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She's his best friend's little sister. He's always been off-limits. Until their cases collide and everything changes.

Police Detective Michael Martinelli has spent four years hunting his mother's killer. When a string of burglaries reopens the cold case, the last complication he needs is Dani Kim walking back into his life.

She came back to prove herself—then get out. She never expected him to make her want to stay.

FBI Special Agent Dani Kim's "punishment" assignment in Renegade is temporary—keep her head down, prove she belongs in the big leagues, and escape back to her real career. But when her investigation into financial irregularities collides with Michael's case—both leading to a shadow syndicate that may have murdered his mother—everything changes. Michael's always been off-limits—her brother's best friend, nothing more. But working together ignites feelings neither expected.

When enemies strike and bodies pile up, can they survive long enough to explore what's growing between them?

Sometimes justice requires faith, courage, and risking your heart on forbidden love.

Perfect For Fans
✓ Best friend's little sister romance
✓ Forbidden attraction that can't be denied
✓ Cold case murder with personal stakes
✓ Police detective heroes seeking justice
✓ FBI agent heroines proving themselves
✓ He's always seen her as off-limits—until now
✓ Shadow syndicate conspiracies
✓ Small-town danger with deadly secrets
✓ Faith-tested-by-fire storylines


Forbidden Love Best Friend's Little Sister Justice and Healing Off-Limits Romance Cold Case Investigation Faith and Courage Proving Yourself Shadow Conspiracies Unexpected Attraction Finding Home Divine Timing Love Worth Fighting For

Book 6 in the Renegade County series, written by Michelle Sass Aleckson, created by Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

Complete standalone story with gripping cold case mystery, forbidden best-friend's-little-sister romance, and a faith-filled happily ever after!

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2026

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About the author

Michelle Sass Aleckson

15 books172 followers
Author writes under the penname Michelle Aleckson as well.

After growing up on both the east and west coasts, Michelle now loves living the country life in central Minnesota with her own hero and four children. She rocks out to 80's music on a Saturday night, enjoys playing board games, and is a hopeless romantic. And if you're wondering, yes, Sass is her maiden name.

She writes contemporary romance with a dash of sass and suspense. Connect with her on her website: michellealeckson.com

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5 stars
147 (67%)
4 stars
57 (26%)
3 stars
11 (5%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Staci.
2,423 reviews694 followers
August 15, 2026
The action in Renegade continues!

Michael went down an unexpected path and left medical school to become a police detective. On the side, he researched what happened to his mother. She was murdered and many believe she was on the wrong side of the law. Michael knows she wasn't.

New FBI Agent Dani dreams on an assignment to New York City or Miami but is instead assigned to her hometown Renegade, Colorado. To say she is disappointed is an understatement.

Michael and Dani partner together. Sparks between them begin early on. Another good book in the Heroes of Renegade Series. I especially liked the logistics of how the crime occurred in this one.

My gratitude to publisher Sunrise for a complimentary e-copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Sarita.
1,609 reviews660 followers
August 5, 2026
Rating 4.75

Defender was one of my favourite books in the series. There was the perfect balance between characters with their growth issues, the suspense mystery, secrets and a cold case.

I loved Michael from the first time I met him in this series and loved that we could see more from his life and family. I loved his interaction with his siblings and partner and the way he and Dani reconnected.

I loved how Dani’s impulsiveness led her to awkward moments and some where she had to be rescued. The connection between her and Michael flowed easily.

I had my suspicions about who the bad person was, and was surprised that my suspicions were correct. The true evil of the person was quite shocking as events developed.

Excited for the next development in the series.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Profile Image for Michaela (Reading in the Heartland).
3,890 reviews101 followers
July 4, 2026
I really enjoyed this no spice Christian romantic suspense. Things are heating up in Renegade with the mystery of the Shadow Syndicate, and this best friend’s little sister romance was right on. Dani is now an FBI agent, but ever since she was a kid, she’s been getting into messes. Enter Michael, now a police officer, who always catches her when she falls.

I loved how this book had suspense, family, friends, and more. I really liked this installment that had plenty of tension, swoon, and danger. It was a great read to settle in with and I can’t wait for the next book! The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 1.

Content Warnings: Past Loss of Parent, Mention of Underage Drinking

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Emily.
676 reviews21 followers
July 8, 2026
This Christian romantic suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. Defender is the sixth book in the multiauthor series Heroes of Renegade, written by Michelle Sass Aleckson. It can be read as a standalone, but I would highly recommend reading the series.

Dani has freshly graduated from Quantico and is trying to prove herself. When the assignments go out, she finds herself being sent to her hometown, Renegade. With the Shadow Syndicate growing, things are heating up. Dani feels disappointed when she gets sent to go undercover as an accountant at the trucking company. Though some things aren’t adding up. When Dani’s work collides with her brother’s best friend, Michael’s detective work, they work together to solve things. But the Shadow Syndicate is truly working in the shadows.  

This best friend’s little sister romance was perfect with kisses only.

Michelle Sass Aleckson did a great job intertwining faith elements, as Michael has slid back from his faith since his mother’s death. Through the story, we start to see the change and the effects of his Christian upbringing. When the hard comes, the truth speaks to him, and he meets God where he is at.   
Quote:
“But we can also look for the things that are good. The evidence of God at work. Because He is always at work, no matter how dark it seems.”  

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. 
31 reviews
August 30, 2026
✨Book Review✨

“A thousand memories flooded her mind as she looked down at her brother's best friend. So much for avoiding Michael Martinelli.”

Defender by Michelle Sass Aleckson is the sixth book in the Heroes of Renegade series. The Shadow Syndicate presences is getting harder to hide since it would appear everything going wrong in Renegade is leading back to them.

Detective Michael Martinelli joined the police force to solve his mom’s murder. He refuses to believe she was a dirty cop. Along with working the case in his free time, he helps make sure his younger siblings and dad have what they need. The last thing he needed was a woman to catch his attention. But that’s exactly what happens when his best friend’s little sister shows back up.

FBI Special Agent Dani Kim is back in the last place she wants to be, her hometown. Dani’s plan is to complete her first assignment and leave Renegade. If she could avoid her old crush Michael Martinelli and her parents, everything would be perfect. But first night back and she runs into both. While she is working her case, Michael keeps showing up at the worst time. As time goes on Dani and Michael realize their cases tie together. Willing to take a leap of faith, Dani and Michael decide to work together.

I really enjoyed reading about this couple, specifically Dani. I feel like we can all relate when it comes to having that one person who always seems to see us at what seems like our worst. Michael is such a loyal person which is something I always find endearing.

Defended has so many good tropes in it but I think my favorite trope is best friend’s sibling love interest. I’m a sucker for that trope and this author did such a good job with it!

These thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks Sunrise Publishing for the ARC.
Profile Image for Courtney Dawn.
907 reviews15 followers
August 22, 2026
Give me a cold case, a dangerous conspiracy, a brother’s best friend romance, and a little faith-under-fire, and I’m in!

Defender was another great addition to the Heroes of Renegade series. Michael and Dani’s story had everything I enjoy in Christian romantic suspense: a mystery with personal stakes, plenty of danger, an off-limits romance, and characters who are forced to confront some hard things along the way.

Michael has spent years trying to uncover the truth about his mother’s murder, while Dani is a newly minted FBI agent determined to prove herself. When their cases collide and both lead back to the mysterious Shadow Syndicate, they’re forced to work together—and the sparks between these two definitely didn’t stay hidden for long.

I really enjoyed the best friend’s little sister dynamic, especially knowing Michael had always seen Dani as off-limits. Watching that shift as they worked together was so much fun, and their chemistry added just the right amount of swoon without taking over the suspense.

The mystery was probably my favorite part. I especially enjoyed the logistics of how the crime unfolded and watching the pieces slowly come together. The Shadow Syndicate storyline is also getting more intriguing with each book, and I’m definitely curious to see where it goes next!

I also appreciated Michael’s faith journey. After his mother’s death, he had pulled away from God, and I loved seeing him slowly find his way back. His journey felt honest—especially the reminder that sometimes we don't have to have everything figured out before we meet God right where we are.

Dani was another character I really enjoyed. She’s determined to prove she belongs, even when being sent back to her hometown feels like the exact opposite of the career she envisioned. Seeing her step into her role and trust her instincts made her an easy character to root for.

A gripping, no-spice Christian romantic suspense with danger, faith, justice, and a romance that proves some things are worth fighting for.

📚 ARC Consideration: Thank you to the publisher for the complimentary e-copy. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

Perfect for readers who love: best friend’s little sister • forbidden romance • cold cases • FBI agents • police detectives • Christian romantic suspense • kisses-only romance • shadowy conspiracies
Profile Image for Vickie.
2,419 reviews81 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
June 12, 2026
Dani Kim is a newly minted FBI agent who is assigned to her hometown of Renegade, even though that is one of the last places she wanted to be. Once there, she is assigned to work undercover on accounts for a trucking company. She also meets up with her good friends, the Martinelli family, including police detective Michael who has a habit of rescuing Dani from the dilemmas she seems to easily fall into. In her investigation, she knows something is fishy but she can’t quite put her finger on the problem. Meanwhile, Michael and his colleague Finn are dealing with a series of burglaries and can’t seem to find a motive for them. The story is just complex enough to keep me engaged and definitely fast-paced as the two law enforcement agents work hard to ferret out the source of the crimes in Renegade while staying as safe as possible from the unknown criminals. There are twists and red herrings as well as clues, but none too obvious to make guessing easy. My favorite part of the book was the flirtatious banter between Dani and Michael as they explore a relationship that they had never considered before. The characters are realistic and easy to cheer for and the story is realistic and absorbing.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Amy.
597 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 19, 2026
Defender by Susan May Warren and Michelle Sass Aleckson is a great addition to the Heroes of Renegade series! I loved revisiting Michael, who first appeared in Book One, and seeing him star in his own adventure.

It's quite a law enforcement adventure, too! As a good guy who got a bad rap, seeing him search for justice and resolution was encouraging. He didn't let the hard things break him, and we all need to see stories about heroes who withstand hurt.

Sometimes Dani got on my nerves a bit as a leading lady, honestly, because she's rather arrogant and overconfident. I'm not personally a fan of the 'I know better than everyone else' types, and she comes across that way sometimes, but it's also partly because of past hurt, which is understandable. I really enjoyed her appreciation for family and friendships, though, and the way that she cared about others. Her impulsiveness definitely helped to drive the plot here and kept things interesting.

All in all, Defender is an excellent addition to this series, and I'm sad that it's coming to an end, but that won't keep me from being excited for the next book! If you love stories about adventure and strong heroes as much as I do, you want to read this book - and eventually the whole series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kelly Bridgewater.
1,247 reviews65 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 6, 2026
Defender by Michelle Sass Aleckson was a sweet romance for the girl next door and plenty of action that will keep readers turning the pages. Readers will enjoy going along for the ride with all the tension and mystery flowing through the pages of the story. Aleckson does a wonderful job at keeping readers on their toes as they devour the mystery and follow the romance along. Speaking of the romance, it is a slow romance that for the hero and / or heroine, it started a long time ago. With trust and faith, both characters learn to let go of the past and learn to love freely with each other. As for the setting, I love Colorado, and its wildness, so I love seeing this setting over and over again in this story. Aleckson does a wonderful job at sprinkling the healing process and the claim to faith throughout the story. However, it is not a preaching story; it is a slow change of heart and a deeper dependence on God as the troubles get harder and harder to conquer. Overall, Defender by Michelle Sass Aleckson is a wonderful novel filled with plenty of twists, turns, and romance to satisfy any reader.

I received a complimentary copy of Defender by Michelle Sass Aleckson from Sunrise Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Profile Image for Jeanne Alfveby Crea.
1,084 reviews113 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 27, 2026
I couldn't put it down; I loved the characters and the story! From Detective Michael Martinelli's Irish partner, to the crimes they are trying to solve, to his big Italian family, and the return of his best friend's little sister, this is one captivating and page-turning story!

Michael cannot rest until he finds his mother's killer and clears her name, but at what cost?

Dani (Danielle) Kim just passed all the training to become an FBI Special Agent. The best advice she receives from her superior: "Don't do it for the glory. The real heroes are in it to serve others, not to prove anything....And I'll warn you right now, when you botch it-because everyone does- be the kind of agent who admits her mistakes, learns, gets up, and tries again."

I love how Michael and Dani's cases intertwine, the mystery, and suspense kept me turning pages. The sweet attraction to each other, the big Italian family get togethers that Dani has missed, the banter, and the teasing from Michael's partner Liam Finnigan (Finn) also kept me turning pages. I would seriously enjoy reading more about these characters! I highly recommend Defender by Michelle Sass Aleckson.

Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,342 reviews79 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
August 9, 2026
Though some arrests have been made, the Shadow Syndicate is still alive and well in Renegade, Colorado.

FBI Special Agent Dani Kim is not happy about her first assignment in her hometown of Renegade. She has had her fair share of embarrassing moments, and every time she falls, Detective Michael Martinelli, her brother’s best friend, is there to rescue her like a superhero with a cape. Suffice it to say that Dani makes another splash upon her return to town.

Michael and Dani’s cases start to overlap. From that point the engine is hot as action and dangerous situations are prevalent in every chapter. These evil people will stop at nothing to continue their quest for greed and control.

This was an excellent police procedural with many moving parts. Both main characters have some pain from their past that they need to overcome. One of my favorite parts was when Michael came under conviction that his deceased mother would not be pleased with the fact that he had forsaken his faith.

It is a twisty mystery with a whole lot of emotions packed within the pages. The author’s smooth writing style make this book an easy and enjoyable read.

Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Dana.
312 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 31, 2026
Defender is the next to last book in the Heroes of Renegade series by multi-authors through Sunrise Publishing.

Our FMC, Special Agent Danielle 'Dani' Kim is the newest FBI agent at the Renegade office, after being assigned the one place she hated coming back to, home. She doesn't want to be here and going to prove to her boss she deserves a better assignment in NYC or some other big city.
Detective Michael Martinelli is one of Renegade’s finest. Also, he is Dani’s brother’s best friend. Even though Michael has the best intentions is to staying away from Dani because she’s always causing chaos wherever she goes. Just the little bit of time they spend together on a case that is becoming more and more interwoven than they know, he realizes they have a magnetic chemistry connection that he can’t deny. Dani keeps finding herself in situations that Michael keeps rescuing her from. Through the book there is more corruption uncovered with the Syndicate. I love how faith is woven throughout these books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Beth.
541 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2026
I absolutely loved Dani and Michael!

Michelle is hands down my favorite author to come out of Sunrise Publishing, so her novels are always going to rank the highest on my favorites in a series. The depth and faith of her characters is always inspiring and the way she writes suspense pulls me in and doesn't let go until the end.

Michael and Dani's story is no exception.

I absolutely loved the history these two have. And the way they reconnected was straight out of a fairy tale, with the added bonus of the two of them solving crime together! I especially loved the way that Michael looked at Dani as a capable partner, something no one had ever done for her before.

Michael and Dani make an excellent team in the way that they both balance each other. Dani helps Michael get out of his head and take action, while he helps Dani stay grounded and make a plan before diving in. I read 70% of this novel in one sitting because I could not put it down. These two sucked me into their story and I was perfectly happy to be along for the ride!

I am so sad that this series is coming to a close, but I cannot wait for the finale coming next!
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,234 reviews52 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
August 3, 2026
Defender was another great addition to this series. In fact, it’s one of my favorites. It wasn’t quite as action-packed as some of the previous books, but it was no less compelling. I was completely invested and didn’t want to put it down.

I really liked Michael. He was helpful, chivalrous, and just an all-around good guy. It took a little while to warm up to Dani. She was impulsive, rushing into things without thinking about the consequences, even when she was told not to do it. But she did mean well, and by the end of the book, I ended up liking her. I enjoyed seeing her character growth. I thought Michael and Dani were really good together. They really balanced each other out.

There was even more progress made with the Shadow Syndicate. I’m really curious to see how things end up in the final book of the series! If you’re a fan of faith-filled romantic suspense, don’t hesitate to pick up this series. It’s so good!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Deena Peterson.
1,272 reviews7 followers
August 13, 2026
Wow! This book was fun to read! It’s rich with character development and a tight storyline that grabs you from page one and refuses to let go until the end.

