On the glittering waters of the Caribbean, a yacht captain’s fight for survival forces her to rely on a man she swore she’d never trust.A fiercely independent yacht captain, Kenzie Wright has spent her life disregarding her family’s expectations. She thrives on freedom, charting her own course, and never staying in one place—or with one person—for long. But when a routine voyage thrusts her into the crosshairs of a deadly drug cartel, her carefully crafted agenda is blown apart. Her last hope to save herself and her crew is the partying playboy, Jasper Aylett.
DEA informant Jasper Aylett has spent years hunting the cartel leader known only as “the Phantom.” The mission has cost him everything—his family, his reputation, and his chance at redemption. When a beautiful yacht captain gets caught in the Phantom’s web, Jasper risks his life to rescue her. It’s his last chance to secure the information he needs to take his enemy down—and get his life back.
Kenzie is forced into hiding with Jasper, and now two cartels want her dead. With their lives on the line, Kenzie and Jasper must work together to unravel the Phantom’s network before it’s too late. But the closer they get to the truth—and to each other—the more their past wounds and buried fears threaten to tear them apart, leaving them vulnerable to an enemy who won’t stop until they’re both destroyed.
From a USA Today bestselling author… Don’t miss this heart-pounding suspense and swoon-worthy romance as Kenzie and Jasper discover their fight for survival—and for love—can only be won together.
Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. After college, working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball-and-chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit https://robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.
Lots of action and intrigue in this romantic suspense novel! The events primarily take place in the Caribbean with portions on the water.
Kenzie Wright (youngest of her sisters) is a yacht captain and enjoys her independence. It's a man's world and she's had to fight to achieve success. When pirates overtake a vessel she's moving from one port to another, her future quickly becomes uncertain.
Jasper Aylett is a DEA Informant and weary of living a double life. He wants to protect Kenzie while not blowing his cover. He's been walking the tightrope for five years and would love to see it come to an end. The way to make that happen is to capture a drug cartel leader.
This is either my favorite or second favorite in the series. It's a good one! Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Anchoring You by Robin Patchen 5 Stars Book #9 in The Wright Heroes of Maine Series but can be read as a Standalone Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
OK. I AM IMPRESSED. New to me author and now I need to read this entire series y'all!! I was SO INVESTED.
A girl over a yacht in the Caribbean. Modern day pirates raiding the boat. Drugs on board she didn't know about. The DEA informant that saves her life. Both going on the run, in hiding, pretending to be in a relationship for safety. Beautiful faith moments. LET'S GO!
That's all we need to know, right!
I grabbed a copy of this book from NetGalley to read when I had some extra time. I decided to pick it up the week after release and read it in a little over ONE DAY. I was IMMEDITALEY hooked with the action packed scenes and connection to our couple, Jasper (Jaz) and Kenzie.
I loved Robin's writing, it was exactly what I look for in a good Christian romantic suspense. If I am honest, I have struggled finding a new favorite romantic suspense book lately and THIS WAS IT!
I LOVED the faith discussions, as Jaz had ran away from the Lord due to his past and feeling unworthy. He knew the truth deep down, but felt like God wouldn't love him because of his mistakes. Yet Kenzie shows him the true love of the Lord and how God is big enough for all of our mess, no matter what it is. Amen.
While this was technically book #9 in this series, I don't feel like I was spoiled or missed anything for other books. Regardless, I plan to go back and read the series because I loved it so much.
Just finished my ARC of Anchoring You and WOW, I’m completely obsessed.
This book had everything I love: high-stakes tension, mystery, and that problem-solving, action-driven energy that gave me total Mission: Impossible/Tom Cruise vibes. It kept me hooked the entire time, I loved reading about everything unfolding in real time.
Jaz and Kenzie were everything. I loved how Jaz was always there to protect her, but Kenzie wasn’t just on the sidelines. She showed up, stepped in, and held her own. Their dynamic felt so balanced and real, which made their connection even stronger.
And the pacing?? Incredible. I wasn’t bored for a second. Every moment felt purposeful, and the story flowed so smoothly from start to finish.
Honestly, this didn’t even feel like a typical enemies-to-lovers. It felt deeper, more natural, and so well done. Everything about this book just worked for me.
Absolutely perfect! I loved every single part of it 💛
This is my first Robin Patchen book. I’m usually not a fan of romantic suspense, but Anchoring You may have changed that. I read this book in one day. It was a quick read, partly because it kept me wanting to turn the page.
Though Captain Kenzie Wright is originally from Maine, the bulk of the story takes place in the Caribbean on various islands. But the story opens with Captain Kenzie facing pirates as she attempts to deliver a yacht for a wealthy client. Though I’ve never been in the Caribbean, on an island or the water, the author did a great job describing the island settings and boats with enough detail that I could see them clearly. She used enough technical language to ground the characters in their professions, without being overwhelming or boring to someone with no experience on the sea or with firearms. Though I can only assume all her terminology is correct, it brings depth and reality to the story.
