Spencer

by Kari Trumbo

She was never meant to survive the day. He was never meant to protect her. But God's plans are bigger than their secrets.
Spencer Cadence is one of the top agents at Northern Guardians Security—strong, loyal, and fiercely protective. Beneath his calm exterior lies a medical diagnosis that could end his career…and his calling. When he stumbles upon a terrified woman hidden in the bed of a pickup truck during a routine client evaluation, his instincts kick in—and everything changes.

Elana Hermans never expected to find herself bound and gagged in her boss’s vehicle, nor to be rescued by a man whose quiet strength unsettles and comforts her all at once. As Spencer digs into why Elana was targeted, the truth begins to unravel—and it’s darker than either of them imagined. Someone close to her wants her dead, and they’ll stop at nothing to make sure she disappears for good.

With danger on every side and secrets threatening to destroy the fragile trust between them, Spencer and Elana must fight to stay alive—and to believe that even in the chaos, love can be found, and healing is possible.

Fast-paced, faith-driven, and filled with heart-pounding twists, Northern Guardians book 1 is a gripping romantic suspense that will keep you turning pages late into the night. Get your copy or read it in Kindle Unlimited now!


Originally in the Winter Cold Escape collection

Genres: Contemporary, Amazon, Romance

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2025

About the author

Kari Trumbo is a writer of historical and contemporary Christian romance and romantic suspense. She's a mom to four wonderful children. When she isn't writing or editing, she loves to read, sing, and knit. Kari loves curling up with a fluffy blanket when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband of over twenty years, two daughters, two sons, many cats and one sweet bunny.

She also writes women's fiction under the name Teri Blake.

Reviews

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer by Kari Trumbo has a great storyline and an interesting plot where the Northern Guardians team has to prove Elana's innocence. Spenser and Elana have their own personal struggles.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer was a story that caught me from the beginning. It drew me in as you find out that Spencer is a Guardian, but also is hiding a secret.
But when he finds a woman that's been kidnapped in the trunk of her boss's car he knows he has to help her.
Elana saw something she shouldn't have and her boss was going to get rid of her, thankfully she's rescued by Spencer. But she has trouble processing things like others do. But with Spencer's patient guidance, they must find the evidence she saw to put her boss away. All the while trying to out-maneuver her boss's tactics to frame them.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!

The antagonist was so strange. But the hero and heroine were great. I loved the way they interacted with each other. The romance was sweet in the middle of something pretty twisted. This presented an interesting twist itself. If you like multi-cultural, inspirational suspense romance, then I recommend this book to you.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The guardians and the story of Spencer. Intrigue and who done it through out the story with a little bit of love thrown in. Thank you for allowing me to review this book Kari.

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is Not a Cookie Cutter

Reviewed in Canada on June 1, 2025

Elana has a thinking disorder that has been held against her all her life and into adulthood, making it difficult to find work. When she finally found a job that accepted her, her boss Trevor used it against her as being stupid until she was able to figure out he was running drugs. Trying to kill her, he had her bound, gaged, and locked in the bed of his truck where Spencer found her. From then on, Trevor seemed to be one step ahead of Spencer and Elana trying to prove he was a drug dealing crook. This story is superbly well written, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end and is well deserving of the Five Stars.

Thank you for your review.

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[Krista Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing!! It had twists and secrets! Wow! Love a good Christian thriller.

[Laura Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read Spencer by Kari Trumbo in Cold Escape, a book of five Christian suspense writers. However, with Dominic coming out I read it so I’d be familiar with The Guardians.

Spencer rescues Eliana from the back of a pickup and immediately becomes her protector. Kari weaves a gripping story of trying to get evidence of illegal shipments and not being believed. Of two people with issues they feel limits them and learning to be honest with each other. You’ll be rooting for vindication and justice for Spencer and Eliana.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spencer is the first book in the Northern Guardian series. He is working with the agency but keeping a health secret that may cause him to lose the security job. Things get dicey when Trevor, a potential client comes to the agency looking for security and Spencer discovers a woman bound in the truck’s trunk. Trying to prove why she was there and what Trevor had to do with it gets very intriguing!

[Tazzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First met Spencer in the Wayside Series, awesome to read his story. A sweet, suspenseful romance with a touch of faith. This is romance that requires no blushing and respects marriage.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

A really great beginning to a new series. I loved Spencer and Elana's story. It's full of danger as well as romance. These two have much to overcome to get their HEA. It all makes for a captivating read that I didn't want to put down.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Standalone Romantic Suspense Interconnected Series HEA

This is the first book of an interconnected series. It's also a spinoff from a previous series. Reading in order highly recommended.
He's been keeping a significant secret from his boss. Times running out on him keeping it.
She's struggled to fit in and function her entire life due to a cognitive disorder. When she stumbles upon information her boss didn't want her to know things get dangerous. Will Spencer be able to do his job and keep her safe? How does his boss react when the full truth comes out?

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was locked in from the first chapter of this book when Spencer discovers Elana. I knew I was in for a real treat.

Spencer was a very special character to me as he battled some physical difficulties that he was trying to hide. He had the true protective instinct and wanted to help others. His strength and willingness to go the extra mile was inspiring. I felt such empathy for Elana. She had been the butt of jokes all of her life, and no one, except her parents, had ever believed she was capable of more. As Spencer learned more about Elana, this is when I really fell in love his character. His observation powers were out of this world.

