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Texas Cowboy Protector
Secrets from the past…
and a child in peril.
Sawyer Cantrell never expected to thwart a kidnapping, much less save the son of his ex-fiancée. Texas Ranger Mallory Foster is back in Cedar Hollow to clear her late brother’s name of murder, but someone is determined to stop her. Narrowly evading the gunmen on their trail, Sawyer insists on helping investigate the case that broke up their engagement. But when Mallory reveals that Sawyer is her child’s father, the stakes grow even higher. With an unknown enemy willing to murder again to keep the past buried, can Sawyer and Mallory survive long enough to uncover the real killer?
From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
Thunder Ridge Justice
Book 1: Shielded by the Cowboy
Book 2: Texas Cowboy Protector
Book 3: Searching for the Stolen Son
and a child in peril.
Sawyer Cantrell never expected to thwart a kidnapping, much less save the son of his ex-fiancée. Texas Ranger Mallory Foster is back in Cedar Hollow to clear her late brother’s name of murder, but someone is determined to stop her. Narrowly evading the gunmen on their trail, Sawyer insists on helping investigate the case that broke up their engagement. But when Mallory reveals that Sawyer is her child’s father, the stakes grow even higher. With an unknown enemy willing to murder again to keep the past buried, can Sawyer and Mallory survive long enough to uncover the real killer?
From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
Thunder Ridge Justice
Book 1: Shielded by the Cowboy
Book 2: Texas Cowboy Protector
Book 3: Searching for the Stolen Son
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Connie Queen
59 books232 followersNew York Times Bestselling author, Connie Queen married her high-school sweetheart. Together they’ve raised eight children and are enjoying their grandchildren. As a child, Connie remembers her mom and sisters reading, but she preferred to be outside. It wasn't until later, she found the joy of being whisked away into another world. Today she resides in Texas with her husband, and Murphy, her Great Dane, where she’s working on her next suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 27, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up. I’ve read all of Connie’s books and this is one of her best. Cold cases are some of my favorite mysteries and this one was a doozy. I really liked the second chance romance trope and the drama of the cold case having been what originally broke Mallory and Sawyer up five years ago. Maverick(love the name!) was completely adorable and stole several scenes. This one was great!
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
May 27, 2026
A cold case, a second chance romance and a cute little boy named Maverick are just a few of the things that made this inspirational suspense an easy read.
Sawyer has saved a little boy, who is the son of Texas Ranger Mallory Foster. Mallory and Sawyer were engaged at one time. What he does not know at the time of his rescue will be quite shocking for him. Maverick, the little boy he just saved, is his own son. Talk about a shock to your system.
Mallory is back in town determined to find the real killer who murdered three people, a crime of which her late brother was accused of committing before his death. She wants to clear his name. She stirs up a hornet's nest. Someone wants the secrets of the past to stay in the past, and they are willing to kill again to keep it buried.
This was a neck snapping ride of danger, suspense and intrigue. It starts out with a bang, quite literally, when someone blows up Mallory's car. The action is just getting started, and it never slows down.
Second chance romance is my favorite kind of romance, especially in situations like Sawyer and Mallory. Anyone who enjoys high suspense and second chance romance with an inspirational message as well, will enjoy this one.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sawyer has saved a little boy, who is the son of Texas Ranger Mallory Foster. Mallory and Sawyer were engaged at one time. What he does not know at the time of his rescue will be quite shocking for him. Maverick, the little boy he just saved, is his own son. Talk about a shock to your system.
Mallory is back in town determined to find the real killer who murdered three people, a crime of which her late brother was accused of committing before his death. She wants to clear his name. She stirs up a hornet's nest. Someone wants the secrets of the past to stay in the past, and they are willing to kill again to keep it buried.
This was a neck snapping ride of danger, suspense and intrigue. It starts out with a bang, quite literally, when someone blows up Mallory's car. The action is just getting started, and it never slows down.
Second chance romance is my favorite kind of romance, especially in situations like Sawyer and Mallory. Anyone who enjoys high suspense and second chance romance with an inspirational message as well, will enjoy this one.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Texas Ranger Mallory Foster comes home to Cedar Hollow hoping to clear her late brother's name in a reopened cold case, coming face to face with her ex-fiance Sawyer Cantrell.
Sawyer sweeps back into Mallory's life, saving her young son from kidnapping. He suddenly finds out that the stakes are higher than he thought, and he steps up to help her find answers to her brother's death. Sawyer and Mallory make a good team, and I liked how supportive his family was and how he bonded with her son.