While I wouldn’t necessarily call it a traditional enemies to lovers trope, Kenzie and Jasper aren’t fans of each other at first either. Kenzie, with reason, is confused by and has trust issues regarding Jasper. And Jasper has a job he needs to do and no time for the attraction to Kenzie that he can’t seem to help. And both of them have enough baggage from their respective pasts to fill up a yacht. The author uses this to create tension, misunderstanding, and very valid reasons for Kenzie and Jasper to keep their distance from each other. Both characters are flawed, as the best ones always are. But they’re also likable, capable, and people that I wouldn’t mind getting to know in the real world. If not for their propensity toward dangerous situations.
Both Kenzie and Jasper have made some hard choices in life and are dealing with the consequences. But not all their problems come from their own decisions. Kenzie has hard truths to learn. Her life isn’t going as smoothly as she believed, through no fault of her own. And being unknowingly used by others puts Kenzie in the crosshairs with the drug cartel Jasper has been trying to infiltrate. Both are determined to find out the truth, no matter what it costs them. And since they never know if they’re a step ahead or two steps behind the enemy, their danger increases with each move they make.
Robin Patchen gives readers an exciting, suspenseful story. She balances the running for their lives action with enough romance and character growth to give heart to a book that could’ve easily been a one-note story. I give Anchoring You five stars. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense, you’re going to love it. And if you’re not, you just might love it too. I received a copy of this book from the author. The review and comments are my own and freely given.
What an amazing addition to this series. Complete with pirates, drug smuggling, chemistry between Kenzie and Jasper, and danger set in the Caribbeans, Anchoring You is a fast-paced romantic suspense read with twists and turns and a mind-blowing surprise at the end. Jasper has a complicate, difficult backstory, but it's one with redemption. Kenzie wasn't afraid to display her faith, even in the hard, dangerous times. Can't wait for book 10.
This no spice Christian romantic suspense opened with all of the heart racing danger you can imagine and it felt like my heart would pound right out of my chest. I’ve only read a few of the books in this series but I want to go back and read them all now.
Kenzie is a female yacht captain for hire down in the Caribbean. When pirates attack the ship she’s transporting to the US, she’s thrown into a world of cartels, drug smuggling, shootouts, and more. She meets Jaz who is a DEA informant undercover as a playboy. However, he’s also intricately connected to her family. Her sister’s significant other is raising his niece - the daughter Jaz seems to have abandoned.
The stakes are sky high in this book as Kenzie is “kidnapped” by Jaz. He wants to put together the pieces of this drug cartel to get the invisible big fish up top and somehow redeem himself. This is a thrilling read with so many twists and turns and hidden webs and connections underneath layer upon layer. I completely binged this book and cannot wait to read more of this series and from this author. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 2.
I hadn’t read Robin Patchen’s books before, but I’d heard good things. When I had the opportunity to ARC read her newest book, Anchoring You, it was an easy yes! And boy am I glad I did, because I’ve found a new favorite author with a huge backlist. My TBR has grown even bigger than it already was!
The action begins right from the start, and I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! I switched between the ebook and audiobook because I couldn’t wait to find out what happens to Kenzie and Jasper.
Kenzie, a feisty female yacht captain, finds herself caught in the middle of a drug cartel trafficking situation. Jasper, a DEA informant who’s been trying to take down the elusive cartel leader from the inside, saves Kenzie when the yacht she’s captaining is attacked by pirates. From that point, they must work together to stay alive. And it is absolutely a wild, heart-pounding ride!
In addition to the suspense, the romance is sweet, and the Christian elements add so much depth and relatability to the story. I loved the way both main characters’ faith grows through their experiences.
Anchoring You is book 9 in The Wright Heroes of Maine series, and while I’m sure you might pick up on certain things if you’ve read the entire series, I hadn’t read any of them and I didn’t feel like I was missing info. Even still, I’m absolutely going to go back and start from the beginning of the series because after meeting the wider cast of characters, I need to know all their full stories!
Intimacy: Kisses only Language: None Content Considerations: Moderate violence, attempted sexual assault (past, not descriptive)
Fast-paced. Suspenseful. Page-turning action. Anchoring You by Robin Patchen has it all. A storyline that pulls you in on page one. Characters that have you rooting for them and staying on the edge of your seat praying one of them does not get killed. Beautiful setting on various islands in the Caribbean. A cliff hanger that leaves you anticipating the next book in the series. And a strong reliance on God while one character reclaims his faith in God.
Although this is book 9 in the series, it can be read as a standalone. However, if this style is for you, why wouldn't you read the others first?
Released May 12th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A well-constructed Christian romantic suspense novel in the author's Wright Heroes of Maine series . . .
Yacht captain, Kenzie Wright, has worked diligently for years to build up her yacht transport business in the Caribbean only to have it threatened by an unknown entity for unknown reasons. When the lives of Kenzie and her crew are on the line, she does everything she must do to save them all.
When the elusive Jasper – Jaz – Aylett steps on the scene to intervene the intensity of the story accelerates. He successfully saves the lives of her crew and convinces the independent captain to go into hiding with him until they can figure out the whole scheme.
