Guarding the Witness

by Avery Shaw

I came to these Nevada mountains to escape. Built my life around solitude, survival, and never being responsible for another soul again. Then Vivian Russo crashes into my world—a gorgeous federal witness who saw too much and now has a target on her back.

My team at Guardian Peak Security takes the jobs nobody else can handle. Protecting this curvy, sharp-tongued prosecutor while she's hidden in my remote cabin should be simple. Except Vivian doesn't follow orders, doesn't fear my reputation, and sure as hell doesn't make keeping my hands to myself easy.

She's a distraction I can't afford. Every time she challenges me, every time that smart mouth fires back, I want to show her exactly who's in control here. But the men hunting her are getting closer, and I'm realizing this isn't just another protection detail.

I've already lost everyone I swore to protect. I won't lose her too.

Even if keeping her safe means claiming her completely.

Guarding the Witness is a steamy mountain man bodyguard romance featuring a grumpy ex-Delta Force commander who lives off-grid, the sassy witness who invades his carefully controlled world, and forced proximity that ignites into explosive passion. Guaranteed HEA with no cheating.

145 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2026

Reviews

[kymagirl]

He taught her to fight. She taught him to feel. Nothing will take her now.

Ex-Delta Force commander Deck built his life around silence, survival, and never being responsible for anyone again. But when federal prosecutor Vivian is sent into hiding in his remote Nevada cabin, his carefully controlled world starts to unravel. She’s mouthy, unafraid, and refuses to play it safe, especially around the man who’s supposed to keep her alive.

Vivian’s already survived too much and trusts almost no one. Deck is gruff, guarded, and way too intense, but he never looks at her like she’s fragile. What starts as protection turns into something neither of them can ignore. When lines blur and emotions rise, it’s not just about staying alive, it’s about who they become together.

Threats close in, the cabin’s no longer safe, and survival means splitting up when it hurts the most. But she doesn’t run anymore, and he’ll never stop fighting for her. What they’ve built wasn’t supposed to happen, but it’s real and it’s worth everything. ‍

Deck starts off emotionally locked down, convinced love is a risk he can’t take again. Vivian enters on the edge of burnout, holding secrets and trying to stay strong. As the danger builds, they tear down walls, challenge each other, and fall harder than either of them planned. Their connection isn’t easy, but it’s honest, built on trust, heat, and everything they didn’t know they needed.

A steamy, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, mountain man bodyguard romance with slow burn tension, emotional intensity, and high survival stakes, exploring trauma, trust, redemption, love, identity, and healing. It’s about two broken people finding strength in each other when everything else falls apart, learning to trust again, and choosing love even when it’s the most dangerous thing they could do.

The Elevator Pitch: A high-stakes, emotionally charged bodyguard romance where a gruff ex-Delta Force commander is forced to protect a sharp-witted federal prosecutor with a target on her back. As danger closes in, their forced proximity ignites a slow burn that turns into fierce, all-consuming love. With survival on the line and trust hard-earned, what begins as protection becomes everything.

[Sandra]

"Home. You feel like home, Deck. This cabin, this mountain, you. It feels like where I'm supposed to be." ~Vivian🥀

"...That someone matters. That they're worth protecting. Worth fighting for. Worth loving."~Deck🥀

Federal prosecutor Vivian Russo was on a hit list. She witnessed a crime: the unaliving of a judge. Now she was running. Twice she had been removed from compromised safe houses that nearly resulted in her forever removal. Especially her last location that resulted in her taking matters into her own hands.🛋️🪦 I thought she would suffer from PTSD or nightmares, but oddly enough, she didn't. Now Vivian was being moved again, to a man, his home, a former commanding officer in his Delta Force Unit, who will give her a safe sanctuary from the men in the shadows. Deck Cross, a battle scarred man with the weight of past decisions from a war he had been in, may be the one to finally keep her safe from the crime syndicate family, The Castellanos.👥👤👥

🚩🚩Be aware of the TWs. There are situations, happening in the story that could be triggering. Threats, chasing, attempted murd3r, weapons, death, fighting, shots fired, blood, you're a target. 18+ read.🚩🚩

There was action. It did hit pretty strong in the last few chapters of the book. I wish there had been more of the mob family instead of just mentioning their names as a threat. The story flowed, except when suddenly the mole was finally revealed. I figured it would have been spoken of prior since Vivian was that type of attorney who watches and speaks her mind frequently. And she was observant to everything.lol I will admit I wasn't a fan of Vivian. I get she was a prosecutor but she was a bit too... arrogant. Especially when she first arrived in a rustic, snow covered mountain, an isolated cabin, handmade furniture, etc. I was like ohh she's above those things.😂😂 She seemed to handle everything a bit too well imo. I understand Deck, he was a military man for over 20yrs, but her. Yes, Vivian's Dad was a cop, who passed in her teens, but nothing was given to solidify these action aside from prosecuting criminals. I hope that makes sense.