Mallory is determined to clear her brother's name, but also wants to keep her son safe at all costs. I liked how she has grown in faith, and that she and Sawyer reconnect over their past and shared values.
Overall, a fast paced read, with great characters and a plot that drew me in. Great suspense, and relationship building. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator did a great job of converying the emotion and differentiating between all the many characters. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sawyer sweeps back into Mallory's life, saving her young son from kidnapping. He suddenly finds out that the stakes are higher than he thought, and he steps up to help her find answers to her brother's death. Sawyer and Mallory make a good team, and I liked how supportive his family was and how he bonded with her son.
Mallory is determined to clear her brother's name, but also wants to keep her son safe at all costs. I liked how she has grown in faith, and that she and Sawyer reconnect over their past and shared values.
Overall, a fast paced read, with great characters and a plot that drew me in. Great suspense, and relationship building. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator did a great job of converying the emotion and differentiating between all the many characters. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an explosive way to start this book, literally. Mallory has come back to her hometown in Cedar Hollow to find the real killer that murdered three people, whom her brother was accused of killing. Now a Texas Ranger she has the resources and a new development in the case. Before she can even settle in, someone blows up her vehicle and attempts to kidnap her son. How did anyone even know she was coming back to town? Just how far will the killer go to keep their secrets? How will Sawyer react to his former fiance being back with their son that he doesn't know about? This book kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages late into the night. Even with this book being the second in a series, it can be read as a stand alone. But once you read about one of the Cantrell's, you will want to read the entire series. I am so looking forward to them all! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are what I thought of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Will Mallory Foster, now a Texas Ranger be able to solve and clear her late brother, Sam's name of murder? Come along for a wild ride as Mallory comes back to Cedar Hollow and receives a not so warm welcoming with her car being blown up and her son being kidnapped. Sawyer Cantrell arrives just in time to stop the kidnapping of his ex-fiance's son. It seems someone wants to stop her from investigating the triple murder that her brother was accused of commiting so many years ago and was the case that broke them apart. As Mallory fights to stay alive and keep her son safe with the help of Sawyer, they must uncover the truth before its too late for them and the killer would get away again with murder. Sawyer still cares for Mallory and wants to keep her safe and finds out that her son is actually their son and he's all the more determined to keep them safe and close this case once and for all. This was a great read that I had a hard time putting down.
May 27, 2026
What could be worse than having your car blown up? How about the attempted kidnapping of your little boy? Texas Ranger Mallory Foster's return to Cedar Hollow turns into a frantic race to protect her son and stay safe herself while solving three cold-case murders. She came back to clear her late brother's name, but she surely didn't think she would need help from her ex-fiancé, and she definitely didn't plan for her long-kept secret to be revealed!
Author Connie Queen fills this fast-paced drama with unanswered questions, hold-your-breath danger, and emotional turmoil. Intriguing characters, a well-constructed plot, and a second-chance romance make this a totally satisfying read! Texas Cowboy Protector checks off all of my boxes for captivating Christian suspense. I loved every minute of it!
I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.
Author Connie Queen fills this fast-paced drama with unanswered questions, hold-your-breath danger, and emotional turmoil. Intriguing characters, a well-constructed plot, and a second-chance romance make this a totally satisfying read! Texas Cowboy Protector checks off all of my boxes for captivating Christian suspense. I loved every minute of it!
I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.
June 2, 2026
Texas Cowboy Protector by Connie Queen grabs you by page one and holds on tight!
When the whole town believes your brother is a murderer, including the man you are about to marry, you realize - you can't trust anyone or rely on them for support. So you pack your bags and leave everything and everyone behind, including the man you planned on spending your life with.
Several years later, Mallory Foster, now a Texas Ranger and her little boy are back in town to free her late brother's name. When she and her son step foot back in town, someone is determined to silence her, one way or the other and Sawyer Cantrell, her former fiancée, is there to stop the danger lurking behind every corner.
What Sawyer doesn't understand, is who's the little boy's father....
Enjoy this page-turner of a read that you won't want to put down!
When the whole town believes your brother is a murderer, including the man you are about to marry, you realize - you can't trust anyone or rely on them for support. So you pack your bags and leave everything and everyone behind, including the man you planned on spending your life with.
Several years later, Mallory Foster, now a Texas Ranger and her little boy are back in town to free her late brother's name. When she and her son step foot back in town, someone is determined to silence her, one way or the other and Sawyer Cantrell, her former fiancée, is there to stop the danger lurking behind every corner.
