Safe Keeping

Triple Creek Ranch #2

by Kristen Proby

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby returns to Triple Creek Ranch with a sizzling romance between a brooding ex–Secret Service agent and the president’s daughter he’s sworn to protect.

Five years ago, Secret Service Agent Gideon James took a bullet to protect me.

It haunts me every single day.

As the president’s daughter, my life has never truly been my own. But when a traitor in my security detail tries to kidnap me, Mom sends me to Montana—to the one man who’s never failed to keep me safe.

These days, Gideon runs an elite security training facility on his family ranch. He’s not exactly thrilled to see me, and his family trusts me even less. But during our intense self-defense sessions, something electric ignites between us. Those steel-gray eyes see past my title to who I really am. For the first time, I’m discovering my own strength—and a desire I can’t deny.

Just as I’m falling hard, betrayal strikes again, threatening everything Gideon and I have built. Now I must choose between protecting my heart and fighting for the man who’s always protected me—and the only place I’ve ever truly belonged.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Westerns, Contemporary

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 28, 2026

About the author

Kristen Proby is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.

When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.

Reviews

[mary ♡⋆ ࣪₊ꫂ᭪݁⋆˙ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lena is the daughter of the US president, and when someone tries to kidnap her to get to her mom, they call the only person who kept her safe five years ago, the one who put his life in danger for her.
Gideon.
She has always had a crush on him, but she feels so guilty about what happened to him all those years ago, and she blames herself.

“I love you so much. Nothing works without you. I’ve been haunted by you, and I can’t stand the thought of being without you for another minute.”

When Gideon got injured five years ago, he couldn’t go back to what he was doing. Now he’s a retired lieutenant who lives on a ranch with his brother and best friend
When the president calls him asking for a favor, he says yes, and now he has Lena at his ranch, protecting her and teaching her how to defend herself… and let’s say feelings definitely develop 😋

This book was a mix of everything!! I really enjoyed it. I loved the tension, the yearning, and the past between these two, it really added to both of their character development. and the added forbidden romance just made it even better

[Amity Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Book 2 in the Triple Creek Ranch series & wow! This book! I absolutely loved Lena & Gideon!

This one is ex secret service agent/first daughter, age gap, protective & grumpy MMC, and a badass/ strong FMC!

The narration for this one by Sean Masters & Avery Caris was perfect for these characters! They brought all the tension, emotions, and yearning into this performance!

This was a fun read, full of so much tension, forced proximity, and absolute heat! I loved the training moments with these two & the added suspense this one gave me. It kept me hooked in and loving this story! The found family vibes from this series is so special and I loved the added heart it brings to this story.

Truly such a great read by Kristen & I can’t wait to see what else comes from this series!

[Tiara | itstiarasversion · Rating 5 out of 5]

this story was everything to me and more! if you are like me and constantly rewatch my date with the presidents daughter, chasing liberty, and first daughter- this fits the vibe! I truly could not put this book down. we got to see a small glimpse of Gideon in Safe Haven and I instantly knew I was going to love his story. Gideon had a rough childhood and that is how he found himself at the Triple Creek Ranch. I loved how we got to see more of the dynamic of him, Willow, and Ryker. Lena is the president's daughter and she has her own set of ptsd/trauma that we get to see her learn how to come to terms with. I love how down bad they both were for each other. for Gideon it was super forbidden since he was one of the people protecting her. as for Lena, she had such a crush on him (honestly me too sis) but there was an age gap and sooo forbidden. she becomes in danger and then is sent to the ranch to hid out. I loved seeing Gideon teach her how to defend herself and push her to new limits. we got to see flashbacks from the past and the accident that leads to Gideon retiring from the secret service and how to all went down. seeing them cave to their obvious attraction for one another made me secretly cheer them on. I love nothing more than a man who will lay their life on the line for their girl (in this case literally). there was so much character growth for both of them individually and I ate that up. I truly could not love this story more and I will be re-reading so so soon!

this audio was fantastic! Sean was the most perfect voice for Gideon. his sternness and grumpiness that I imagined was spot on. he also made those sweet moments that much better with his tone. Avery was the perfect Lena! her light tones and sunshine personality really showed out in this audio. she made every emotional moment her own and I felt that through my headphones.

so sad for this series to be over, but I loved every single second. in my top Kristen books!

read if you like:
- age gap
- president's daughter
- forbidden
- forced proximity
- heroine in hiding
- YEARNING!!!!!

[Bari (justbookedup) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely could not put this down! Kristen Proby nails romance with high-stakes tension in this small town once again.

This had some of my favorite internal dialogue from a male main character in a long time. He is so funny without trying to be, but also deeply intense in that way where you can feel the yearning. The way he wants to protect Lena while also completely devouring her… yeah, I ate that up.