Fans of this genre will enjoy the challenges the pair face as they try to elude danger while digging deeper into the mystery of who is behind this deadly game. The story is filled with a lot of fast-paced action, and a few of the action scenes left me feeling uneasy because of the physical violence depicted.
The faith theme is woven throughout the story, and I enjoyed the frank discussions Jaz and Kenzie had about their own faith journeys and the struggles they had experienced in this area of their lives.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
I absolutely loved Anchoring You! This book completely pulled me in from the very beginning and had me hooked until the very last page. It was the perfect mix of suspense, emotion, action, and romance, and I found myself completely invested in the characters and their journey.
One of my favorite parts was the beautiful faith element woven throughout the story. It felt genuine, meaningful, and really added so much heart to the book. I also loved the chemistry and connection between the characters.
And can we talk about the fact that this is a closed-door romance and STILL gave me all the feels? The tension and emotion were so well written that I never felt like anything was missing.
Beautifully written, unforgettable, and definitely one of my favorite reads.
Oh wow! This fast paced romantic suspense book hooked me from the first page with an explosive start and I couldn't put it down until I found out how it ended! Although it could be read as a standalone, it is much better read as part of the series ( because I feel you could get lost without knowing the previous characters). I loved how dynamic the characters were, especially Jasper and Kenzie. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the unique and interesting storyline and characters cannot wait for the next book in the series!
I received this book by the author -all opinions are my own.
This one was a romantic suspense that is full of action and adventure. The setting completely swept me away right to the Caribbean in a yacht. But Kenzie the captain is faced with a deadly drug cartel, her crew and the man she doesn't want to trust, playboy Jaz...
This Christian romantic suspense had me hooked from the very first chapter. The danger starts immediately and the action never slows down. Kenzie, a yacht captain in the Caribbean, gets pulled into a dangerous world of pirates, cartels, drug smuggling, and shootouts after her boat is attacked. Jaz, a DEA informant undercover as a playboy, brought so much tension and mystery, especially with the unexpected connections to Kenzie’s family. The twists kept coming and I flew through this book. Now I definitely want to go back and read the rest of the series.
“But I know God is big enough for my mess, no matter how ugly it is. Which means He’s big enough for yours too. The question isn’t whether He’ll take you back. It’s whether you’ll let Him.”
What an exciting, fast-paced romantic suspense novel Anchoring You by Robin Patchen is! We have arrived at the fourth and last daughter of Gavin Wright, in the Heroes of Maine series. Kenzie has fled her father’s overprotective cocoon tendencies and has established a yacht-running business in the Caribbean. She loves the freedom of the water, and she enjoys her Caribbean life until the day her life is upended.
Pirates attack Kenzie’s boat. Determined to protect her crew and herself, Kenzie puts on a brave front, but is rescued by an island playboy, Jaz, she had met the night before. Then the struggle begins as Jaz tries to protect her, and Kenzie strives to retain her hard-earned independence.
Kenzie discovers that Jaz’s carefully cultivated wild reputation is a front so he can work with the DEA. He has his sights on a very big fish in the ocean, indeed! But his methods require Kenzie to trust him. Kenzie has long ago decided that no man should be in charge of her future or her choices. In a world of fast living, fast guns, and the seemingly omnipresent evil bent on their death, Kenzie’s trust in Jaz is vital. But, can Kenzie relinquish control of her life to someone else?
Kenzie slowly begins to see past Jaz’s playboy persona to his deep longing for redemption. Jaz has lost everything, and is quite sure God cannot forgive the man he has become. Once upon a time Jaz had faith. But now, he’s turned too far away, done too much to ever be good enough. Kenzie gently reminds him, “Grace is a gift. Even when you don’t feel lovable, even when you think you’ve gone too far, God is right there, loving you, holding grace out to you, waiting for you to accept it.” Another time, she builds on that and challenges him to view himself and his past with more grace. “Maybe you need to quit thinking you’re smarter than God and start seeing yourself the way He sees you.”
I loved the high-action story and the romance that seems like it cannot go anywhere. Both main characters and a secondary one show significant growth in their lives as the book progresses. But what really stood out to me? It was Kenzie’s prayers. They were real, every day conversations with God. Neither super short nor long, just matter-of fact, here’s the issue, we need help. Plus, Kenzie is also an example of praying God’s Word back to Him. We know God’s Word is powerful. I loved those example reminders of great prayers!
By the end of the book, I was so connected with the characters, I felt their cold, their terror, their confusion, and their astonishment as they finally figure out the surprising identity of the cartel! Another Robin Patchen book you’ll not want to miss!
I received a copy of the book from CelebrateLit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“He’d lived on the edge of a sword for so long he was starting to feel the stab, the dripping blood—his own and everyone else’s.” ( Jaz)
“She’d spent years on the water because it was the only place she felt safe. She’d built a business so she could control her own life, just to wind up a pawn in somebody else’s elaborate scheme.” ( Kenzie)
“She didn’t mind being known as Jesus’s girl. She wouldn’t mind being known as Jaz’s girl either.” ( Kenzie)
“What do you see? What can you use? Don’t just react. Think. Your greatest weapon is your mind.”- Kenzie’s dad
”She’d more than “do.” She looked…she looked like the kind of trouble that could blow up his whole life.”
