Scarlet

by Kari Trumbo

Scarlet’s first mission as a Northern Guardian might be her last.She’s trained for years, determined to live safe and free after her own brush with trafficking. But her first assignment is far from simple—it requires carrying the gun she hates and protecting people who don’t trust her.

Wes has spent his adult life building a security business to provide for his son. When a disgruntled employee turns dangerous, Wes and his son are at risk. Spirit, his twin, begs him to give in to their demands, but surrendering would cost him everything he built for Griffen.

Scarlet looks more like a delicate doll than protection, and Wes is ready to dismiss her—until she saves his life.
Now Scarlet may be the only one standing between Wes’s family and destruction…and the only woman he can’t walk away from.

Packed with intrigue, danger, and a romance that will have you turning the pages, SCARLET is book three in the Northern Guardians series. Some people go up north to get away. Others, to hide.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 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

[Sophie Toovey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlet by Kari Trumbo is an action-packed romantic suspense with a hopeful and inspiring message. It’s easy to admire Scarlet as a heroine—given everything she’s endured, her journey to overcome the past and step into new life is powerful.

I especially loved the relationship between Wes and his son; those moments were tender and moving, adding depth to the suspense and romance. The story also explores how faith can be lived out more boldly, and how trials can deepen trust in God.

At times I found the timeline of events a little unrealistic, but overall this was an uplifting and engaging read that left me encouraged about resilience, healing, and second chances.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet has me within the first couple of pages and I couldn't read it fast enough.
Scarlet is working with Artemis of the Northern Guardians security firm. It's her first big job and she must guard Wes and his son from whoever is threatening them.
Wes at first isn't sure about Scarlet because of her delicate look, but after taking out a bad guy he quickly changes his mind.

This book was such an exciting story and the twists in it had me changing who the bad guy was until the end. Which quite honestly blew me away!!

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read with suspense, tension, and light romance. Scarlet has a secret from her not-so-good past. The young boy is a delight. This story will have you guessing at who is behind the attacks on Wes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story has a lot going for it. Intrigue, suspense, mystery, and sweet romance.The main female character, Scarlet, has had many trials to overcome in her life. She finally has a sense of breaking the bands that bind her and find hope in her savior. She has a long way to go, but is fortunate to have the support of those around her. She has been given her first mission of the Northern Guardians. She prays she has the strength and knowledge she needs to make a difference.
Wes is the owner of a large tech company. Having the trauma of losing his parents at the age of 17 and having to take care of his twin sister, has been a big part of his life. He is also a single father to his five year-old son. When he recently received threats toward himself and his son. He hires the Northern Guardians to help protect his family and capture those responsible for the threats. I really enjoyed this story, the suspense holds you captive, the mystery keeps you thinking and the hope of second chances, of finding Christ, and forgiving past mistakes is heartwarming. The romance is sweet and healing.
This is the third book of the series and I was concerned I might not be able to follow the story, if they were interconnected. I have not read the first two books, but this one was easy to follow and seems to be a standalone story.

[Jenny x Carolena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet by Kari Trumbo is an absolutely riveting page-turner that delivers everything I love about romantic suspense! From the moment Scarlet steps into her first mission as a Northern Guardian, the tension never lets up. As a trafficking survivor turned protector, Scarlet’s journey is deeply inspiring, and watching her overcome her fear of guns while defending Wes and his son had me glued to every page. The pacing is masterful—Trumbo brilliantly balances pulse-pounding action with quieter moments of healing and redemption that give this story real emotional weight.