And Lena!! I loved her. Her vulnerability felt so real, especially that underlying loneliness and just craving to be loved. It made everything between them hit harder.

The suspense is there, but it really takes a backseat to the push & pull between these two. And when they finally give in… fireworks. The tension pays off in the best way.

The banter is great, but what really stood out to me was the emotional connection. Also loved seeing Lena & Willow go from a rough first meeting to becoming so close. That kind of female friendship arc always gets me.

Kristen Proby just does this so well. Her worlds are always immersive & hit that perfect mix of romance, tension, & a little danger. It’s why her books always stick with me.

🎧 Now let's talk about the audiobook! So freaking good!! The dual narration by Sean Masters & Avery Caris absolutely elevated this. Sean Masters especially!! I need more of him immediately.

If you're a lover of romantic suspense where the chemistry is front & center, with a protective, slightly obsessed MMC & a heroine you just want to hug, this is it. I can't wait for the next book!!!

❣️ Secret Service Agent x First Daughter
💋 Age Gap
❤️‍🩹 Keep Her Safe
🔥 Forbidden
🏠 Forced Proximity
💘 So Much Yearning
✌🏻 Dual POV in Dual Narration

[Jennifer Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since the ending of book one I have been dying for Gideon's story! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Lena and Gideon were perfect!

First can we talk about these tropes?? Secret Service Agent and the First Daughter?! Forbidden on a whole new level!! Gideon was hurt four years ago and unable to continue as an agent for Lena. Now she is in trouble and the President called Gideon to protect her until the treat was handled. They hide out at his home in Montana and the forced proximity and training becomes to much to handle! The chemistry and tension was so freaking good! I loved how protective Gideon was of Lena but also that he wanted to train her to fight for herself! He was so supportive of her dreams and I loved how he pushed her to reach for them. Their push and pull banter was fantastic and they had such a beautiful emotional connection. The found family in this one is so special and I loved it. And the ending was my favorite part! The painting! Cue the tears!! One of my favorite Kristen books to date!

AUDIO: This was narrated by Sean Masters and Avery Caris and they were perfect for these characters!! The tension, the yearning, the chemistry! It was brought to life! Sean had the grumpy deep tone that I pictured for Gideon and Avery was pure sunshine but also had that determination to her voice that Lena had! I loved this one!

-Small Town
-Secret Service Agent
-President's Daughter
-Age Gap
-Forced Proximity
-Forbidden
-Heroine in Hiding

Thank you Kristen for this ARC and ALC!

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe Keeping, book two in the Triple Creek Ranch series, was an incredible read. From the beginning of Safe Keeping I was reminded of Gideon's challenges in Safe Haven, another phenomenal story. Shot on duty as a Secret Service Agent, Gideon's future was up in the air. I opened Safe Keeping excited to see if he would be able to complete his mission of protecting Blackbird, the first daughter, or would he find a new purpose.

Four years after Gideon's retirement from Secret Service everything changes. Lena, the first daughter, is in danger. A kidnapping has been foiled but the complications are overwhelming. The author had my mind all over the place. I really, really needed to know what was going on. Was Lena still in danger? Did Lena's latest close encounter trigger her? What would all of this do for Gideon?

When the pages started steaming; I hoped the problem would never be solved. Forget the age gap or that Gideon was supposed to be protecting her. The chemistry between the two of them had me swooning, drooling and excited for every page flip.

The story is full of shocking plot twists. The suspense, that I didn't expect, had my heart beating so fast. Tension rolled of the pages. The ending--mind blowing. After finishing the story my heart is full. I loved the ending so much. Safe Keeping is a beautiful, emotion filled story that I will be rereading again and again.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

Triple Creek Ranch is the series to read! This is book two and I am all in!! Gideon had a tough childhood and then he found a family. A family that loved him and taught him how to protect his family. Then he was a professional protector and he was hurt ..bad. But it’s one of those things that’s always in the back in your head. Lena was young when her mom became the president. She gave the secret service a hard time and one man paid for her behavior…and now she needs his help. Because she is in danger and needs his protection. Gideon and Lena are reunited and boy do these two have beyond sassy banter…and chemistry that will burn any kindle within minutes…because this book was hot! As these two spend time together they have a lot to work on. Because they need to get over what happened in the past so they can figure out if they can have a future. This is a well layered read with a lot going on and I was here for it. The characters had great depth and definitely brought the drama and told a heck of a story. A story about second chances, figuring out your destiny and everything in between. I loved how protective he was of her…talk about swoon worthy. Then there is the side characters giving there two cents and truly being a big part of this amazing story. I am Truly loving this series and I can’t wait to see what this author brings us next.

[Jennifer Wycech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Service Agent/First Daughter
Age Gap
Keep Her Safe
Forbidden
Close Proximity
So Much Yearning
Dual POV - 1st person

Dual narration - Sean Masters & Avery Caris
Absolutely loved these two together.