Deck was a man who planned, trained, stayed alert in his cabin home, on a secluded mountain in Whisper Vale. He suffers from PTSD and guilt. So much guilt. I got a real sense of who he was, why he hid away and created Guardian Peak Security, for ex-military people like himself to protect people from politics and propaganda. ((I know there will be more interconnected books from his team in the future.🎉 That will be exciting.)) I feel he was more open with his grief. I liked him. He was a man of his word. Very over protective. Driven. He would give his life for another. How can I not like a man like him?😘 He trained Vivian to be prepared for the enemy.🥷🏼

Ms Shaw packed a lot of energy, emotions, action, in a short book that packed a wallop.💥💥💥 It's written well. There were certain little things that made me pause, made me reread again, in case I had missed something. I hadn't. There was banter. Naughty steam.🥵🔥🥵🔥 Vivian persued Deck. She did change. She wasn't about that attitude like in the beginning. Be sassy not judgy, girl. Vivian redeemed herself. In the end, I enjoyed it. HEA. I look forward to the next one. Happy reading. *•>§<•*💘💘💘💘

Overall rating 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

👩🏽‍⚖️💋🧑‍✈️Thank you to Ms Shaw and Booksprout. The opinions shared here are my own.🧑‍✈️💋👩🏽‍⚖️

[Amber]

Ex-military man Deck now runs the private firm Guardian Peak Security, and his team is called in by the Federal Marshal for a witness protection job. When circumstances demand maximum security, the witness—Vivian—ends up staying in Deck’s remote mountain cabin. What follows is a few days of sparring, both with each other and with their own guarded hearts, as they struggle to keep their walls up. But as they’re forced to work together, their chemistry becomes undeniable. While Deck trains Vivian in survival skills in anticipation of the mob closing in, the two also develop a deep mutual respect that makes their connection all the more compelling.

I’ve read a few of the author’s books and thoroughly enjoyed the much lighter stories, so this one pleasantly surprised me. It brought in suspense and drama alongside the action and romance, and entertaining banter, and I especially loved how it also appealed on an intellectual level, thoughtfully exploring the insecurities and fears the characters grappled with.

10/10, would absolutely recommend. I also can’t wait for the next book in the series—especially after reading the blurb, which teasingly refuses to reveal who the next hero to fall will be. Gosh, the suspense!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana Myers]

I've read A LOT of Avery Shaw's books, and I have to say that this is one of her best, if not THE BEST. This story is about an ex-military man, Deck, who tries to protect others while living isolated in the mountains, fighting his demons. That is, until Vivian, who is in witness protection after witnessing the death of a corrupt judge by a mobster, is dropped off for him to protect. I found this story so interesting, it goes from a distance of two people, to a growing respect, to love that can't be shared until finally, right before fighting for their lives, a deep love. Throughout these evolutions, Deck is teaching Vivian survival skills, and Vivian is teaching Deck how to live again. This book is action-packed, romantic and a testimony to surviving adversities. It's so good that I couldn't put it down once I started, and ended up staying up all night to finish reading it. It's still playing in my brain. These are two people whom I want to know what happens in their future. I just can't stop thinking about it. This is a book you don't want to miss. BRAVO, Avery, I can't wait to read the rest of the books you plan for this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Val]

A beautiful story with enough suspense, training and slow burn to keep you turning the pages. Deck is carrying the guilt of losing his team due to bad intel. People he was supposed to protect and keep safe. Vivian has survived 2 attacks on her life while under federal protection. She comes to Deck carrying secrets and guilt of her own. Not letting her just sit back and have him do all the work to keep her safe, he trains her. Perimeter checks, guns, knives, self defence, panic room protocols, tracking and learning the terrain. Everything to help her survive while he takes care of the threats. Each touch, shared meals leds them to trusting each other with secrets and vulnerabilities,” two people bound by violence we never asked for. Recognition. Understanding. The particular intimacy of shared trauma.” As they flee the threat, she uses her training to survive and get help, saving Deck. As they are reunited the realize “broken doesn't mean beyond repair. That damaged doesn't mean worthless. That the past doesn't have to define the future." Making a life together on their mountain in the quiet with found family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie]

This one will hook you from the very start and reel you in completely before you even get part way through. Deck may command his men, but he never planned to be in charge of someone's safety again. So much for planning. Vivian didn't plan to witness a hit either, but there they are. He's stern and discipline, she's a Fierce litigator forced into hiding. Knowing the enemy will stop at nothing to reach her, Deck is determined to train her to survive, because they WILL come, it's just when. Can he teach her enough, and keep his guard firmly in place? She's tenacious, trying to make the human connection he's determined against. Only one will win that particular battle.
This well written story is full of crisp details that bring the winter mountains cape to life. Couple that with the stellar storyline and character interactions and this is one book you don't want to miss.

