Forged in Shadows

by Kendra Warden

He had a dark secret. He took it to his grave…

With the help of her K9 partner, Koda, widowed airport security officer Demi De Luca is committed to keeping her passengers safe as they fly. But when she overhears a mysterious phone call, she soon finds out that the real threat might be closer than she ever expected.

As founder of his family’s private security company, Gabriel Forge knows his mission in take the lead, hold the line, and never let anything–or anyone–get in the way. Not his faith. Not the beautiful girl from his childhood he thought he’d never see again. And certainly not an unruly German Shepherd puppy determined to eat his freshly polished shoes.

As dangerous forces begin to collide, Gabe and Demi must figure out the truth together, or watch from the ground as everything goes up in smoke.

Serve. Protect. Redeem.

Forge Brothers Security is a clean and Christian romantic suspense series. Each book is a standalone and can be read in any order. Tropes for Forged in Shadows include infertility rep, type A hero, adorable dogs, and a thrilling race against the clock.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 12, 2026

About the author

Kendra Warden writes romantic suspense with real danger and fearless faith. She lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband, four young children, two cats, and a whole lot of books. She loves Monday mornings and getting up early, and she's convinced that if she only figures out the perfect planning system, she'll mysteriously have the time to write every Christian romance idea that pops into her head.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risk perception and protecting others are two responsibilities Gabriel Forge and Demetria De Luca don’t take lightly. Gabe, the oldest Forge sibling and head of his family’s private security company, reconnects with a childhood friend, Demi, when he agrees to deliver a K9 to another veteran. Demi works as a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent alongside her K9 partner, a yellow lab, Koda. When she overhears something she wasn’t meant to hear, Demi realizes that it won’t be just another day at North Star International Airport.

Author Kendra Warden knows how to hook her readers! This time, it’s with an abandoned puppy in the airport parkade. Feelings of love and tenderness over caring for a German Shepherd puppy and reuniting with a childhood sweetheart are well balanced with the fear and mystery of drug cartels/money laundering and terrorists. The tension is nail-biting and the way the faith thread is developed is enlightening. I appreciated the reminder that our hearts, our minds and our place in eternity need to be included in the things worth protecting. It was also good to see what goes on behind the scenes on the ‘air side’ of the airport.

I’ve enjoyed meeting Cameron, Benjamin, Asher and Gabriel, and can’t wait to read about another Forge Brother in the next sequel!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabriel Forge Jr., otherwise known as Gabe, ran the Forge Brothers Security company -- even though they all had their own role to play in it. As Christmas approached, Gabe's promised good deed for his brother, ensured a run in with a dog-handler at an airport. Gabe happened to see his childhood friend, Demetria, also known as Demi. She was a woman whom all of his brothers had known from their youthful escapades. Throughout this book, danger followed and chased them, no matter what steps they took to evade the chase. Memories surfaced as well, ones that scrambled Demi's faith, memories and one solid truth. But, Demi realized that with hope, the truth could remain as it lightened the path that faith calls us to follow. I gave Warden's book 5 out of 5 stars and believe that this story could teach you to reach out and touch the sky.

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Warden starts the reader off on a thrilling suspenseful ride through life-changing and challenging events. This time with the eldest Forge brother, Gabe.

Demi must deal with her struggles as a widow and emotional baggage that entails, while Gabe is forced to face his perfectionist and control issues head on. All this while trying to deal with the evil forces of our culture that seek to destroy lives through misplaced religious zeal, greed and the struggle for power over other’s lives.

Warden has a way of keeping you on the edge of your seat while gently leading you to understand every person’s need for a personal relationship with the true savior of the world, Jesus.

[BecReadReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabe and Demi take you on an emotional journey filled with obstacles that test faith, trust, and resilience. The emotions hit hard, especially as belief wavers but never truly breaks. The K9s add a special kind of joy—bringing laughter, lightness, and a few wince-worthy moments that only deepen the connection to the story.

Danger arrives in a thought-provoking way, keeping you on edge as events spiral toward an impossible-feeling climax. Love, danger, and the courage to take a leap of faith intertwine beautifully, making this a gripping and heartfelt read.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one. Forged in Shadows grabbed my attention from start to finish as it has secrets, a mystery, suspense, danger, action, and dogs. Demi, a widow and airport security officer, and Gabe, the oldest Forge brother, face personal struggles. I enjoyed this fast-paced Christian romantic suspense story, the characters, and an untrained puppy named Valor.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forged in Shadows is intense, suspenseful, and romantic. It is a gripping story that centers around a complex mystery involving various evil forces the characters are facing. It explores religion, disappointments, dealing with hurts, learning forgiveness, and moving forward. Add in a couple of loveable k-9’s and I was hooked. It’s emotional and compelling - a book I had trouble putting down. We’ve gotten a glimpse into Jacob and what he’s doing, and I I look forward to reading his story.

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Kept me on the edge of my seat.