Sheriff’s Honor: A Small-Town Texas Romantic Suspense

by Jill Sorenson

She’s hiding from a past that could destroy her. He’s sworn to uncover the truth—no matter what the cost.

Meredith Rose never meant to point a shotgun at the new deputy sheriff. But when Wade Hendricks strides onto the Lost Lake ranch to visit his mother, all Texas heat and authority, her fight-or-flight instincts kick in. The honorable lawman makes her heart race for all the wrong reasons.

Wade came home to bury ghosts, not dig up new ones. Yet the wary beauty his mother hired as a caretaker unearths feelings he’d rather keep hidden. The air sizzles every time they meet, but Wade knows better than to fall for a woman who lies to his face. When a cold case hits too close to home, Meredith becomes an unlikely ally–and a temptation he can’t resist.

In a small Texas town where secrets won’t stay buried, the forbidden fire between them threatens to ignite a blaze of cowboy justice.

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2026

About the author

Jill Sorenson is the RITA-nominated author of more than a dozen novels, including the Aftershock series with HQN.

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff’s Honor is the second book in Jill Sorenson’s series, His to Protect. The book features Meredith Rose who is using an alias of Mary Meadows. She is living and working as caretaker at the ranch owned by Wynona Hendricks in Lost Lake, Texas. Wade Hendricks has quit his job in Last Chance to move back to his hometown of Lost Lake. His brother was killed and their father the sheriff, covered up the incident. He is also worried about his mom as she has a drinking problem and is known to take drugs too. It was time to leave the bad situation behind. Wade has been hired as the new deputy sheriff. When he enters his mom’s house, Meredith is frightened and pulls a gun on him. We learn that she is hiding from her abusive ex and was afraid Wade was him. Wade is very attracted to Meredith but he is not wanting to get involved with anyone. She doesn’t trust men because of her ex.

The couple are forced together as both are living in the ranch house and taking care of the things there. After sharing some kisses, the pair could not deny the chemistry between them. Wynona is not happy to have Wade back at her home and continues her excessive drinking. Wade and another officer are called to investigate some potential human remains and Meredith happens to be with him. He is fascinated with the case and has her help him research possible missing persons from the time period the coroner estimates the death. His boss, takes him off the case and he vows to continue investigating it outside of work. Meredith opens up a little to him about her background without sharing any names. Wade has fallen for her and wants to protect her as well as claim her as his girlfriend. Meredith has feelings for him too but is afraid of what her us ex would do to herself, her family and Wade and Wynona. He is also getting close to finding out who the remains belong to and the connection to him.

The book is terrific! Jill has given us a well written book with lots of romance, suspense and surprises. The characters are genuine and well developed. All of them have tragedy in their pasts but are working to overcome all their challenges. I especially loved the inclusion of a family surprise. This is another five star book for Jill that I’m pleased to recommend.

I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing Company in exchange for my honest review.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! It is just one surprise after another. Add to that undenialble attraction, steamy interludes, an undercurrent of fear, and actual danger, and you have story that will have you reading well into the night. To say that thirty year old Deputy Sheriff Wade Hendricks’ family is dysfunctional would be an understatement. For his mother and brother, the vice is alcohol and drugs. For his father it is power and control. Wade took a job in Lost Lake, Texas to be near his mother, hoping to convince her to enter rehab. What he did not expect was for his mother to have a beautiful young woman residing with her and performing the roles of farmhand, housekeeper and online business partner. Meredith Rose, using the alias of Mary Meadows, was on the run from an abusive ex who had threatened to kill her if she ever left him. Sparks fly, or should I say buckshot, when she and Wade meet, and it only intensifies through a tornado warning, damage cleanup, community wellness checks, Wynona wrangling, and an cold case murder investigation. You will find a stint in jail, canine companions King, Daisy and Chico, a small town environment, lies, convoluted and disconcerting revelations, and ‘can’t keep my hands off you’ moments, as this hunk of a cop and this beautiful and courageous woman find their happily ever after.

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

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The small town of Lost Lake is the just the place Meredith Rose can hide out in with her beloved trio of dogs. She feels safe, but not with out a loaded shotgun which she points at an intruder in the ranch house, not knowing he was the new sheriff's deputy in town and the owners of the ranches son. Wade Hendricks's is no danger to her, except her heart

Wade has returned home to see his mother and hopes that they can put the past to rest and start over and lay all their troubled relationship behind them. But are they too many secrets in the past to cleanse their souls and bring some happy and loving memories to light. Will Meredith be the light they need to see the way to a new found happiness and can love heal old wounds of the heart and give them all what they need.

This was an emotional, intense and passionate story. Wade and Meredith were both hiding secrets, Meredith if they came out could put lives in danger and keep her from staying on the ranch. Wade's could implode his family and keep him from having the what he wants, what they both want, peace, happiness and love. Every moment of this book was a page turner. It's a small Texas town that I love to read with all the secrets and dynamics that make this book a wonderful romance full of passion and heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trader (RedHotBlueReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wade Hendricks returns home to Lost Lake hoping to reconcile with his mother and start a new life after leaving Last Chance. His relationship with his mom has been fraught with misunderstandings and they just don't like each other, so he knows it's going to be a rough time of it.

He meets Mary Meadows / Meredith Rose living in his mother's home. They have a very tense introduction to each other, yet there is a smidge of attraction between the hostility! I absolutely loved this start of the story as it does a great job of getting this reader invested in the story.

Mary is running from an abusive ex and has trust issues. But Wade does get under her skin and there is a good bit of chemistry between them as they are living in Wade's mother's house together, making it difficult for either to resist their growing feelings.

There are plenty of secrets to unfold in this story, between dead bodies, cold cases, old wounds and trust issues. It takes time to worth through all the lies and secrets and there is a nice level of suspense as Wade and Meredith try to resolve the past so they can have a future.

This romantic suspense story captured me right from the start. I liked these characters and their journey!

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wade Hendricks comes back to Lost Lake, Texas to start a new job as DeputySheriff and to bury some ghosts and try to convince his estranged mother into rehab.. She’s an alcoholic and every time she looks him it’s with distain and close to hatred. He comes from a very dysfunctional family. Meri Meadows is his mother’s caretaker. She keeps the house clean, tends to the animals and drives her where she wants to go since her DUI and losing her license. Only Meri is really Meredith Rose, a young woman on the run from an abusive ex and famous country singer who threatened her life and family if she ever left him. When a body is found by the river that appears to be over 30 years old. Wade is determined to find out the identity and what happened to the young man. A mystery unfolds that could affect him deeply and his family with hidden secrets and coverups. A well written storyline that is intriguing and captivating as it unfolds. The characters are strong, intense and the chemistry between Meri and Wade is undeniable and hard to fight. An excellent read.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really loved Sheriff’s Honor by Jill Sorenson—this one takes you on a full emotional ride.

You’ll laugh, cry, and definitely get frustrated in the best way. Meredith and Wade’s story is packed with tension, heart, and real emotion. Meredith’s past is heavy, and you can feel how it shapes her fear and instinct to run. But watching her slowly open up and consider staying? That growth felt so real and powerful.

Wade is such a strong, honorable hero, but he’s not without his own struggles—especially when it comes to his mom. She honestly stole some scenes… a little chaotic, a little frustrating, but also lovable. You can see how much he cares and just wants her to get the help she needs, which adds another emotional layer to the story.

The chemistry between Wade and Meredith builds beautifully, especially as trust starts to form. He makes her want to stay instead of run, and that shift is everything.

With suspense, drama, and heartfelt moments (plus some great small-town vibes), this book really delivers. Such an emotional, satisfying read.

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

[Perrin Larton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small towns just have so much drama! Who's sleeping with whom, who's cheating, who's drinking too much, and so many small town problems.

Wade has come home to try to intervene in his mother's addictions and is greeted at the door by Mari...who proceeds to fire a shotgun at him...well through the screen door...but well...kind of the same thing since he's the newest deputy in Lost Lake.

Mari has taken a job with Wynona, Wade's mom, to help her around the property and hide out from her abusive ex., although she hasn't told anyone why she is there.

Now, as Wade's first day on the job begins, he is dispatched to a creek where human bones have been found under tree roots. That leads Wade, Mari, and officers from two different jurisdictions to possibly wonder whos bones they are and why wasn't there any follow-up on the murder.

A very convoluted history for some of our main characters...and a convenient helicopter crash. Dramatic much?

A good story, although I thought the ending was a bit rushed.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff’s Honor~ His to Protect #2 by Jill Sorenson

Blurb: She’s hiding from a past that could destroy her. He’s sworn to uncover the truth—no matter what the cost.

Jill Sorenson delivers another compelling installment in Sheriff’s Honor, the second book in the His to Protect series. From the very beginning, the story is engaging and keeps the reader invested throughout.

This novel follows Meredith Rose, a woman hiding from a past that could destroy her, and Wade Hendricks, a determined sheriff committed to uncovering the truth—no matter the cost. Their journey is filled with tension, emotion, and well-paced development that adds depth to both characters.

Sorenson has crafted a strong and engaging storyline, supported by well-developed and relatable characters. The writing is polished and immersive, making it easy to become fully absorbed in the story.

Overall, this is a wonderful addition to the series, and I highly recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.

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

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two of His to Protect is Sheriff’s Honor by Jill Sorenson. It begins with a showdown of sorts when Wade Hendricks goes into his mother’s kitchen. His mother, Wynona, was not home so caretaker, Meredith Rose thought he was an intruder. From there the story continues at a fast pace. It is obvious that Wade’s mother is one troubled woman, so his life has never been easy. The attraction between Meredith and Wade is instant but Meredith is wary and good reason. Wade is the new First Deputy of Investigations so when a body is found , he is on the investigation. Suspense, danger, family struggles, and romance all threaded together in this story. It keeps you reading to see how it will all pan out for the characters involved.

[Laura D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meredith is the caregiving on Wyona Hendricks ranch in Lost Lake Texas. When Sheriff Wade Hendricks returns to Lost Lake to watch over his mother he meets Meredith and it is not a meet cute situation when she pulls a shotgun on him. She can't believe she could have shot Wynona's son. She never mentioned a son, especially not one in law enforcement. Meri has secrets of her own that caused her to start over in Lost Lake. As Wade spends time at the ranch their attraction is undeniable. When a skeleton body is found, long held secrets start to surface. Wade has a choice to make. The power of this secret could destroy several lives. Can these two find happiness with so much coming to light? Secrets have a way of not staying a secret. Good read.

[rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a romance with just the right touch of intrigue and suspense to keep you guessing, along with genuine chemistry and realistic family dynamics, don’t miss this one. The author has created a beautiful, heartfelt love story between Wade and Mary/Meri that feels incredibly real. Both characters have walked difficult paths, carrying emotional and literal scars, and their personal journeys throughout the story add even further depth. Their connection is honest, hot, and deeply emotional—feeling completely authentic and absolutely perfect for each other.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the His to Protect series. Can be read as a standalone.

'In a small Texas town where secrets won’t stay buried, the forbidden fire between them threatens to ignite a blaze of cowboy justice.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. 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.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wade has moved back to Lost Lake to keep an eye on his mother, she's an alcoholic but won't stop drinking, she doesn't act her age either.
There he meets Mary [Meredith] who, with her three dogs, is hiding from her abusive ex. She's his mother's housekeeper. He's attracted to her and sees her beauty that she's trying to hide. She feels safe with him.
Then some bones are found after the tornado and Wade starts to investigate, not understanding the ramifications of what he's doing. His new Sheriff wants him to leave the investigation alone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Another great romantic suspense in the series from Jill.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Tule Publishing via BookFunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An intense and passionate love story between a woman on the run and a rugged law officer, “Sheriff’s Honor”, by Jill Sorenson, has also a suspense subplot where buried secrets and lies resurface.
I loved the leads, Wade and Meredith, the attraction between them, and the honesty both show despite the secrets and hidden truths.
Their personalities and behavior make them compelling, imperfect characters, to whom we can relate.
The secondary characters, the conflicts and power dynamics in Wade’s family and in Lost Lake are also interesting to watch.
The animals are cute, too.
Initially I found the John Doe’s mystery interesting but I found the later developments a bit bizarre.

[Cathy Moir-Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of "His To Protect" finds Wade Hendricks coming home to make peace with his mother. Wynona has been battling demons his whole life and he fears that one day, those devils are going to win. He takes a deputy sheriff position in Lost Lake and prepares to confront her, but what he finds at his mother's small ranch is a "who", a beautiful woman who points a shotgun at him and lies about her name. Meredith had thought she was safe working at the ranch. Hiding from an abusive ex where no-one would find her and then he walks in.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance romance, Lexi and Connor. They dated in high school but his parents didn't think she was good enough for him. Now fifteen years later both are single parents from failed marriages. Lexi is in need of a job, so her friends from Lakeview Harbor encourage her to take the job at the resort, she is a little nervous of working with Connor again. A friendship rekindles into so much more. Loved how Lexi stood up to his parents!! This is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone but more enjoyable if you read in order. I am in love with this series!!!

[Donnajo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read an advanced reader’s copy of this book for an honest opinion.


Sheriff's Honor by Jill Sorenson. I hadn't read the first book in His to Protect series but I remember I had read some of her books long ago and really enjoyed her writing and books. So I wanted to give her Tule Publishing book a try. I'm glad I did totally enjoyed Sheriff's Honor and look forward to reading more in this series and more of her books.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rousing book filled with romance, crimes, and fears. Wade is a deputy sheriff new to Lost lake. He is in the grips of trying to get his mother to rehab. Living with her is Mary, hiding from a powerful, abusive ex. Chemistry and spicy scenes play against each other against a long ago crime to solve and deeply unsettling family problems. A worthwhile read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story got to me. It deals with lose and abuse. Wade's mom deals with hers by staying drunk and he stayed away because of that. Meredith has a big secret of her own. These three are where they need to be . Him the new Sheriff, Meredith helping out his mom around the farm ,and mom getting help. I really enjoyed reading this.

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

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sheriff, staying away from his mother because of her drinking. Runs into Meredith one day when he decided to visit her. Wade didn’t plan on having a gun pointed at him, but Meredith wasn’t taking any chances. This story was filled with drama, loss, abuse, and love. Such a captivating story. Meredith ran from an abusive ex. And she’s caring for his mother. This was such a wonderfully written story. Especially when danger pops up. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wade goes home to save his mother and he doesn’t expect to find live in help that seems like she’s hiding something. Meri is on the run from an abusive controlling ex with her dogs when Wyatt’s mother Wynona takes her in. But she’s not the only one with secrets as a big one is uncovered about the past. Meri tries to do things on her own when she should ask for assistance and instead of putting up walls Wynona should explain why. This a steamy romance with some suspenseful moments.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wade is coming home to deal with his past. Meredith is on the run from hers. Will her secret cause her to run again? Will his past unearth more than he bargained for. I absolutely loved this second Installment to the series. The chemistry between Wade and Meredith is off the charts. Loved it. Can’t wait for book 3. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put down Sheriff's Honor by Jill Sorenson. It's a compelling and intense romantic suspense novel with a real page turner plot. The chemistry between the main characters was really believable, making it impossible to stop reading. 5 out of 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Jill would make for a fantastic movie because it was a very interesting book to read. This is not only my second book to read by Jill but it’s the second standalone book in a really great series. It has a perfect story that really keeps you turning the pages to see how the book ends.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because there is danger, Wade is a police officer, there is romance, Wade and Mary can't keep their hands off each other and there is a lot of history that needs to be looked into, like why does Wade's mother always turn to alcohol, what happened in her past. I liked the intrigue and suspense.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheriff’s Honor is book 2 in the His to Protect series by Jill Sorenson 4.5 stars

Wade is returning home to work as a sheriff’s deputy, Meredith works on his mother’s ranch,mother/son estrangement, secrets, dealing with the past, she’s on the run, secrets from 30 yrs ago and more…

I voluntarily read a copy of this book from Tule Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything, a sweet love story, a whole lot of mystery, pain, trauma and healing. I was on the edge of my seat through most of this book reading as fast as I could to find out what was next for this characters and hoping to uncover the many secrets.

[Bonnie Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was not at all predictable for me, and that kept me flipping the pages.
I will be watching for more books by this author.

[Sandy Pride · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters in this book, their loneliness and yearning for love. It had a deep plot and good resolution.