I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Dark Book Girlie]

With these short spicy novellas, I don't expect much as a lot of them I have read either have too much spice and no plot or plot and zero spice. then in the worst case there's ones that have neither. Then there is the rare ones that have both. Good spice but a plot that is actually interesting and characters that have depth and you are actually invested in. This is one of those. The plot of this book plus the overarching plot of Guardian Peak Security had me researching all the books by Avery Shaw that features these broken MMCs and the FMCs that are also broken but together build each other up and never take anything for granted. Deck and Vivian are intense yet also hilarious. The way this story was laid out for a short story was done so well. It didn't feel rushed yet was still a short read. I definitely recommend if you want a short read with a good plot and decent spice that isn't too in your face.

[Pico1]

Another great story from Avery Shaw. She succeeds in filling a relatively short book with a wonderful love story and a good mystery story that builds the tension right through to the resolution and HEA. Deck is a retired Delta Force soldier who is suffering from the loss of some of his men in a mission that went bad in Afghanistan – and has retreated to the Nevada mountains to keep away from people and run a business to protect people who need it. Vivian is a federal prosecutor who witnessed the mob killing of a judge, and is now the object of a mob attempt to kill her to prevent her from testifying. She is placed with Deck, and from a rocky beginning, a wonderful relationship develops. Both characters are interesting and strong, and I enjoyed their interactions. I received a copy from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Avid MC Reader]

Deck lives in seclusion because of his guilt over loosing most of his team in a mission gone wrong while serving in the military. He and some of his teammates formed a security company which has been tasked with keeping a federal witness, Vivian, safe after two failed assassination attempts.

Deck doesn't want Vivian here and she doesn't want to be there either but Deck is determined not to fail her despite feeling as though everyone he is supposed to protect dies.

Despite the circumstances, Deck and Vivian are drawn to one another and fall in love. Inevitably, a professional hit team finds Vivian sending her and Deck on the run each vowing to save the other.

Find out how it all ends and whether they get their HEA by reading the book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb]

Sometimes an ex-military man needs a strong female to change his perspective. Vivian is just that female for Deck Cross. You have to be tough to survive 2 attempts on your life and kill the second assailant. For Deck, Vivian is the intrusion he didn’t want but needed in so many ways. She helps him channel his guilt over the past into the future they both deserve.

The world building is excellent in this book. I found it easy to visualize Deck’s cabin and his mountain refuge. Deck and Vivian are well developed and relatable and I found myself reading far later than practical to find out if they successfully evade the assassins that infiltrated his property. You will need to read this book to find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ingrid]

This Mountain Man, Ex-Military, Bodyguard romance is a novella-length read that strikes a nice balance between story and pace. It’s long enough to feel complete without overstaying its welcome, making it a great choice if you’re looking for something satisfying but not too heavy.
One thing I especially liked was the female main character. She’s accomplished, mature, and written as an equal partner in the relationship, which makes the romance feel balanced rather than one-sided. The dynamic between the characters works well and feels natural.
Overall, this is a very nice, enjoyable read. If you like mountain man romances with a capable heroine and an even, respectful relationship dynamic, this one is definitely worth checking out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Praline 99]

Bodyguard Romance.
Viviane, a young lawyer who witnessed the actions of a mafia group, now finds herself lost in the mountains at her new bodyguard's chalet. She certainly didn't expect to encounter such a magnificent mountain man.
Deck works for a private security agency after serving in the army. Having retired to a quiet life in the mountains, he is hired to protect Viviane, a young woman who has already lost several bodyguards. He had promised himself a solitary life, but all his walls gradually crumble with the beautiful Viviane at his doorstep.
Will Viviane and Deck have a beautiful love story, or will the threat posed by Viviane and the secrets she hides ultimately destroy them….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria]

I liked seeing these two get to know each other, they seemed so different yet they were able to speak to each other and understand one another in a way no-one had before. Through the way he dealt with her situation, he shared so much with her and this allowed Vivian to chip away at his walls. I believed in their connection and chemistry, they learnt from each other, trusted one another and supported the other so well. I thought they were both strong characters who I felt a connection to and I enjoyed getting to know them, see them face danger, fight for survival and the chance for a future together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna]

This is BoOk 1 of the Guardian Peak Security series.

'Guarding the Witness is a steamy mountain man bodyguard romance featuring a grumpy ex-Delta Force commander who lives off-grid, the sassy witness who invades his carefully controlled world, and forced proximity that ignites into explosive passion.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S)]

GUARDING THE WITNESS is Book 1 of THE GUARDIAN PEAK SECURITY series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, grumpy-sunshine, forced-proximity, curvy girl gets her mountain man protector romance. Deck is a hunky, grumpy, reclusive ex-military man who now has his own security company. Vivian is a smart, sassy, and curvy attorney who is on the run after she witnessed a mob hit. She ends up with Deck at his cabin while awaiting the trial, after her location has been compromised multiple times. Can Deck keep her safe? The chemistry between these two was pure fire and the ending was happy after the danger and drama. I loved it and can't wait to read more in this series.

[Virginia]

Guarding The Witness is the first title I've read by this author and I wasn't disappointed.
As a mountain man bodyguard romance it had me hooked from the start with it's well developed, strong main characters Deck and Vivian.
Deck, the grumpy ex military protective alpha is struck instantly by Vivian the federal prosecutor turned important witness.
Their chemistry is intense and the the push and pull between them whilst they get the measure of one another and hide the growing attraction developing between them, despite the life or death situation, is engaging and kept me turning the pages
The action, suspense, and drama of the well paced plot along with the characters and ensuing steaminess and spice, combine to ensure a great read and satisfying HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Khan]

Book 1 of GUARDIAN PEAK SECURITY story of federal witness Vivian Russo and ex-Delta Force commander Deck. Wow I wanted to be in Vivian’s place the routine Deck put her through had me jealous. I loved even in the midst of danger they find an attraction that leads to the best ending ever. I can’t wait to see what the next book holds in store for its characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy]

He is called on to guard and protect a witness that has a target on her back by the mafia. He takes her to his remote cabin for safety. They strike sparks off each other but need to work together to keep her alive. Well-written with excellent pacing, interesting and strong characters, suspenseful and hard to put down. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenia Tortora]

Vivian came to Deck as a hunted federal witness surviving two attempts on her life. Deck didn’t want the assignment but couldn’t refuse it. Then he met her and sparked something he thought long dead in him. They are building trust and skilled to help her survive while danger circles. He’s damaged but perfect for her. Their HEA is beautiful and well deserved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl]

Deck is assigned the protection of a Vivian, a prosecutor who witnessed a mob shooting. Two of the safe houses she was in have been compromised. It’s now up to Deck to protector her. He trains her to survive and it pays off when the hired contractors find her. He is a loner and letting someone in is not in his future. That is until Vivian breaks down his walls. Her training kicks in after some suspenseful moments they are able get to safety!

[Debbie Onions]

From the first meeting between Deck and Vivian the action jumps off the page. Their story is explosive. This is a real page turner, full of surprises. Their HEA is hard fought, overcoming many obstacles but winning in the end. Loved this book and definitely one for my ‘reread’ list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanne]

This one has drama, suspense. Vivian is a witness that saw a man murder another and now she is running for her life. Her safe house has been compromised twice so now only one person knows where she is. Can he protect her as no one else has? I enjoyed this story and characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy Dillon]

I love everything Avery writes. This is no different. She created a story with intrigue, danger, spice and love. MMC is grumpy military vet who believes he doesn’t deserve happiness. FMC is a tough, independent, scared survivor. The story progresses beautifully. The spice is great. The HEA is the most!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole M]

If I ever need to go into Witness protection, I hope I'm sent to a remote cabin on a mountain. I also hope that I live inside a romance book 🤣. This book was filled with so much suspense and drama and action. While I loved watching Vivian and Deck find each other, I was absolutely invested in everything happening on that mountain. I cannot wait for more from Guardian Peak.

[Carrie Kelley]

This is a sweet, steamy romance full of suspense. With a great story and character's, a protective former military man. Who thinks he is too broken to be wanted till the witness he has been tacked to protect shows him otherwise. Now they just need to survive the one's trying to kill her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie's Reads]

Great start to a new series. Ms. Shaw gives us a well written story with steamy romance, tension filled mystery, and a HEA. I am looking forward to seeing what the other stories in the series bring.

This is a standalone book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review..

[Debbie Benson]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked the chemistry between Deck and Vivian and especially how they teach each other. I liked how they fall for each other. It was a very nice start to a new series.

[Heather]

Loved the suspense and the story, Deck is protecting Vivian, this also has action and drama. I enjoyed the steamy chemistry between them, Amazing start to the new series,.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel]

I enjoyed most of the story. I enjoyed the training and the development of their relationship. I felt like a lot of their conversations were repetitive and unnecessary. Overall, this had a good plot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linnette Parris]

Terrifying then Happy

Her witness protection has been compromised and he intends to train and protect her. Exciting story, I felt every step and the cold snow. Good people, engrossing story and a very happy ending.