Dani has been searching for a career that fulfills her, one where she can really make a difference. But she’s tired of being the family disappointment and chaos magnet.

So when she moves from accounting to being a Federal Agent she doesn’t tell her family—even when she gets assigned to her hometown.

Michael is determined to find the person or persons who murdered his mother and painted her as a dirty police chief. When the case threatens to consume him he’s torn between it and the unusual rash of burglaries plaguing the small town.

Reunited against a common enemy, can these two solve the cases and find common ground in their personal lives?

You’re going to have to read it to find out! And you’ll love it—I promise! I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!
45 reviews4 followers
August 22, 2026
Book six in this series features Michael Martinelli, police detective in Renegade and Dani Kim, new FBI agent who is reluctantly returning to her hometown. Dani is struggling to prove herself as an agent, and wanted to be assigned a big city in order to be part of the action. However, she is assigned to her hometown of Renegade, where she has to face her (maybe self-imposed) reputation as someone who always makes mistakes. She also will have to face her former crush, now Detective Michael Martinelli. Dani and Michael soon find themselves working together to bring down members of the Shadow Syndicate. Will they be in over their heads, or will they defeat the evil that has invaded Renegade?

I enjoyed revisiting past characters from book one in this story, as well as reading more about Michael and his family. Both he and Dani learn that God is their true strength. This was a story with fast-paced action and sweet romance. I can't wait to read the final book in the series!

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,866 reviews204 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 10, 2026
Special Agent Danielle ‘Dani’ Kim, the newest FBI agent at the Renegade office, only plans to be in Colorado long enough to prove herself but she doesn’t anticipate the effect that Detective Michael Martinelli, her brother’s best friend, will have on her.

Despite Martinelli’s best efforts to stay away from the ‘walking tornado’, he gets sucked into her vortex and discovers that there’s chemistry. Michael reminds us of the value in extending second chances and taking steps to prevent a life of regret. Dani reminds us that we should never say ‘never’ and journey along looking for possibilities rather than roadblocks.

Although this wasn’t a pulse-pounding read, it exposes corruption and highlights unwavering faith and unshakable hope. It’s book six in the series and is an uplifting standalone romance. I appreciated the nudge about being flexible with my future plans and giving God room to work.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Profile Image for Rosalyn.
1,329 reviews35 followers
August 15, 2026
Dani is a sweet heroine. She's always been told she's a mess, and she has almost convinced herself of that fact. As a an FBI agent, she is still trying to prove herself. But...when she makes a rookie error on her first case, she is sent to her hometown, which feels a lot like a punishment. But she realizes pretty quickly that her hometown does have some very unusual criminal activity going on, and she is determined to get to the bottom of it.

It definitely adds to the mix that her young crush is a cop in said hometown, and they find themselves working together. A lot.

Michael has always told himself that Dani is off-limits, because she is his best friend's sister, as well as a best friend to his own sister. But somehow, this knowledge does not keep the sparks from flying between them.

Caught in romance, and also danger and adventure, Michael and Dani are fun to follow, and this book has so much going on.

If you are looking for a fun mystery, be sure and read this one!

                Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
101 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2026
In Defender, we finally have Michael Martinelli's story, which I have been waiting for since book one. Michelle Sass Aleckson beautifully paired our hero with the charming and all-too-lovable Dani, an FBI agent on her first undercover mission. I loved the relationship between these two characters as they fought not only to solve a city-wide crime, but also as they fell in love and worked through scars from the past. This story was one of healing, of hope, and of purpose. Aleckson truly did a fantastic job of building a tension-filled plot that was full of dynamic characters and a faith-filled message. I could hardly put this book down!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tina Lowery.
395 reviews
August 26, 2026
Defender, by Michelle Sass Aleckson, was well-written, action-packed and filled with an endless hope given by an everlasting faith in God. Michael and Dani were beginning to find a friendship, one that blossomed into more emotions. As they began to learn about one another, the understanding filled in the holes that were left throughout painful childhood memories. Faith gave them the strength to move forward into a future that they could have together. Finally, faith, hope and love sets them free from an unsettled past. Their present is leading them towards joy and a future of a tight-knit family that will stand firm. I give this story 4.5 stars, which I'm rounding it up to 5 because there's no middle ground. I truly enjoyed this story and will read it again, someday.
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,394 reviews57 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 4, 2026
What an awesome addition to the Heroes of Renegade series. Dani, a new FBI agent, is assigned to her hometown Regenade. When Dani's undercover case and the string of burglaries Michael and his partner are investigating collide, they join forces. Defender is a fast-paced story with twists and turns, Faith, danger, suspense, and falling for your sister's best friend/best friend's brother. I also enjoyed Michael and Dani navigating their feelings for each other now that they are adults and Michael trying to find his mother's murderer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.
894 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 6, 2026
I lost a lot of sleep because I had to find out what happened with Michael and Dani!