What Sawyer doesn't understand, is who's the little boy's father....
Enjoy this page-turner of a read that you won't want to put down!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Thank you netgalley for a free audio copy of Texas cowboy protector. This review contains my true thoughts.*
~ Content ~
~ Mentions of murder
~ Mentions of kidnapping
~ 2 non described kissing scenes
~ Marriage out of wedlock
My thoughts 💭
This book did not meet the mark for me unfortunately, I love. Love inspired suspense and usually like the books I read, but this one was so fast paced I couldn't keep up with the story. The romance was very off, and seemed kind of forced. And the suspense seemed unrealistic.
The ending of the book ended too fast. I probably won't be continuing this series.
Recommended age: 15+
For mentione of having a child out of wedlock
~ Content ~
~ Mentions of murder
~ Mentions of kidnapping
~ 2 non described kissing scenes
~ Marriage out of wedlock
My thoughts 💭
This book did not meet the mark for me unfortunately, I love. Love inspired suspense and usually like the books I read, but this one was so fast paced I couldn't keep up with the story. The romance was very off, and seemed kind of forced. And the suspense seemed unrealistic.
The ending of the book ended too fast. I probably won't be continuing this series.
Recommended age: 15+
For mentione of having a child out of wedlock
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a Second Chance Cowboy Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Thunder Ridge Justice series. I have not read the first book in this series before picking up this book. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I really enjoyed the audiobook. I loved all the characters in this book, and I love the second chance romance in this book. There is a ton of suspense and action throughout this book. I could not put this book down. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was so great! If you want non stop action and adrenaline you need to try this one! Sawyer and Mallory were once in love but things ended badly. After 4 years Mallory is back with a son in tow. Desperate to clear her brother of murder she is quickly attacked. The three must survive the danger they face in order to be a family once more. I really enjoyed this book! Their romance was so cute and the action great! Highly recommend! I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Did I finish this book in one day? I absolutely did! Non stop action and long lost love PLUS the Texas countryside and a super cute kid? Yes please! I loved seeing Mallory and Sawyer come together and move past the hurt from years prior. Maverick was a champ and a lovable little cutie.
One of my biggest fears when out on my runs is that some herd of wild pigs will decide I look tasty so I gotta admit I got a little pleasure out of my confirmed fears in that scene haha.
Highly recommend if you love lots of action and a happy ending! (Well except for Chad…)
One of my biggest fears when out on my runs is that some herd of wild pigs will decide I look tasty so I gotta admit I got a little pleasure out of my confirmed fears in that scene haha.
Highly recommend if you love lots of action and a happy ending! (Well except for Chad…)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Texas Ranger Mallory is determined to find the truth behind the murder of three people and to clear her brother Sam's name. There is immediate danger upon her return to her hometown.
Her former fiancé Sawyer Cantrell comes to the rescue and helps Mallory and her son Maverick.
There is near constant danger. The reader is breathless wondering if they will make it through.
The romantic tension between Mallory and Sawyer is well-done.
I enjoyed listening to this book. The narrator did a good job.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to the book.
Her former fiancé Sawyer Cantrell comes to the rescue and helps Mallory and her son Maverick.
There is near constant danger. The reader is breathless wondering if they will make it through.
The romantic tension between Mallory and Sawyer is well-done.
I enjoyed listening to this book. The narrator did a good job.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Texas Cowboy Protector by Connie Queen is the second book in her Thunder Ridge Justice series. Grabbed you from the first chapter. Texas Ranger Mallory Foster and her son come back to Cedar Hallow to solve her murdered brother’s false charge of theft and murder. Second chance romance with her son’s father. Can they stay alive? Narrated by Teri Schnaubeit. She did a great job. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Harlequin Audio for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases May 26, 2026
June 2, 2026
Part of an interconnected series but can be read as a standalone. Some characters may overlap.
She left after her family fell apart. Now she's back for answers. Unfortunately her arrival was met with someone who doesn't want the truth to come out. She also doesn't come alone.
Second chance
Kidnapping
Multiple attempts of murder
Rushed investigation
She left after her family fell apart. Now she's back for answers. Unfortunately her arrival was met with someone who doesn't want the truth to come out. She also doesn't come alone.
Second chance
Kidnapping
Multiple attempts of murder
Rushed investigation
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This fast paced suspense starts off with a bang! The narrator did a fantastic job with this story!
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
Great read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2026
A very enjoyable read. I definitely want to read more about this family and hope all of the siblings get their own stories.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews