Branded by Fear

by Jenna Brandt

A small town is threatened when a nurse's dangerous past and a horseback search and rescue deputy's mission collide.

Mandy Thorne's past is a minefield of bad decisions. The worst one of all is her dangerous ex. So when a nursing position opens in Mission, Texas—far from the shadows that haunt her—she seizes her chance at redemption.

Logan Stilwell tracks criminals through unforgiving terrain with determined precision. But when an injury lands him in the care of a green-eyed redhead whose touch burns hotter than Texas summer, the hardened deputy finds himself disarmed.

As passion ignites between them, Mandy's secrets resurface with deadly consequences. Will Mandy prove she’s changed? Can Logan make room in his life for love? And will their newfound love survive when the man Logan hunts turns out to be the same one hunting Mandy?

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2025

About the author

Jenna Brandt is an international bestselling and award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance. Her historical books span from Victorian to Western eras and all her books have elements of romance, suspense and faith. She has her own best-selling historical series, Window to the Heart Saga and Civil War Brides, as well as contemporary series, Billionaires of Manhattan and Second Chance Islands. Additionally, she has created two best-selling multi-author series, The Lawkeepers and Disaster City Search and Rescue based off the life of her husband in law enforcement as well as Border Brides and Playing for Keeps. Both of her books, Waiting on the Billionaire and Lawfully Treasured, were voted into the Top 50 Indie Books of 2018 on Readfreely.com.


She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. She has been published in several newspapers as well as edited for multiple papers. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bethany College and was the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper while there. Her first blog was published on The Mighty website, Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News, CNN Health, and Good Morning America websites. She’s also a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) association.

Writing is her passion, but Jenna also enjoys date nights with her hubby, cooking from scratch, watching movies on Netflix, reading books by her author friends, and engaging in social media with her readers. Jenna’s three young daughters keep her busy with Girl Scout activities, going to the mall, and playing at the park where they live in the Central Valley of California. Jenna summers on the Golden Central Coast where she finds endless inspiration for her romance books. She is also active in her local church where she volunteers on their first impressions team.

Reviews

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this suspenseful read a lot. I happened to read Mandy previous story so I knew why she was looking for a new start. She is a nurse and had testified against a crooked doctor. She needed to move out of her small town because everyone knew her story and she wanted to have a fresh start. When she meets Logan and his brothers, the local search and rescue men, she feels an instant connection with Logan, but doesn't want to even think of starting a relationship - been there done that in her last town!!! However, the connection is very strong and when hikers go missing, she decides to ride along on her days off in case she can help with her nursing skills. There's just one problem - there's also an escaped convict roaming the wilderness and he just might find the searchers!
This is a tense, suspenseful story but it's also filled with romance and inspirational moments about starting over and finding redemption. I enjoyed it a lot. The characters were realistic and the scenes were tense! The weather plays a big part in that!

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean Romantic Suspense
Mandy leaves her old life behind and starts over in a new town, hoping for the fresh start and redemption she desperately needs. But while Mandy may be trying to escape her past, her past has no intention of letting her go. Her dangerous ex is still out there—and he’s coming for her.
Logan Stilwell tracks criminals for a living, while Mandy is simply trying to build a quieter life for herself. Neither of them expects their paths to cross, or for the attraction between them to grow so quickly. But what happens when Logan discovers that the man he’s hunting is the very same man hunting Mandy? And when the truth about Mandy’s past comes to light, will Logan be able to forgive the choices she once made?
This story balances romance and suspense nicely while keeping things clean. If you enjoy small-town settings, danger, second chances, and romance without explicit content, this is one to check out.

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A suspenseful, intriguing romance. Mandy is running from her past. She testified against a doctor she worked with when he was caught stealing drugs. Now she has moved to Mission,Texas and is starting a new job at the local hospital. She feels like she has to look over her shoulder and in every dark corner, looking for him to come after her. When somebody on the street approaches her and asks if she’s OK, he recognizes that she is upset and fearful. When he hands her his card and introduces himself as Logan Stilwell a deputy with the sheriff’s department,
This is the beginning of a journey of faith, trust, danger, and courage. It is a gripping short story that will have you on the edge of your seat. I enjoyed the sweet romance that grew between Mandy and Logan. It is a Christian based story with a happily ever after.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Branded by Fear is an amazing, Christian, suspenseful romance. I love Ms. Brandt's characters that are flawed but strive to do better. Mandy and Logan make a perfect couple, but her past comes back to track her down. Mandy and Logan work together demonstrating great compassion and willingness to serve. With the help of God, they are able to rescue Dr. Rubio and fully show him good Christian values. Forgiving those who hurt you, frees you as much or more than it helps them.I enjoyed this short, well written book and the instant connection between Mandy and Logan. Another great book about first responders from Ms.Brandt.

[Kimberly Prytherch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always know I’m going to love any book by Jenna Brandt! Faith Valley comes to Mission when Mandy flees from her past to a new town. Enter Logan, a horseback search and rescue officer. How cool is that? Mandy’s past crosses with Logan’s present, bringing them closer together. So much adventure, close calls, beautiful moments, and a happily ever after. I can’t wait to see what happens with Logan’s brothers in future books!

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Branded by Fear

A wonderful beginning to a new series! Mandy Thorn is new to Mission. She left Faith Valley behind to find her second chance after testifying against her ex boyfriend in court resulting in a prison term. Logan Stilwell is a search and rescue deputy for the county. He feels an immediate attraction to Mandy. What happens when the past she wanted to keep secret confronts her? Will Logan be able to protect her? I recommend you read their story to find out.

[Nancy Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting read.

This is a awesome read of Logan and Mandy's journey to find their happy everafter with a little intrigue thrown in. The storyline is great and entertaining along with heartfelt and realistic characters whither they were the heroes or the villains but God wins in the end.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Rwad

A really great read full of suspense and danger. I enjoyed Mandy and Logan's story. These two gave an immediate connection and I enjoyed watching as God helped them through the difficult times.

[Patricia Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy and Logan story was heartfelt, suspenseful love story. Can she trust Logan, does she open up about her past. Will the past catch up to her. Is there a happy ever after. I really enjoyed this story and would recommend to others. Fast read page turning, you won’t be disappointed

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new life

After restoring against a Dr stealing drugs, she moved to a new town. While on a search mission, an escaped prisoner o,out for revenge, tries to take her prisoner. What happens then makes for exciting reading.

[Lila]

Mandy is a weak-minded character. After having briefly met Logan, she now wishes for him to lean on. Being attracted to him is fine, but suddenly wanting him to be her rock without even knowing him is pathetic.

[Alice Kimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intriguing story... loved how it captured my attention from the very beginning, and I couldn't put it down! Very well written!

[Rick Molitor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic suspense

This is a good short romantic suspense. It has the damsel in distress and the Alpha rescuer. It is a wonderful story of finding your way with God's help.

[LaRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic suspense is my favorite genre and this book is a big reason why! Excitement, danger, chemistry, protector vibe and a Christian element with it all! Fantastic book!! The end is amazing!

[Jeri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Branded by Fear

I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense novels. She is an amazing writer!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excited to see a new series by Jenna Brandt. I have high expectations for her books, and this one did not disappoint. We get romance, suspense, danger, humor, interesting characters, and a few surprises. I look forward to the next book.