The romance between Scarlet and Wes unfolds beautifully amid the chaos. Their chemistry is undeniable, evolving from Wes’s initial dismissal of the “delicate doll” who saves his life to genuine respect and love. What truly sets this book apart is its powerful exploration of living faith boldly in the face of overwhelming danger. The themes of healing, trust, and finding strength are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making this more than just a thrilling read—it’s an inspiring one. If you love romantic suspense with heart, substance, and characters you’ll root for, Scarlet is absolutely not to be missed!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[Brittany Searfoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the previous books in the Northern Guardians series, this book was very well written and kept me reading until I reached the end. The suspenseful plot and the easily likable (or unlikable) characters felt realistic, and I sympathized with Scarlet’s struggles as she was just trying to do her job. It was heartbreaking that Scarlet only felt safe after she altered her appearance every day. I had an idea of who the villain was, but there were twists and surprises that I didn’t see coming. I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys inspirational suspense. I’m eager to read Artemis’ story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Rhonda Sledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to unwrap in this story. The contrast between Spirit and Scarlet is so extreme that it makes you wonder if having all the privileges of money is worth it. But then, Wes also had the privileges of money, but his personal choices made him a much better person than Spirit. This was a fast-paced story with lots of intrigue, danger, suspense, and romance. Scarlet is very easy to love as a heroine. She has overcome so much in her life but is willing to let God guide her to treat others so much better than they treat her.

[Psusan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlet is not the first book in the Northern Guardians Series, but it is the first for me to read. By Kari Trumbo, the heroine is someone who would not normally seem to fit the dangerous role of Guardian. However, looks can be deceiving which works well for Scarlet. She is up to the task so don’t assume she is less. The story has layers with twists that made it an intriguing read. Scarlet will keep you reading until the danger is stopped. Reads well on its own without having read the previous two books. Christian suspense fans will love Scarlet.

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Learn to Deal with Your Past

Scarlet had the worst upbringing possible. With make-up and wigs, she was able to become a different person and, in doing so, allowed herself the mental space to filter through all she had been through. Dom giving her a job at Northern Guardians Protection gave her a place to start. When she met Wes as a client, that certian something clicked, and they were able to relate to one another. This is an excellent book and well worth the five-stars it deserves.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Great Christian Series

I'm so enjoying this series and have been hoping for Scarlet to get her story. It didn't disappoint. It's full of danger, suspense and most of all love. A wonderful read that captivated me from the beginning. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Debra Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we get to witness how God loves his children

Scarlett has a past she was ashamed of even though she knew God had washed her clean and loved her as his daughter. God forgives and helps us to forgive ourselves if we are willing. It's so nice to read stories of redemption & restoration, and Kari writes them beautifully and in line with Scripture.

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than your past

Scarlet had suffered the ultimate betrayal by family and was on her first guardian job. Wes needed protection for himself and his son, however nothing was straightforward and trust was hard. A really good read.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet romance. Light romantic suspense. A young boy adds heart to the story. Some surprises. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wes and Scarlet think they know who to trust but are they right? Read this suspenseful mystery to find out. It wasn't who I suspected. I received a copy from the author. This is my voluntary opinion.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Pauline Benjamin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing, the storyline doesn't really keep you interested rhis series isnt as good as the previous one

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kari Trumbo penned Scarlet into an emotionally charged, intensely gripping story filled with fear, anger, greed and a newly discovered permanently hopeful love. Scarlet joined the Guardians in search of truth, trust and an eventual event of letting others getting to know the real person she was. None of that happened until she had to provide a measure of security for Wes, a Security Business owner and his five-year-old son. Throughout the time she worked, her past as a victim became a part of her present as it was used against her. In the end, after few other events occurred, Scarlet then dedicated herself to ending the game. I loved this story, as well as the fact that reality the past shouldn't hold you back from becoming a person of integrity. Trumbo reiterated the truth that our faith in Jesus can set us free from tomorrow's turmoil. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and I am thankful a story of truth and love. I give this story 5 out of 5 stars. I received a copy of Scarlet from the author for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can be read as a standalone but the characters overlap throughout the series. Reading in order recommended.
Single father with a disgruntled former employee
New Guardian trying to overcome her past
He falls first
Traitor within his circle
An unequal relationship with a coworker