The first chapters were very exciting and had me on the edge of my seat. Such a great start. A good portion of the writing shows that the author knows how to pull you into the atmosphere of the book. She really sets the scenes vividly and draws you in. I really liked that about this book.
There also weren't too many nautical terms so it was easy for someone who doesn't know much about sailing and boating to comfortably read the story without feeling lost.
The connection and romance however moved too fast. It was giving cliché cop movie vibes for quite a while there. The lead guy suddenly caring for the FL after knowing her for less than a day was crazy. Especially given his personality of not letting anyone into his heart easily because of the nature of his work. Later he'd been in her company for 3 days and was ready to abandon his everything and give up his very life for her. If he had known her a longer while it would have been heart warming and beautiful. But in this case it felt forced. The author did however try to keep things a little realistic toward the end which was a saving grace. I applauded that.
The book had some lovely moments that pointed to God and emphasized a deep relationship with Him. These moments really warmed my heart. But then there were also some things in the writing that were just not necessary. The author telling us about the ML staring at the FLs exposed thighs. The author constantly talking about physical desirability in the early chapters. Also talking about looking "sexy in a bikini". No. Let's not do that in Christian fiction please. Thankfully this was only in the earlier chapters and later most of the book was pretty clean.
Even though the writing is fairly good in terms of setting the scene, there's sadly quite a lot of repetition. Much time is spent saying things the reader already knows instead of pushing the plot forward. Writers of the world need to trust their audiences' retention and recollection abilities. So much detail repeated over and over again in so many chapters makes a reader not excited to keep spending time in the world of the story.
Another thing that could have made this story even more gripping was the portrayal of the bad guys. The villains could have been written in a more intense and dangerous way that was on par with how the characters described them. They were said to be very deadly but we didn't get to really see it on page.
In terms of action scenes, there is some described violence and on page death. It is kind of graphic in some small parts but it isn't over done.
Finally, the story ended with some important pieces of the case not yet wrapped up. I don't know if this is because they will be wrapped up in another book but it left me as a reader feeling a little robbed.
So 3.5 stars is my rating. It was suspenseful and I genuinely felt quite some tension with the dangerous circumstances. Loved that. But because the romance needed some tweaking here and there to ground it more, and some parts weren't as clean as a Christian romance should be, it lost 1.5 stars.
Anchoring You: Pirates in Shadow Cove by Robin Patchen is a Christian Romantic Suspense novel. It is the ninth book in The Wright Heroes of Maine series.
If you love high-stakes suspense, dangerous secrets, and a romance that simmers beneath the chaos, this thrilling Caribbean adventure delivers from the very first page. Set against the dazzling backdrop of the open sea, the story combines nonstop action with emotional depth, creating a page-turner that is nearly impossible to put down.
Kenzie Wright is a heroine readers will instantly admire. Fiercely independent and determined to live life on her own terms, she refuses to let anyone control her future. As a yacht captain, she’s confident, capable, and used to handling trouble on her own. But when a routine voyage puts her directly in the path of a ruthless drug cartel, her carefully ordered world begins to unravel.
Enter Jasper “Jaz” Aylett—a charming playboy with far more beneath the surface than anyone realizes. As a DEA informant hunting the elusive cartel leader known as “the Phantom,” Jaz is carrying the weight of years spent sacrificing everything for justice. His chemistry with Kenzie is immediate, but their growing connection is layered with distrust, painful histories, and the constant threat of danger.
What makes this story especially compelling is the balance between adrenaline-fueled suspense and heartfelt emotional growth. The cartel storyline keeps the tension high, while Kenzie and Jaz’s evolving relationship adds warmth and vulnerability. Their forced partnership creates plenty of sparks, and watching them slowly learn to trust each other becomes just as captivating as the action itself.
The Caribbean setting adds another layer of excitement, with luxury yachts, hidden dangers, and breathtaking ocean scenery creating the perfect backdrop for this fast-paced adventure. Every chapter raises the stakes, leading to twists and suspenseful moments that keep readers fully invested.
Fans of romantic suspense will find plenty to love here: danger, redemption, emotional healing, and a swoon-worthy romance wrapped inside a thrilling chase for survival. This is the kind of book that keeps your heart racing while still delivering characters you genuinely care about.
An exhilarating blend of suspense and romance, this story proves that sometimes the greatest risk is learning to trust—and love—again.
So if you enjoy Christian Romantic Suspense novels, check out Anchoring You: Pirates in Shadow Cove by Robin Patchen along with the rest of the books in The Wright Heroes of Maine series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Wow! What an exciting and action-packed book! Book Nine of The Wright Heroes of Maine series by Robin Patchen, Anchoring You: Pirates in Shadow Cove is an explosive read that grabs the reader’s attention from the first page to the last—and will keep one reading long past bedtime.
Yacht Captain Kenzie Wright’s Caribbean paradise is upset when she unwittingly finds herself caught in the crosshairs of two dangerous drug cartels. Enter Jasper Aylett, DEA informant masquerading as partying playboy, who rescues Kenzie while trying to bring down the elusive and dangerous cartel boss, The Ghost. After all, “friends don’t let friends fight drug dealers alone.” Together, the two race to discover The Ghost’s identity before his thugs can gun them down.
More than an action-packed novel, Anchoring You is chock full of faith. Major themes, which are woven effortlessly into the story, include trust, forgiveness, and God’s grace. The following are some memorable quotes related to those themes:
“I can tell you one thing—God didn’t leave you. . . .He doesn’t work that way. Even when we walk away, He’s still there, not just waiting but eager for us to come home. . . .The question isn’t whether He’ll take you back. It’s whether you’ll let Him.”
“Do your best, trust God with the rest.”
“Maybe that was the difference between someone who still had faith and someone who’d lost it. She believed in redemption. He believed in survival, and survival didn’t leave room for God. It also didn’t leave room for joy, for peace, for a life worth living. He’d lost so much. His life felt unfixable—like Jasper himself. Unredeemable. But Kenzie had sounded so sure, like it was simple fact: God doesn’t leave.”
“Grace is a gift. Even when you don’t feel lovable, even when you think you’ve gone too far, God is right there, loving you, holding grace out to you, waiting for you to accept it.”
“Maybe you need to quit thinking you’re smarter than God and start seeing yourself the way He sees you.”
Note: Though Anchoring You is the ninth book in The Wright Heroes of Maine series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel, though people and events in previous books are referenced. This is actually the first book I have read by Robin Patchen, but it is definitely not going to be the last, as the other nine books in this series have been added to my TBR list!
FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are solely my honest opinion.
Another amazing story by author Robin Patchen. This is the ninth book in The Wright Heroes of Maine series and is also considered to be a stand alone book.
You first meet Kensington “Kenzie” Wright, she is the youngest of five daughters in the Wright family. Kenzie is also an independent yacht captain and sails boats to the port the owners request. Kenzie loves her job and being on the open sea with her crew.
Next you meet Jasper “Jaz” Aylett. Jaz was introduced in book eight of the series Fighting for You. Jaz left his four year old daughter Charlotte with his brother Noah Aylett. Long story short Jaz’s lifestyle as a high-society partying playboy doesn’t have room for is daughter to be hanging out with him. She is much better off in a stable home with his brother Noah. What no one knows is that Jaz is a DEA informant and has spent years hunting a cartel leader known only as the Ghost.
The wealthy owner of the yacht Blue Fantasy has Kenzie and her crew sail the vessel to Miami. As Kenzie and her crew are sailing in the open sea, a boat starts speeding toward them. Kenzie grabbed her binoculars and noticed the occupants are wearing all black and she saw a reflection of metallic on their hip. She ordered her crew down below and called in a mayday as the pursuers were pirates. Kenzie armed herself to defend her crew and the vessel she’s responsible for. Kenzie notices another speed boat approaching. They are about to be flanked by two boatloads of pirates. As the bullets start flying, Kenzie fires back. All of the sudden bullets start coming from somewhere else and take out the pirates. Kenzie is confused as to what’s going on. Then a figure stands in front of her as she raises her gun to defend herself he says “ don’t shoot, it’s me”. Even though he’s in a disguise she recognizes his voice, it’s Jaz. Jaz and Kenzie get her crew off the boat and onto his boat. The Coast Guard arrives and transported her crew to safety. However, Jaz had Kenzie stay behind with him to see what she might know and how it might help him find the Ghost.
Jaz and Kenzie must work together to figure out who the Ghost is that’s behind everything that’s been going on before someone gets hurt.
Come along on this action-packed, page-turning adventure. I highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed.
Anchoring You is another wonderful book in an amazing series that you’re missing out on if you haven’t read all of them! And I don’t just mean this series. Because this series is a spin off from another series that is also connected to another series. Yeah, there’s a lot of books and a lot of family and you need to read them all!
This book focuses on Kenzie. She’s a yacht pilot out on the Caribbean. She wants to do things on her own, and on her own terms and she doesn’t want help from anyone. That is until her boat is being chased and boarded by pirates. Then she’s wishing maybe she wasn’t quite so all alone out here.
But her sister’s new fiances brother shows up. Except he doesn’t go by his real name in the Caribbean. And she hasn’t exactly told him who she is. Nevermind. At least he and his boat showed up in time to save her. . . and blow up her boat?! Wait what? Why did they do that?
And if you think that paragraph is intriquing well, you really need to read the book! Kenzie and Jasper are thrown together. That throws a kink or a wrench in Jasper’s activiites. You see, he has this player reputation to uphold. And now Kenzie has to appear to be his new love interest to explain why he wasn’t where he was supposed to be. And how he came to be with her instead. Without letting the bag guys know who she actually is.
