Serve and Protect: A small town romantic suspense

by April Wilson

Sheriff Chris Nelson has been in love with Jennie Lopez since they were kids. They grew up together in a small town, best friends, both misfits who were bullied mercilessly. But no matter how hard he tried to get Jennie to go out with him, she always said no. Finally, he gave up trying.

Years later, trouble arises when Jennie's abusive ex-husband returns to town intent on getting hold of her inheritance. Chris will do anything to protect his best friend. It helps he's the sheriff.

As the danger to Jennie escalates, Chris will go above and beyond to protect the love of his life. Even put his life on the line. But will it be enough to save their second chance at happiness?

Fans of the McIntyre Search and Rescue Series will enjoy spending time with familiar favorite characters from previous books in the series. All of the books in the series can be read standalone, but they'll be enjoyed so much more read in order.

This small town romance checks all the

Friends to loversSlow burnSmall townGolden retriever heroStalker ex-husbandRomantic suspenseFound family

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

For April Wilson, author of McIntyre-series etc, use two spaces to get theright author (April^^Wilson)

Reviews

[Lydia Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! I love everyone in Bryce, CO. The search and rescue series has been my favorite of April's for a long time. Chris and Jennie have been friends since they were in 3rd grade. They were both sort of labeled the outcasts, and stuck together. Chris tried time and time again as teens to get Jennie to go out with him but she declined, and eventually stopped. After Chris left for college it turns out Jennie got together, and soon married an awful man who did nothing but treat her like crap. AND now 20 or so years later he's back, and trying to get money from her. This is the story of Chris protecting her. There's always a happy ending but man this was a tough to read one. So be warned if you have dealt with abuse. She's been through a lot of stuff, but her and Chris are meant to be. She always thought it just was for the best they didnt date. Until her life was on the line, and they both put themselves out there.

[Lana Humphress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story

Oh my gosh, I absolutely adore this book! Seriously, I’m such a huge fan of everything this author writes—can’t get enough! I’m beyond excited to dive into more of their stories! The characters in this book are just the absolute best vibes! I love Chris, Jennie, Micha, Granny, and oh my goodness, Pumpkin the cat is just the cutest! I love how Jennie, so fun, calls themselves "the 3 Amigos"—like, how adorable is that? Each of them has such a unique personality, and they’ve been through so much together. From childhood and teen outcast days, thanks to the amazing support from Jeanie’s Grams and Gramps, they’ve managed to survive everything—Army, college, and some tough times with abuse. And finally, they’ve found their happily ever after! It’s just such an inspiring journey, and I’m here for all of it!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll want to read this!

Any story that April Wilson writes, you can be sure you'll be reading this one. Each book in this series has everything you want. It's full of action, suspence, romance and terror. Chris and Jennie have loved each other since grade school. With their individual lives while growing into adults they each are afraid to tell one another how they feel. Jennie in turn makes the worst mistake she could. This is the kind of story you have to read straight through. You'll be happy you read this one!

[Janae Peterson Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, and this book did not disappoint! This is Chris and Jenny’s story, and it delivers a heart-tugging mix of humor, love, and emotional healing that keeps you eagerly turning the pages. I especially appreciate how April Wilson brings past characters back into each story—I’m never ready to let them go after their books end, so seeing them again always feels like a treat.

This was a wonderful story with a heartfelt HEA, and I highly recommend it!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Chris and Jeannie’s story. Chris, Jeannie and Micah has been best friends since grade school. All three were bullied as they were different from the other kids. Jeannie and Chris have loved each other from high school but didn’t do anything about it as they thought the other didn’t reciprocate those feelings. Now Chris has to protect Jeannie from her crazy ex husband. Naturally they get their HEA but only after Chris is shot protecting Jeannie.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it!!!

Love this book! I love all of this author’s books! I can’t wait to read more!!! Love the characters in this book! Love chris and Jennie! Love granny (my mom has the same illness as the character) and I love pumpkin the cat! I also love the characters from the other books in the series making cameos!

[Rein · Rating 2 out of 5]

underwhelming..

It’s been a while, but I feel like this was so very blah. I don’t recall feeling that with the other books. I think it was too cookie cutter cute and the whole ex-husband storyline just didn’t do it for me. Lastly it was a very non McIntyre related book. Yeah the characters were mentioned and their services were “used” but it just didn’t fit.

[Miss Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a ride!!!

In true April Wilson fashion she brings us a book overflowing with depth and emotion powerful enough to knock you on your backside, leaving you breathless yet yearning for more.
I absolutely adore this beautiful read. It was, without a doubt, utterly perfect.
Thank you April Wilson

[Penny And · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not so good

I couldn’t get on with this book. The MCs were very one dimensional and Jenny was quite infantile with Chris babying her. All of the side characters were too good to be true and all the couples were leading perfect lives.

I have enjoyed some of the author’s McIntyre books but I won’t be reading anymore.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved!

Omg I have been waiting for chris and Jennie for ages, and they definitely don’t disappoint. They are so adorable once they both finally admit the long standing feelings they have had for one another. Love how they both finally got their happy ending.

[Yvonne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect!

Love this storyline, so pleased that Chris and Jen got their happy ever after, just the right mix of suspense as always!

[Susan Frey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

Well worth the wait, love this series; just the right mix of romance, mystery and action.
Can't wait for whatever comes next.

[Tom Prejsner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series book. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you

[Kelly Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris and Jennie deserve their HEA! My heart broke for them. This is a slow-slow-slow burn! But I love the fire they make.

[Lou Ade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normally really enjoy the series but the typos and amount of repetition made it less enjoyable compared to the others.

[Chrissy Shaffer-McNeal · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good

Best friends to lovers romantic suspense, hea. I absolutely loved chris and Jennie. Such a good read, a must read. ❤️

[Jessica]

4.50 Stars

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it. I havevreally enjoyed reading this series of books. Can't wait for the next one to come out.

[Gaye Truesdell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amAzing love story!

Another great story by April I love all the people of Bryce and can't wait for the next adventurous love story!