Finding Redemption: Bodyguard, age gap romance

by Valentina Burns

She’s the face of a scandal everyone remembers.

Vanessa Barone is hiding from the spotlight. After her modeling career went up in flames, she’s been holed up in her sister’s Portland, Oregon apartment, hoping to restart her life away from flashing cameras and judgmental headlines. But when an impulsive kiss catapults her back into the public eye, the shadows she’s been running from start closing in. Unwanted gifts. Unsettling messages. The unmistakable feeling of someone watching. But the last thing she wants is a bodyguard. Especially one like him.

He’s the ex-con with a past he can’t shake.

Jordan Thompson spent the last seven years paying for his sins. Prison taught him silence, control, and how to keep his demons on a tight leash. Now he just wants a life under the radar—until Vanessa crashes into his world in a whirlwind of expensive clothing and chaos. She’s everything he shouldn’t want. Everything he doesn’t deserve.

But boundaries blur when her safety becomes his responsibility. And, with someone watching her every move, redemption might cost them both everything.

438 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 28, 2026

About the author

Valentina Burns is a contemporary romance author living on Vancouver Island with her husband, two children and multitude of pets.

She picked up her very first romance novel when she was fifteen years old at her High School fall fair, and has been devouring the genre ever since. She’s long dreamed of writing her own romance books and is inspired by stories that have strong female protagonists and their swoon-worthy, well-muscled heroes. She loves to create believable and relatable characters that readers can connect with.

Drawing upon her own life experiences, Valentina writes books that are genuine, emotional, and entertaining, with more than a little heat served on the side.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Redemption by Valentina Burns is a bodyguard, age-gap romantic suspense set in Portland, Oregon and the fourth book in an interconnected series. Even without having read the previous installments, Jordan and Vanessa’s story is easy to follow, with a strong found-family dynamic that made me eager to go back and read the rest of the series. Jordan brings intense ex-con hero energy, stepping into the role of Vanessa’s bodyguard when her family realizes she’s being targeted by a dangerous stalker. What begins as protection quickly turns into something deeper as Jordan becomes far more than just her security. Both characters are carrying secrets from their pasts—burdens they’d rather keep buried—but as the danger escalates, they’re forced to confront their mistakes and fears together.


Emotional, suspenseful, and rooted in themes of second chances, Finding Redemption delivers a satisfying journey of healing, trust, and love as Jordan and Vanessa fight for safety, redemption, and ultimately, each other.

3.5 rounded up
As always a special thanks to author Valentina Burns and the lovely team at hambright PR for granting me the opportunity to read and review Finding Redemption. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Courtney Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Valentina for the arc copy ! All thoughts are my own .

For a book that’s out of my normal range, I absolutely adored Vanessa and Jordan and their story .

There was so much character development for Vanessa ! And Jordan ? He was perfect throughout the book ! The chemistry between them started almost immediately with hilarious banter and tension.

The story development was incredible, I was never bored reading and ended up eating this book up in a day and a half . I’ll have to circle back at one point and read the other books .

If you like a good contemporary romance , this one is for you !

But I have to say . The real star ? Nigel!

[Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Vanessa and Jordan's love story so much!
Vanessa is a free spirit, a firecraker. She is blunt, confident, and vibrant. I genuinely love her and wish I were more like her.
Jordan is the most protective and grumpy mountain of a man that usually communicate in grunts and one-word answers, and who turns into a teddy bear only for her. I mean, how was I supposed to not fall irremediably in love with him?! Together, Jordan and Vanessa are the definition of opposites attract. Once they found themselves in a forced proximity situation, they instantly clash. But they also start to desire things they didn’t even know they wanted. And boy these two give a whole new meaning to banter! I LOVE that their differences are real, and that, in order to appreciate one other, they both have to walk a mile in each other’s shoes. I adored watching their bickering give way to moments of tenderness and deep connection as they got to know each other better. There are so many great moments of tension and sweet scenes in Finding Redemption! For example, the "walk for me scene", and the classic "she's looking at the view but he's looking at her" scene will always have a special place in my heart. And, I also devoured the spicy scenes! They’re filled with tension, wanting, dirty words, care, and everything that is hot (I truly am obsessed with chapter 38)!
So, if you like a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers that comes with a side of frustration and scowls, Finding Redemption is the right one for you!

[Wminbc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay…I met the author at book convention where I had researched all the authors and books and decided how to fill up my cart. I walked right up to Valentina and said I’d like her books…she smiled and said, yes, these are my books…do you want me to tell you about them? Ummm, no, just sell them to me.

I have been more awkward believe it or not, but I ate up the whole series. So when I was offered an ARC of book 4, I was like yes please!!!!

Vanessa is the just jaded enough ingenue who once took the modelling world by storm. Her height, Italian beauty, and even more lovely personality drew many to fawn at her feet, but it was a stalker that continually upped their game that sent her seeking solace in Portland.

Portland is home to none other than Jordan, the bodyguard slash ex-con boxing instructor Vanessa’s brother in law saddled her with in Vegas months ago. Now, with both in Portland, the slow hippy town isn’t ready for Hurricane Nessa.

The story builds as these two realize that each have more to them and that their beauty is much richer than skin deep. Bonding over helping under represented youth, Jordan and Vanessa slowly open up about their pasts and begin to step forward…right into a stalker’s path.

I loved the real feelings that each character shared, their fears, their darkest desires, and their unspoken hopes. Add in a great cousin, some cooking and meddling aunties, loving siblings, and some well described tattoos…excited to see more from this author!! Enjoy!!!!

[Prerna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the heartwarming story of fallen starlet Vanessa and ex-gangster Jordan who are the most unlikely couple until unexpected events force them together.

Vanessa is out to prove she’s more than just a vapid supermodel-actress when she decides to volunteer to organise a fashion show at the local community center.

Jordan is her reluctant bodyguard who’d rather be anywhere else.

Both stubborn, both singleminded in their pursuits, and both harbouring a secret attraction for each other - their passion is explosive in this thrilling romance, urged on by friends, family and beloved rabbit Nigel.

The thread of mystery and suspense over Vanessa’s stalker only adds to the tension as both navigate the high stakes fashion show, deal with past traumas that still haunt them and their longing to be seen and accepted for who they are at their core. Their personal journeys are captivating as they open up to each other, seeking redemption for their past mistakes and learn to accept themselves as they are.

Finding Redemption is an exciting steamy romance with tender moments, a thrilling mystery and loveable bunny rabbit.

[Chaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I am seriously yearning for more after reading Finding Redemption. I had the opportunity to read the ARC and so happy I did. This book was incredible. Had me on the edge of my seat, giggling and kicking my feet, and falling in love. I love how despite trying with all his might Jordan couldn’t stay away from Vanessa. The FMC is so fierce and strong, they were truly a perfect match. You can tell that she slowly became his reason for breathing and vise versa. It was such a treat to watch them become a couple and I really enjoyed the bodyguard/model troupe. Some of my faves: Nigel, the cottage, his motorcycle, her confidence, and THE CRAWLING?! Ugh, need a Jordan in my daily life. Obsessed with these two. I was literally hoping the epilogue was years into the future to try and get a glimpse at them years from now. This was my first time reading a book by Burns and definitely not my last!

[Alitazaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this an an ARC in exchange for this honest review. This review doesn't contain spoilers.

This story follows Jordan, an ex-con, and Vanessa, a model/actress who is having to reinvent herself a little bit to gain back public credibility. They have a dicey history so this is definitely a hate-to-love situation, plus age gap.

Vanessa ends up with a stalker (not in a fun dark romance way!) and Jordan is desperate to keep her safe while she restarts her career through a charity venture.

I enjoyed the writing style (this is my first Valentina Burns novel) and the plot flowed very well. I didn't connect as much with Vanessa, but I still loved her growth as a person and her and Jordan's connection throughout the book.

Oh, and if you're here for the spice, you've come to the right place!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for this honest review. This review doesn't contain spoilers.

This is the 4th book in the series but could be read as a stand alone. Jordan is a tortured, ex-con hero type who brings the swoon and he meets his match in Vanessa, the younger model/actress who has taken a break from the spotlight after a scandal. Their chemistry is off the charts, so much so that I honestly forgot about the age gap, a trope that I'm usually not a fan of. I love me a good bodyguard romance though and this book has all the angst/hurt/comfort/overprotective vibes you could want. The secondary characters are also enjoyable, especially my close personal friend Joel Morgan.

This is an open door romance, and the spice is *chefs kiss* perfect.

This novel is the perfect blend of romance, suspense, humour, and spice. Loved it!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordan is the best Rose City MMC. I said what I said. (Sorry Joel)

Jordan - ex-con, bodyguard, neighbour, obsessed.
Vanessa - celebrity, drama, pampered princess, stalkee.

Vanessa is embroiled in scandal, and Jordan is going to protect her. Vanessa and Jordan's relationship gradually builds from dislike to friends to lovers. Several times Vanessa has moments where she needs a protector, and Jordan is there for her. There is a perfect amount of suspense in this story, and also a perfect amount of sweet bunny. Yes, an actual rabbit.

This is book 4 of the series, but could be read as a stand alone.

[Anne Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren’t enough words to describe how much I loved this book.

You’re going to laugh, cry, and feel every feeling in between. The twists and turns Vanessa and Jordan go through to get their happily ever after makes it so satisfying.

The banter between these two is *chef’s kiss* the spice is spicy, the love they share is incredible.

Valentina has such a lyrical way of writing that just draws you in from page one. She writes love in a way that tells me her books are timeless! This book will be a top read for me in 2026. I already know!! So so so so good!!

[Megan Rhoads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I say this every time but stalker is not my favorite trope but this was done WELL. Also good banter is a skill and again done so WELL. I loved all of the aspects of this story from the begging to the end so many twists and turns. I was 100% shocked with the reveal. Jordan and Vanessa 4ever! And you can’t forget about Nigel sweet boy.

[KoguKento · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an ARC.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was an amazing ARC the love that V and J had was so special and sweet.. I never expected what happened to J was going to happen.. So glad the story ended on a happy ending..

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding redemption is a very cute contemporary romance that ends with an entire rollercoaster of emotions.