It’s a tangled web! Kenzie does reveal her connectioin to Jasper at some point in the book and he reveals somethings about himself to be the truth as well. Like he’s actually a DEA informant. And he really does only want what’s best for his daughter.
You’re going to love this fast-paced novel. Don’t just take my word for it though. Go read it. But please read the rest of the series too. And then go back and read all the related series.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Another excellent romantic suspense novel by Robin Patchen! This is book #9 in the Wright heroes of Maine series, and though the story stands on its own, I do recommend reading at least book 8 (Fighting for You) prior to this one as this one has some spoilers of that story included within. This book follows Kenzie Wright, the youngest of the Wright sisters, and Jasper (Jaz) Aylett, who is the brother of Noah from Fighting for You. When the yacht that Kenzie is transporting is boarded by pirates, it is Jaz who comes to her rescue before the Coast Guard can get there. That is just the beginning of the dangers that Kenzie and Jaz face together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, even if it did take place on the water in large part (fortunately, there were no near-drownings, which is a bit of a trigger for me!). We've seen Kenzie in small parts in some of the other books in this series and saw Jaz a bit in Fighting for You, but it was good to see both of them get their own story and learn the reasons behind some of their behaviors. I also enjoyed the relationship that Kenzie has with her dad. The other sisters had a tumultuous relationship with Gavin Wright, but Kenzie knows who she is with her dad and their relationship is a mostly good one. I also enjoyed that Kenzie's faith was completely solid. Even while bad things were happening, she clung to her God. And it was through that, that Jaz begins to revisit the faith of his childhood. This story had excellent character development, a solid faith thread, and the action and suspense kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. The romance moved quickly for me, as romantic suspense in wont to do, but I enjoyed how they opted to pace things towards the end. And the ending and bonus epilogue has me champing at the bit for the next book in the series! This book (and series) is one I would heartily recommend to fans of inspirational romantic suspense. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Wow, truly WOW! This book kept me awake turning pages. I just HAD to know what was happening. It has it all — action, mystery, trauma, suspense, family, emotion— you name it… it’s there.
Want action? Just give it a page or two, literally. You won’t be disappointed. That action continues page after page so be prepared to feel, literally feel, the tension. Kenzie Wright and Jaz Aylett deliver… and I LOVE the nickname Jaz has for Kenzie.
If you’re familiar with the Wrights from previous books, that should tell you a lot about Kenzie. Strong stubborn woman? …. for sure. And as you’ll see, strength doesn’t always come in muscles.
What about Jaz…a playboy? That’s what they say…but… what’s his real story?
Not to give the plot away, let’s just say both Kenzie and Jaz find themselves being controlled and manipulated by a strong drug cartel whose leader is The Ghost. Their very lives are on the line and there’s no way they can fight this cartel by themselves. Enter Kenzie’s family … the Wrights, need say more? 😉
🤔OBSERVATIONS and LIKES
… Love how Kenzie relies on her faith and how it impacted Jaz, who had given up on God’s mercy and forgiveness.
… Enjoyed the Wright’s involvement in the storyline.
… Would have liked seeing/hearing Henry’s reaction to events toward the end, and Francine’s too. Felt sorry for ‘Henry’s’ parents.
… LOL, Magras sure lost his ‘entitlement’ attitude.
After reading the epilogue, I’m definitely looking forward to 'Shadowing You', the upcoming last book in the Wright Brothers series. I see the action starting right in the beginning… true Robin Patchen style. My heart already goes out to Ethan. His story looks to be heart wrenching … and I need to find out just how Kenzie’s dad, Cecil, could betray his family.
Talk about a nonstop adventure! The action in Kenzie and Jasper's story starts early and doesn't stop until the end... keeping me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. The Caribbean setting keeps this one exciting, with Kenzie, an independent yacht captain, discovering that she has been unknowingly transporting drugs for a cartel, which has now put her in danger. Enter Jasper (Jaz) who seems like partying playboy... but who has actually been working as a DEA informant for years and ends up risking everything he's worked towards to save her. The more that we get to know each of these characters, the more I loved them... especially Jasper when we realize all that he has sacrificed. These two are great together- both in their fight to stay alive and their chemistry. But as much as I loved both the action and the romance, I think the faith elements of this story really made it stand out the most. I loved seeing Kenzie's faith, yes, but also seeing Jasper struggling with his own, and the growth throughout the story. This one was also very much a redemption story, and I can never get enough of a good redemption story. If you love action packed Christian romantic suspense, this is definitely one not to be missed!
Anchoring You is the ninth book in The Wright Heroes of Maine series. I have personally not read any of the previous books and found I was able to enjoy this one just fine as a standalone.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Anchoring You is a high-stakes mystery filled with tension and action-packed excitement. I was drawn into the story from the very first chapter, when the yacht Kenzie is sailing is attacked by armed pirates. From the beginning, Kenie establishes herself as a force to be reckoned with. As the overwhelming assault begins to turn against her and the worst seems inevitable, a suave playboy she recognizes from a club—now in disguise—appears and helps her save the day and rescue her crew. This encounter sets the tone for a compelling push-and-pull relationship between Kenzie and Jaz.