Michael always sees Dani as a sister and she sees him as the one who catches her when she falls. This all changes when Dani moves back to Renegade. Michael is still trying to find his mother's murderer and Dani is trying to prove herself to those around her.

Crimes are still on the rise in Renegade and it seems like there is no rhyme or reason for how they are connected. Michael and Dani continue to dig deeper and things start to spiral.

I can't wait to read the final book in the series!

I was given a copy of the book. The opinions are my own.
44 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2026
After what I considered to be a disappointing book 5 in this series, book 6 was a hit! The mystery and intrigue was back...the questions around the Shadow syndicate are getting closer to answered... and the characters popped off the page! We have see Detective Martinelli pop up from time to time in Renegade. Now it's his time to tell his story and fall in love. Dani is his best friend's little sister. He's supposed to be finding his mother's killer. However Dani and Michael collide...literally! and find themselves working together and falling in love along the way... if they can keep out of trouble!
348 reviews13 followers
August 18, 2026
I enjoyed this suspenseful romance just as much as the rest of the books in the series. I was so happy that Michael got his own story, and I thought it was well written. Dani and Michael both had to fight through some dangerous situations and learn to trust in God through the dark times. I think Michael is one of my favorite characters from this series because of his courage and unselfish kindness towards others. I highly recommend this book, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the publisher. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Sharon Hughson.
Author 31 books63 followers
July 17, 2026
This story had the perfect ratio of romance to suspense. It was great to have a story with two law enforcement types falling in love, and I’m a sucker for the “best friend’s sibling” trope.

Michael seemed more well-developed than Dani, which is unusual in a romance. I felt his pain and his motives were defined, believable and relatable.

If you like romances with danger and mystery and a light Christian arc, this book is worth the investment of your reading time.
Profile Image for Dianne Sidebottom.
1,480 reviews20 followers
August 12, 2026
Michael and Dani's story continuing on in Renegade Colorado series.
Both families known to each other in the town. Both having left the town and returning, one from tragedy the other their job sent them. (Both in law enforcement now).
It's a little hard to know who to trust in the town, that are above board or compromised by those that can squeeze options out of you, plus end up dead as you have no value anymore.

One more story to come to put the puzzle together.
Profile Image for Lisa Lynn.
75 reviews
August 17, 2026
I really wanted to love this book but I had a hard time with some aspects. There was some unrealistic sequences in the fight scenes and the weapon choices the author made were very unlikely. I am happy to suspend reality for fiction but these details took me out of the story. It was as if the author didn’t do some basic research. That said, I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and would give her other books a chance.
Profile Image for Naomi Shores.
587 reviews11 followers
August 19, 2026
Dani is officially an FBI agent and gets her first assignment.....back in Renegade where she never wanted to return. Ever since she was a little kid she would get into messes and Michael was there to rescue her....that hasn't changed. He's a police officer and the two end up working together as they try to find out who is behind the Shadow Syndicate and take it down. Lots of suspense, plenty of action, some romance, reuniting with old friends.

165 reviews3 followers
August 16, 2026
A thrilling read!

Michael was determined to find who had killed his mother. Dani was determined to prove she could be an FBI agent. As their cases intersected the danger grew, as did their faith and trust in God. With plenty of twists and turns, this book was impossible to put down!
542 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2026
Dani Kim is hilarious and a new approach to heroines!

Michael Martinelli is the perfect hero who doesn't try to put a woman in her place. They make an interesting combination, and the Martinelli family is full of life. I like the fact that Michael is protector, and yet he respects Dani's strengths.


Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews