bad guys were taken care of. Glad this couple are working on their happy ending. FANTASTIC job Kaylea! I would highly recommend this book!

[Siobhan D]

Bristol is a friend everyone should have, loyal, caring , stubborn and the largest Hheart. With her smile and friendliness TJ has no chance.
We meet TJ a homeless Vet working on building sites. Bristol wants to help him as Eric her brother needed it when he also left the military. No man left behind. TJ is grumpy and wants no help, but a kind gorgeous woman keeps coming into his life.
But there is a lot more happening and TJ is the centre of it. When danger comes knocking and Bristol is put in danger TJ is the man and the men and Cassie, Bristols sister of Crimson Point all step up.

Twists, surprises, drama, romance, strong characters and oh yes chemistry.

[Debbie Tinder]

Kaylea Cross is a master. She brings us a page-turning, engrossing, heartfelt story every single time. Bristol and TJ's story is no exception. Bristol can't help herself. She refuses to see her brother's team member "struggle." Without any thought to the danger to herself, she is bound and determined to save TJ from the streets. What a turn the story takes when we find out the real reason TJ is on the streets but try as he might to deny it, his attraction to Bristol is too great to ignore. A romantic, heartwarming and page turning story. Kaylea Cross will always be on my must be read list.

[KS]

Suspenseful read!

This one had good suspense and drama! Bristol has somewhat of a savior complex and when she realizes that she “knows” someone from her late brother’s Army Ranger unit, TJ, she can’t help but try and lend a helping hand.

TJ is living on the streets and is perfectly happy doing his own thing and tries to avoid Bristol at every turn. But she is persistent.

The push and pull of these two kept the pages turning. I won’t give away the suspense, but there is plenty of it to keep your interest along with some steam.

…and I’m really looking forward to the next book featuring her stepsister!!

I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.

[Anja]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Bristol seems to be the to-stupid-to-live person, but she’s just following her soft heart. TJ is currently the center of named soft heart, though he just needs her gone. For her own safety. As she persists wanting to help him get back on his feet, the unthinkable- of course- ha to happen and the both of them need to run to stay alive. A fast paced story that hast the CPS-crew as well as the PH‘s helping out to stay on top. Some twists and turns you never saw coming but bring a special dose of *wow* into the mix. Great story.

[Tracy]

Events of the past ends up coming around when not looking. Having helped her brother when he returned from serving to only loss him in an accident on home soil. To seeing a friends child used as a human shield than finding a link to her brother see Bristol trying to help his friend out. Returning several times find Bristrol in way over her head. TJ can not get over his buddy little sister and the risks she keeps taking. Moves to Crimson Point but has secrets which pulls Bristrol into danger. Working together to get their lives back and maybe a chance at love? Love this story.

[Erica Lynn]

I received a free advanced copy from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary review. Bristol and TJ’s story is one of my favorites from Kaylea’s series. There were multiple twists and turns and a very exciting story. Kaylea always humanizes her villains to the point that you almost hope they turn things around but none more than in this story. Plus, along with Bristol and TJ falling for each other we also get a glimpse into what Cassie and Tristan’s story will look like. There were even some cameos from some old friends. It was definitely worth the read!

[Jenn O'Leary]

Guarding Bristol is the exciting 4th Book in the Crimson Point Security Security Series by Kaylea Cross
We finally get to learn more about TJ the man who saved one of the Crimson Point Security members daughters during a riot in the last book.
Bristol finds out by accident that TJ is actually Tomas, whom served with her brother, she is determined to find him and help him however she can.
This was such an exciting book, full of major twists & turns, I could NOT put it down. I loved it.
And I can't wait for Cassie's book!

[Didi]

This was my first experience with this author’s writing and it will not be my last for sure! Once I entered her story, I was not able to put it down. Even though it did have a cast of characters it seems from other books, I never felt lost or distracted from the story. Bristol and TJ’s love journey was an intense to say the least. Amidst the danger and high octane moments, there were moments of humor that provided breaks. The driving scene with the signals while escaping with their lives had me chuckling. Pick up this book for a stellar heart-pounding adventure.

[Helen (Blissfully Bookish Besties)]

Book four in the Crimson Point Security series is TJ and Bristols' story. This was a really enjoyable read, which had me on the edge of my seat. When Bristol finds out that TJ served with her brother, she is determined to help him. TJ has been living on the streets and doesn't want anything to do with Bristol, but her involvement puts both of their lives in danger. Guarding Bristol is another great romantic suspense from Kaylea Cross.

[Michelle Graves]

Damn that was good!! I kept wondering about what kind of disease that lady has through it 4 him 2 go through such extremes but but the end I finally know and understand more. Bristol has a good heart but some is it gets her into trouble. But in her case it's a good and bad... Both TJ may b a old friend of her brothers but he is a mystery. But what will happen when she finally finds out the truth? I loved that!!

[Annemieke Westerbeek]

Guarding Bristol is a great read. It is suspenseful, loving, caring, vividly written, suspense lingering in the background.Bristol is a strong caring woman who want to help.T.J is the strong silent type. They fit together like had and glove. I enjoyed this story so much I love it. I could not put it down. Great characters around them and it’s as always a fabulous read. Go grab it.

[Lisa Gibbons]

This one was a goodie! A little different in it's set up to previous ones in this series, this story covers off characters we have previously come across and hoped to one day get to know and understand. The way Kaylea describes Crimson Point, you feel like you are there. Completely immersed in all of it, the views, the salty sea air, the tight-knit community, and of course all the action. I'm not going to give any of the plot away, I am just going to highly recommend this one as a follow up to the rest of the Crimson Point instalments. It did not disappoint! Absolutely a 5 star review from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Monique Westwood]

On the surface, Bristol and TJ shouldn't work together, but they are amazing together. This one has it all; danger, family (birth and found), romance and heat. I really like how this one played out and am looking forward to the next book in the series. It could be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the series.

[Jennifer Muraski]

Kaylea Crossbody is a must read author for me. She writes amazing romantic suspense stories. TJ first appeared in her last book and I did not expect him to get a story of his own but I’m glad he did. He and Bristol were a great pairing for this one. There were several surprises along the way to their HEA. Totally recommend.