The pacing is fast, packed with twists and turns that carry through to the final chapters. Kensie and Jaz soon find themselves unwitting pawns of a notorious drug cartel, and their only hope is to uncover who is truly in control before they are eliminated. As the walls between them begin to fall, the danger only escalates and the enemy closes in.
There is also a meaningful element of faith woven throughout the story. Kenzie demonstrates a strong, unwavering faith, while Jaz struggles with doubt and has lost his way. This contrast adds depth to both characters and their journey.
This is book 9 in a 10-book series. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, the greatest appreciation will come from starting at the beginning and watching the relationships and character development unfold over time.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest, personal, and unbiased review.
I was looking forward to this one because I hoped that the author would tell Jaz’s story. I correctly assumed that it would be a redemption story and that it would be worthy of all the stars. I’ve absolutely loved every book in this series, but Jaz has nestled into my heart, making this one my favourite. Don’t get me wrong, Kensington ‘Kenzie’ Wright still lived up to my expectations as a stellar FMC, but Jasper tugged harder on my heartstrings.
I enjoyed the author’s focus that no matter where we are in life, how many mistakes we’ve made, how far we’ve wandered, there’s still time to make things right. Patchen shows us that redemption isn’t just a trope; it’s a gift from God. I’ll remember this book because of Jaz’s transformation. He went from someone who had “chosen survival over living a long time ago,” to someone who sought to be better and now chose living over survival.
Patchen delivers with her dynamic tension, her redemption arc, and a plot that kept me busy trying to reconcile the contradiction that was Jasper Aylett. In today’s chaos, it’s wonderful to read about people who want to change, where growth and transformation is possible, and where grace is guaranteed.
This series has taken up residence in my heart and I’ll highly recommend it to anyone who loves Christian romantic suspense.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
A desire to prove herself in a male-dominated career has forced Kenzie to be fiercely independent - until the day the yacht she's transporting is first invaded by pirates and then blown up by her rescuer. That rescuer? Famous playboy Jaz, whom she knows as the man who deserted his daughter. Only he's acting far too intense and competent for that playboy, and knows way too much about what's going on. Jaz's chivalry may be the death of him - literally. When saving Kenzie forces him to blow his cover, his search for the mysterious cartel leader seems doomed, unless they can find and put together the pieces before the cartel finds them...
An intense and fast-paced read, but with some much-needed time for reflection and growth, both personally and in their relationship. It can be a difficult balance, but is very well done here. Having 'met' Jaz in a previous book, it was great to get to know him and realise that he actually is worth getting to know - someone who's made some bad mistakes but has done their best to fix them, even when it means difficult decisions. As for Kenzie, she's also got a lot to learn and comes out better and happier at the end, despite the loss of the life she's built for herself. Her dad definitely keeps things interesting but it's heart-warming to see how he's got her back enough to be willing to do things her way when it's not what he wants. All in all, a great read and I'm intrigued to learn more about Ethan... Recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The story starts out with a simple trip across the sea where Kenzie feels at peace. Being the captain puts her in control and centered as she takes her passengers to their destination. I like how she is very strong willed but grounded in her faith. An unexpected “accident” at sea changes her life drastically.
Jasper is a mixture of toughness and caring in his undercover role. He lives a very dangerous life and has given up so much in order to take down a drug cartel. We get to see a vulnerable Jasper at times where he shares his anger with Kenzie about God. The interaction between him and Kenzie allows readers to see how vulnerable they each are.
I liked when Kenzie shared with Jasper that , “ God doesn’t leave us.” Jasper tells Kenzie that he has done terrible things and doesn’t think God is around anymore. How many times have you messed up? Each time we think we won’t be forgiven, God shows us that He loves us unconditionally . Kenzie explains to Jasper that, “God is big enough for our messes no matter how ugly it is. The question isn’t whether He’ll take us back. It’s whether you’ll let Him.”
The author delivers a powerful story of trust, and overcoming your past. Both characters find themselves in a cat and mouse game of danger. I like how they open up to each other and allow God to direct their path. As they get deeper into the story, the only way to survive will be to rely on God.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
People have assumed for years that Jaz Aylett is just a lighthearted playboy living the life in the Caribbean. I mean he gave up his daughter to his brother to raise! Kenzie Wright sure thinks that because she ferries boats in the Caribbean and has seen him "doing his thing" plus her sister is the nanny for his daughter back in the States. But then her boat is boarded by pirates and suddenly there is Jaz NOT looking like a playboy as he's rescuing her and her crew! What. Is. Up? Thus begins the totally topsy turvy next week of Kenzie's life that will test every fiber of her being. It will also change every thing she knows about her father, Jaz and her capabilities! She will find out she's so much more than she ever thoughts she was - definitely stronger! I absolutely loved this book! Kenzie is the youngest in the family and because of that, her father has babied her and protected her throughout her life. She's had enough of it so left home and created a business in the Caribbean ferrying yachts for the rich. She loves being on the water and being independent -- until one day everything changes. I admired Kenzie so much! She was able to rise to the occasion and prove to herself, her family and to others that she could be strong & not have to be protected all the time. I also loved Jaz. His past was filled with pain and heartache. He felt he was a lost cause, but Kenzie showed him a new way - a road to faith and no more self-doubt. Fantastic story!!!