This book was full of action and an underlying mystery with a formidable opponent. Danger was around every corner which made this story easy to fly through the pages. The more action and intrigue, the easier it is to read. The message from this story that I received was God's plans are not always our plans.

Fans of inspirational romantic suspense will devour this story in one sitting.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beginning of a series. It is a clean, Christian suspense romance.

Spencer works for the Guardians. A guy by the name of Trevor came by the Guardian Compound to get help with security for her place. As he is meeting with Dominic, the founder of the Guardians, Spencer finds it odd that Trevor parked his truck in the middle of the parking lot. Spencer finds Elana tied up in the back. He saves her, but then as he starts to take her home, Trevor is trying to kill her. He knows too much and she doesn’t even realize it. Spencer continues to guard her. Can he keep her safe? Will Trevor be caught.

This was the first time to read a book by this author. This book kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I didn’t want to put it down. This is a really great read but be prepared to have time to read it and hopefully not be interrupted.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Jane Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer has more than one problem to overcome and so does Elana. Elana witnessed something she shouldn't and was rescued by Spencer. Now they need to stay alive long enough for the police to believe them and find proof of what she saw. The only problem with this is: Elana has a brain disorder that causes her not to be able to problem solve and getting the police to believe she didn't do what she is accused of is going to be hard. Fast paced and action packed. This is a first in the Northern Guardians series and I can't wait to read more. I loved this book and hope you will read it too. I was given an Advanced Copy by the author but these are my thoughts and comments.

[Brittany Searfoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a part of a suspense anthology, and I absolutely loved it! I couldn’t put it down until I reached the exciting conclusion. It was nice to see a character dealing with a legitimate physical issue, and the fact that he continued to care about his job and helping people made an impression on me. I’m so glad there are more books in the series, and I’m looking forward to reading them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading inspirational suspense.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time I have read this story. It is more impressive with age. If a thrill and danger are something you seek, your challenges will be right here in this read. Honesty, fear, challenge, and many more life building challenges are presented here. I have been charged with giving an honest review for this author, in exchange for the opportunity to read and review this book honestly.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Spencer works for a security agency and when he hears someone moving around in the back of a pickup truck in the middle of the agency parking lot, he breaks in and releases Elana Hermans who is bound and gagged and dripping wet. Spencer protects her from her drug dealing boss who has the police fooled about his business. This book has it all – love, protecting family, faith, and a possible career ending medical condition.

[Daniela Ruas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spencer was a really nice way to spend time during a really long flight. It took me away and got me really invested and eager to know what would happen. I loved how both main characters are flawed and it was lovely to follow their growth in trusting each other with their secrets and finding love despite of that. I would totally recommend to anyone who enjoys some good action with a hint of romance.

[Sharon Whalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns kept the book alive. In our society here in Britain mixed cultural relationships aren’t as frowned upon as they once were, but they still have their challenges and I think Kari dealt with it in a sensitive manner, also with the way she dealt with Elana’s personal challenges.
Spencer and Elana both have a strong relationship with God and this showed in their prayer life.
A book I would recommend to anyone who enjoys faith filled Christian suspense.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page-turning romantic suspense. The couple has many things that would provide obstacles to a happily ever after. This definitely wasn't a meet cute. Quite the unexpected way to meet. Happy to see this is the first of a new series. I haven't read anything by this author previously, but I am eager to do so now. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

[Nethanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer has his own problems but when he found Elana in the back of a truck he’s determined to help her and keep them safe. But it seems that they are always a step behind. Can they solve this dangerous mystery, and is a future together possible?
Great story that I couldn’t put down. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

[Cilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Standing up for what is right

Spencer had a keen sense of justice and when he discovered a bound, injured woman locked into the back of a truck he had to help her. Elana had found something at work that she shouldn't have had and now needed protection. How this all worked out was a great read.

[Jennifer Hibdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Story!

A great read. Suspenseful, lots of action, realistic, shows dependence of God. I wish Northern Guardians operated in my area. Kari Truman has brought us a page turner. Wow!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! If you like clean, inspirational suspense don't miss this beginning to the Northern Guardians Series! I love how the characters have flaws that have to be addressed yet still function. Don't miss it!

[Barb W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gardians

I found the book engaging, adventurous, and mysterious. Spencer wasn’t s sharp as he should have been, but with his distraction over Eliana, it sounds reasonable. Over all a good book to read. It’s short enough to read quickly.

[D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good suspenseful action novella

There were plenty of plot twists and turns full of action and romance.
I enjoyed the read and sure you will too.

[Pianosue · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good read. Lots of action and a little romance.

[Renee Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I received a copy of this book.
Great Story and Wonderful Characters. Full of action and plot twists.
looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Donna Idalski · Rating 5 out of 5]

So you know who the villain is from the start, but oh my gosh, all the twist and turns, ups and downs to save the day! I read this in record time because I couldn't stop. It will keep you on your toes.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, I know she will not disappoint.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. I realized a few pages in that I'd read it before....it was an an anthology I read last year...but I decided to read it again