Book #2 Triple Creek Ranch series
Immersive reading

Gideon is a former bodyguard for the president. He got injured and its now 5 years later. He runs a training business on his families ranch. When the president calls him for a favor to guard her daughter he is reluctant but agrees. He is not expecting Lena to have to changes so much in the last 5 years. She is no longer the immature girl her used to know. She has grown up.

Lena has an unfortunate event happen and her mother the president sends her away with Gideon secretly to protect her. Lena does as she is told and goes but she is not happy about leaving everything. Gideon is the one guard that she always felt safe with. Being the first time she has seen him in 5 years she is having some feelings...

This was such a fun read. Two characters yearning for each other but know its not ok to act. Training together, living in the same house, and the sexual tension is heavy! I love these characters and their story.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon James has completely stolen my heart.
This story pulled me in from the very first page and refused to let go.
I absolutely loved being back at Triple Creek Ranch and spending time again with our favourites, Willow and Ryker—but this time it was Gideon’s turn to tell his story, and it did not disappoint. Lena, the president’s daughter, is in danger, and the only safe place for her brings her face‑to‑face with Gideon five years after he last protected her. Gideon thought that chapter of his life was long closed… but nothing prepares him for seeing her again.
The chemistry between these two is undeniable—you can feel it on the page. And once Gideon falls? It’s game over. His heart takes over completely, and I loved every second of it. The suspense element added just the right amount of tension. I had my suspicions about the villain and hoped I was wrong, but Kristen still managed to keep me guessing.
I’ve really loved this series and was so happy to spend more time with these amazing characters. Fingers crossed we might one day get an Aiden story!
Loved this book and will absolutely be re‑reading it very soon.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safe Keeping is the second book in Kristen Proby’s Triple Creek Ranch series and it was impossible not to fall for broody Gideon and sassy Lena in this bodyguard, heroine in hiding, forced proximity love story.

Five years ago one night changed both Gideon and Lena’s lives forever and now Gideon is doing the one thing he never thought he do again- protect the president’s daughter on his ranch in Montana. Lena is back under the watchful eye of Gideon but a lot has changed in the five years since she’s seen him and the crush she’s always had on him morphs into something so much more. Gideon swore he would protect Lena with his life he just didn’t realize he needed to protect her from his heart.

I loved the push and pull dynamic between Gideon and Lena and how much they thrived with each other. Gideon is still broody and gruff but with Lena those traits soften and with Gideon Lena has found the missing pieces of happiness she was lacking in her life.

Kristen Proby is one of my favorite small town romance authors and I just love everything she writes that’s set in Montana.




Thank you @kristenproby and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback

[Barbara-Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kristen Proby revealed that Safe Keeping would feature a secret service agent and the First Daughter, my millennial heart instantly shouted, "Yes, please!" It gave me all the early 2000s vibes of First Daughter and Chasing Liberty—and boy, did it deliver exactly that!

Gideon and Lena? Absolute perfection. The tension, the longing, the sizzling chemistry—it practically leaped off the pages. Lena broke my heart more than once, and I just wanted to wrap her in a big, comforting hug. But watching her transform into this fierce, unstoppable woman chasing after what she truly wanted? Pure magic. And Gideon? Oh man, this guy owns me! Once he committed, he was 100% all in, leaving me swooning at every twist and turn.

Safe Keeping is a small-town romance packed with electric chemistry and suspense that will keep you guessing until the very end. Avery Caris and Sean Masters did a phenomenal job narrating—pulling me in from the very first moment and never letting go.

A huge thanks to Kristen Proby and NetGalley for the ARC of Safe Keeping, my most anticipated read of April!

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe Keeping has Gideon and Lena locked in a battle of undeniable attraction. Gideon’s grumpy, strict nature—and his constant fight to keep his hands off Lena—will have you smirking more than once.
Lena brings the sass and grit, and you can’t help but admire her strength as she faces the challenges in her life. The chemistry between them is explosive and swoon-worthy, delivering moments that will have you sighing.
Their dynamic is both sexy and emotionally charged as they slowly give in to what’s been building between them. While the danger surrounding Lena lingers in the background, love and family take center stage.
When that danger finally spikes, it’s handled swiftly, leading into one final emotional battle—one where love ultimately wins, giving us a satisfying HEA.

A sizzling grumpy-meets-sass romance with strong emotional depth, balanced by family warmth and a satisfying, love-conquers-all finish.

[Kali Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐ 3 🌶️ 5 🎧

This may be my favorite Kristen story yet. Not only am I absolutely loving Triple Creek Ranch, but Gideon and Lena were so incredible together and I just adored their story. The found family is so strong on this ranch and it gives me all the ooey gooeies.