Yet again another amazing book by Robin. If you want a romantic suspense set out on the tropical seas and islands, this one is for you. With secret identities, drug smuggling, pirates, and page turning suspense, it really pulls you in!
Kenzie is independent and on her own, running a successful business out on the open seas. When pirates come aboard and her life is seconds from being lost, Jaz comes to her aid. How he knew to rescue her and why he would risk his life is something she has to figure out. Jaz may have a reputation as a flashy playboy, but the man who saves her is nothing like that. As he risks his life again and again for hers, she is determined to help him with his mission in hopes it will also keep her safe.
As the walls come down between them, the danger keeps rising and the enemy closes in. Their lives and their hearts are both at risk, but faith is not lost as it is tested and renewed.
Romance, suspense, faith, and mystery make this such a wonderful read. I loved the family members who came to their aid and the growing affection between Kenzie and Jaz was so sweet. Jaz’s backstory was tougher and made me want to read Noah and Delaney’s story too. I did find at times my attention drifted a bit, though that may have been more from the busyness of life than the story itself. Overall, I loved it and am ready for the next one.
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
"Much as she didn't like this playboy-turned-hero-turned . . . . whatever he was now, she was no fan of drug cartels."
Kenzie Wright and Jasper Aylett met under duress, to put it mildly. What began as an ordinary day, doing what Kenzie loved to do best in her life as a yacht captain, turned ugly when pirates appeared out of nowhere and attempted to commandeer her boat . . . . but wait! Another team of . . whatever they were . . . whisked Kenzie and her crew away from danger before blowing up her boat!!! Boom!
The drama didn't stop there, in fact, it had only just begun. For while Kenzie's crew left on a rescue boat, Kenzie was left behind with Jasper, a DEA informant. The man had the gall to tell her that she had been transporting contraband; drugs, and lots of them. Before she could digest that disturbing bit of information, Jasper whisked her off to a safe house, put a wig on her head, pulled out a party dress, and off they went, under disguise, straight into a den of vipers.
This starts-fast and never-slows-down action romance hits the road running, but it does slow down enough for deep spiritual conversations and quiet considerations of what life could be like if everything turned out like it does in the movies, where the bad guys get caught and the hero drives off into the sunset with his lady. As you might imagine, it's a lot more complicated than that.
Put on your life jacket, you are going to need it!
Anchoring You The Wright Heroes of Maine #9 By Robin Patchen
When pirates try to take the yacht she is transporting, Kenzie Wright isn't about to be taken without a fight, not when the lives of her crew depend on her. There is just one little problem: she is woefully unprepared for an attack, with weapons at a minimum, and no safe space to hide. YIKES! But she's a Wright, and Wrights don't give up!
Jasper Aylett has a reputation, and it's not good. Nope, he's bad news. He abandoned his family and is living the life that would have made his late mother shudder if she could see him. But Jasper, aka Jax, made his mistakes and now has to live with the consequences. Consequences that forced him to give up one thing he loves most in the world. But he's fighting back the only way he knows how; unfortunately, saving Kenzie is about to upset his carefully crafted cover.
This is a contemporary romance with faith elements, but it is not in-your-face, preachy. No, for Kenzie, it is just part of who she is. For Jasper, it was part of his past, but now, with his life spiraling out of his control, it is something knocking on his soul. These aren't perfect characters; they have flaws and failings, just like everyone else, which is what makes this book a more compelling read.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This was my first book by Robin and DEFINITELY not the last! I just put this whole series to the top of my TBR! It is the 9th book in a series and I had no issue following along or being lost!
This was an action pact, fast paced, and suspenseful novel! I absolutely loved it! Jaz was a protective MMC who was becoming tired of living a double life as an informant for the DEA.
Kenzie is a captian of a yacht who isn't a aware that she is smuggling drugs for an unknown owner. Shes also trying to prove herself worthy of being a captian.
The book starts off with pirates taking over Kenzies yacht and with Jaz saving her, then essentially kidnapping her. And I wasn't mad about it! And the action never stopped! Who the bad guys were, blew my mind! Totally didn't see that coming. I love how both MCs had a spiritual journey to walk through and how Robin added that into her novel. I love having that! Jaz was super protective and even though he tried resisting Kenzie, it was only a matter of time.
It was so well written, and it reminded me of a modern day Marylu Tyndall novel! And I looooove pirate novels, so it was bound to be an amazing novel!
I was given a free copy of this book from Robin. No pressure to review, but loved it so much I wanted to, all thoughts and opinions are my own.