Safe Keeping had a million of my favorite tropes and microtropes, including but not limited to: He Trains Her, They Get Off Thinking About the Other in the Shower, He Carries Her, Accidental Voyeurism, Body Modifications (Piercings and Tats) and He Lifts Her Up and Kisses Her Against the Wall. And if those aren't enough to make you run and grab this one, there's a suspense plot and mole on the MADAM PRESIDENT'S security team. So. Much. Fun.

The audio was amazing. Avery Caris and Sean Masters were such perfect picks for these two and I absolutely loved how they brought them to life. Thank you so much to Kristen for the advanced copies, I loved this Immersive read and listen so dang much!

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ! Gideon was seriously injured when he was the first daughter Lena security detail and had to retire from the secret service, He now runs a very successful business whenhe is called to protect Lena again. Lena was never privy to what happened to Gideon but she always felt safe around him. She ends up at Triple creek ranch and found her place in life. She is sweet, shy and does not fit well in the political sphere. Both of them are captivated by the other, but neither is ready to make a move until one of them does. Scorching hot chemistry, smart,sexy heroine and asmoking hot man, what could go wrong! You will not be able to put this story down as it is enthralling. Kristen Proby, your description of the smells surrounding them are so real, that I could smell it a.ong with the characters. THank You for this beautiful story

[Lakshmi Praveen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon and Lena, how I squealed reading this book. And dang , Kristen Proby didn't disappoint. Gideon is back in his home after being injured while working as a protective detail for the president's daughter. Being a brooding and intense man. Lena,living her best life...as much as allowed is again caught in a crossfire where she is whisked away to live with Gideon in a small town on his ranch. Neither of them want each other in their space. But what ensues is just pure fun and sin. From stolen glances and intense chemistry to lots of action, Safe Keeping had it all. I loved the way Gideon loved Lena, their age gap was shown so beautifully, the mountains of Montana explained so wonderfully. For a small town romance the suspense was just perfect. I devoured this book so fast, loved it.

[Bookbakeneko · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
𝙎𝙖𝙛𝙚 𝙆𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜
28 𝘼𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙡
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.3


Gideon James — that is all.

An ex–Secret Service agent, Gideon is once again tasked with protecting the president’s daughter… the very job that cost him his career the first time around.

Lena never expected to be under Gideon’s protection again—especially when her crush on him never really went away.

What follows? Pure temptation.
Gideon is determined to do his job and protect Lena—nothing more… right?
Except nothing has ever felt quite this right for either of them.

The tension & the history between these two is everything.

A must read if you swoon for alpha energy, unresolved feelings, and chemistry that refuses to be ignored.

[Sara Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another perfectly cozy read from one of my favorite authors.

I was so excited to read Safe Keeping after the set up for their story in book 1.

Gideon and Lena were going to have tension build up automatically from how they knew each other and that did not disappoint.

The spice in here was hot. And if you come for nothing else at least there is that. :)

The story itself was good but I did wish for more into their history and the build up to them actually getting together.

I will say the twist at 80% I didn’t guess who the person involved was and I always love being surprised there.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read :)

[Mary]

[Rosa Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon and Lena!! 💕💕💕 Omg this story was beautiful. Yes, I hated the Commander in Chief for a long time throughout this novel and also hated the BF. Both BF's, if you know what I mean! Haha, but Willow again became a favorite, the other one I stay hating!  I did immersive reading with the ebook & audiobook, and I loved both narrators! ❤️  Sean Masters and Avery Caris are a hit together! Thank you again, Kristen Proby, for the opportunity to advance read and listen, and yes, you had me crying for a few chapters, and yet I wouldn't have it any other way! 🙏💜 

[Alex Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Lena and Gideon! Not only were the characters so amazing, I love seeing Willow and Ryker again! The tropes were amazing, ex secret service/presidents daughter, age gap, forced proximity, and forbidden. I loved how both of the characters worked through their trauma from an incident five years ago! Lena was such a badass character, to be able to do the obstacle course and learning to protect herself. The audiobook was also so well done and Sean Masters and Avery Caris sounded so good together!!

[The Bosnian · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ROMANTIC BOSNIAN BLOG REVIEW
*ARC review
*6 Star Read

I have read every book KP has written and also book 1 in this series. I knew this one was going to blow me away since I fell in love with Gideon in Book 1! Everything I expected I got and more...

You can read my FULL REVIEW & MORE on my Blog -> HERE

[Annemarie Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story to follow up Safe Haven. This family is one made not of blood but the bonds are so strong. This was a wonderful love story with some twists. Thank you Kristen for the opportunity to read this ARC. Thoroughly enjoyed this series

[Red Panda Reads]

4-28-26

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

SWOOOOON! This was so sweet and swoony and DEEELICIOUSLY sexy! The audio was mesmerizing!

Full RTC

[Karen Desira · Rating 5 out of 5]

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