★ Some fires can't be fought with water. Some battles require faith. ★
Firefighter Samantha Williams thought she knew who she could trust with her life. For six years, she's fought fires alongside her crew in Renegade, Colorado, building the family she never had while hiding from a deadly past that forced her and her sister into witness protection. When a string of arsons threatens the community, the danger is only beginning…
Then walks in the one man who could save her... or break her heart.
Deputy US Marshal Liam Roberts has made it his mission to protect people whose lives are in danger. Newly named guardian to his niece, Liam battles the challenge of balancing his new role in Renegade with family responsibility. Professional duty quickly develops to more as both Sam and Liam navigate raising teens and the growing threat.
As their enemies close in, nowhere is safe.
When the final trap is set, and escape seems impossible, Sam will discover that sometimes the greatest rescue comes from the One she thought had abandoned her long ago.
When love means putting everything on the line, how far will they go?
As Sam and Liam race against time to unmask a killer hiding in plain sight, their partnership becomes something deeper, more dangerous than either expected. But when Sam's teenage sister Isabella and Liam's niece Sophia disappear, their growing feelings are put to the ultimate test. Someone is collecting the people they love most—and using them as bait for the final trap.
Caught between a killer who knows her every secret and a man whose love she never dared hope for, Sam must keep running from her past or fight for the future her heart is beginning to crave.
Perfect for fans Faith-based romantic suspenseFirefighter heroines with hidden pastsUS Marshal protective heroesFound family dynamicsWitness protection storylinesSmall-town settings with big secretsRedemption and forgiveness themes
Faith Under Fire Betrayal & Trust Found Family Forgiveness Second Chances God's Protection Healing from Trauma Choosing Love Over Fear Identity & Purpose
Book 3 in the Renegade County series, written by Jennifer Pierce, created by Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips. Complete story with swoon-worthy HEA that will leave you breathless!
Continue the series that readers can't put down—where faith, family, and love triumph over the deadliest odds.
I was giddy with excitement at finding a new-to-me author this week - one who writes what and how I like to read. I love the happily ever afters of romances (not the fluffy insta-love), but I also need the pacey, adrenaline rush of the suspense. While those are the essentials, I also enjoy characters who face a challenge, step outside their comfort zone, and/or push the boundaries. If the author can ‘burrow’ me (not just place me) into the setting, I’m hooked! Jennifer Pierce has met all my requirements for a great read … and then some.
Do you enjoy a character-driven novel? How about the WITSEC trope? If so, you’ll enjoy Madison Johanson. Madison, 29, was just an innocent victim, a private nurse, in the wrong place, at the wrong time, trusting the wrong person. Now, she’s in the WITSEC program with her 14-year-old sister, Anna Johanson. You’ll learn about how she’s adjusted to being in the program for the past 6 years, the sacrifices she’s made, and the mental and emotional effects that a life of hiding has caused. You’ll be glad when she finds someone to share the burden…and cheer them on as they jump through the hoops in their ‘forbidden’ relationship! Her ‘protector’ is the perfect hero; a real gentleman and a faith-forward man. Pierce does a great job of building suspense and tension and balancing it with tender, faith-focused moments.
Do you enjoy teenage characters? There are two in this novel and Pierce has captured them perfectly; their mindset, how WITSEC is so difficult for a teen, how people this age perceive threats differently and push boundaries. It was fantastic.
Pierce hooked me with this fascinating trope, made it easy for me to connect on an emotional level to multiple characters, and capably built the twists, suspense, and tension, keeping me engaged in her narrative. I loved that the faith element wasn’t an afterthought, but a thread that ran through the entire story. I enjoyed seeing her characters’ spiritual growth after overcoming challenges through prayer.
This was a fantastic addition to the series! I’m coming for your backlist, Jennifer Pierce.
I know I’m gushing. Find out for yourself why I love this book. It’s book three in the Heroes of Renegade series, but it can stand alone.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I was about a fifth of the way through this book when I picked it back up last night and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. This is a great installment in this no spice Christian romantic suspense.
Liam has just moved to Renegade. He’s now the guardian for his teenage niece and he’s a US Marshall. Samantha has been living in Renegade as a firefighter for 6 years with her teenage sister. They are both in WITSEC.
I really enjoyed this read with its twists and its turns. Having the layers of firefighting and teenage issues really added depth to this read. I love that we are still untangling the mysteries with the underbelly of this city. This romance has forced proximity and fake dating intertwined with faith, found family, and more.
I cannot wait to read more in this series. Each book, though written by a different author, flows seamlessly into the next. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 1.
TW: Child Abuse (past)
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
What a rush! This high octane suspense grabs you by the heart and won’t let go until the last page turns! Buckle up, ‘cause it’s about to get real!
Firefighter Samantha Williams is a pro at fighting fires…except for the one flaring in her own home. Raising your teenage sister is tough enough, but throw in WITSEC and your average rebellious behavior and life gets more than complicated.
Marshal Liam Roberts is battling his own home fire: he’s suddenly guardian to his teenage niece and he’s in way over his head. And now he’s charged with keeping Sam and her sister safe. A job made difficult by the two teens.
Perfectly dangerous storyline, perfectly flawed characters, and perfectly tense reading. That’s what you’ll find in these pages. I’m still not over it all!
I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Very highly recommend!
This is my first book by this author Jennifer Pierce. I’m loving this fast paced series so much and Protect was very very good. I’m currently watching the tv series called Marshals and so anytime I read a book that’s about Marshals I get excited. This had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
Madison Johanson, now Samantha and her 14-year-old sister, Anna Johanson now Isabella are in the WITSEC. Samantha was an innocent victim, she was a private nurse but ended up at the wrong place at the wrong time where it cost her. They have been living in Renegade now for 6 years under the radar but recent events has caused her to question were they found out by the mob? Liam is raising his niece, Sophia, trying to be father and being a US Marshal. Sam & Liam are in a race with time to figure out who is setting fires all around Renegade. I will let you read it so I spoil anything but you will love it! Here are some of the tropes:
• Faith-based romantic suspense • Firefighter heroines with hidden pasts • US Marshal protective heroes • Found family dynamics • Witness protection storylines • Small-town settings with big secrets • Redemption and forgiveness themes
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.
I loved every single thing about this book. No notes. The characters were incredible and felt so real. Each scene just felt authentic with honest reactions and responses. The suspense kept building and growing in all the best ways. I never saw the reveal coming. Not once.
I adored Sam. I loved how she was so strong and capable while fighting doubt in herself. I loved that she also allowed Liam to step up and protect her. How she graciously accepted help even though her penchant for self-sufficiency fought it. I loved how she both loved and disciplined her sister. I loved her journey of returning to faith.
Liam, Liam, Liam. Those protector heroes get me, and I was a goner for Liam from the start. Masculine, strong, intentional, and honorable, he’s also not afraid to go on a shopping trip or to bake spaghetti. The first time he says “my girls” just melted me into a puddle of happiness.
Sophia and Bella were such great additions to this book, bonding Sam and Liam in ways they never could have imagine. They felt so real I feel like the author has to have teenagers or work with teenagers in real life.
This book! I can’t stop gushing. Their initial animosity and being convinced that the other’s teenager was a bad influence. The “fake” dating that was doomed to become real in 4.5 seconds. The adrenaline pumping through my body through the suspense scenes. That reveal…
I especially appreciated how faith was intricately woven into this story and how organic but intentional it was. This story doesn’t shy away from the truth.
While connected into the overall Renegade storyline, this one backs up a bit. Where in Warrior the shadow syndicate was the focus, this one just subtly threads a small piece of it in, as these characters aren’t involved in that investigation. Actually, none of the previous MCs in the series are even in this book. Protector could stand completely on its own.
I received a complementary copy of this book from Sunrise Publishing. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are my own.
Protector is the third book in the Heroes of Renegade series, and every last book in this series has been amazing. They can be read as a standalone. This story did not disappoint. It had me on the edge of my seat, and I could not put the book down. I can not wait for the next book in this series.
Samantha is a firefighter who is in the Witness Protection program along with her teen sister, whom she has custody of. Until recently, they were thriving in Renegade. When a new girl shows up in class, Samantha thinks she is the cause of all the problems.
US Marshall Liam has moved to Renegade to try and give his niece a fresh start. He has recently been given custody and is trying to tone down his wild career a little to create a more stable environment for his niece. When Liam is given Samantha’s case, he checks in and makes sure everything is ok. But not everything is going as easily as planned. With a sudden uptick in fires, things seem to point to arson and not just random arson, but targeted at Samantha. Samantha and Isabella are healing together from their past hurts while rebuilding their life.
This fake dating romance was perfect with kisses only.
Jennifer Pierce did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the story. It was a great look at healing a relationship with God.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The tagline for this book is pure genius and spot on for everything this book encompasses. "Some fires can't be fought with water. Some battles require faith." That one gives me cold chills because the two main characters in this book have been tested and tried in more than one way, and to a limit that some people simply could not handle. But they were strong-willed and willing to fight for their family, which gave them the upper hand.
Samantha Williams is a firefighter in Renegade. She is raising her sister. These two have been in witness protection for six years, always living on the edge wondering if they will have to move again. Then you add a teenage girl with raging hormones to the mix, and it is volatile living.
US Marshal Liam Roberts has been transferred to Renegade. He, like Samantha, is raising a teenager. The only difference is that his teenager is actually his niece. His woes are just beginning, but his love for his niece and his faith will see him through.
These two are thrown together in a situation that was not of their choosing. Someone is causing havoc in Renegade with fires, which is enough in and of itself. Now both Samantha and Liam are dealing with teenage girls who are getting into trouble as well.
I could write a book about everything that was so good about this one, but I do not want to give anything away. The author pulled me into the story and made me feel for the characters from the beginning pages. The action was non-stop and brings up more questions than answers. It was a wild and fiery ride that was twisty as well. But the most important aspect of this story was found faith. Samantha had left her faith behind after being dealt so many hard blows in life. Whereas, Liam's faith is strong. He is not perfect, but he knows who is in control.
This series is fantastic. I hate to pick favorites, but this one might be my favorite so far. The characters and the story touched a place in my heart.
Inspirational romantic suspense/mystery is displayed at its finest in this incredible book.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The latest installment in the Heroes of Renegade series is fierce, fast, and fiery! The stakes are intense and the action never stops, so you're in for a wild ride from the very beginning.
The combination of tropes in this story is super fun and collide to spark an inferno of protectiveness. (Was that too much?) Seriously, when you throw together witness protection, guardian/child relationships, and firefighter + law enforcement, you'll get some massive protective vibes, and with the danger in this story, it's all needed. I love the angle, though: that you can change, you can grow, and you can improve your community by reaching out and helping others - and protecting them in a variety of ways.
Of course, it takes a great cast of characters to pull off that kind of plot, and Protector has them. From the mighty woman firefighter to the strong-and-silent Federal Marshall - plus a few clueless teens - I loved following their story.
And I mostly followed it, because I couldn't figure it out before it happened. There are some major plot twists in this one, but that just makes it better!
So if high octane stories are your jam, you don't want to miss Protector.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
SO good! I couldn't put it down! If you like romantic suspense that keeps you guessing and has depth to it, you will love this!
Firefighter Samantha Williams and her 14 year old sister Isabella (Bella) have been in town in the Witness Protection Program for six years. She tries desperately to live under the radar. She thought Isabella was on the same page until she has a new friend and they get in trouble together. Samantha has been taking care of her sister since she was born. She has felt that God hadn't answered her prayers in difficult moments so she refuses to believe and only relies on herself.
"Deputy US Marshal Liam Roberts has made it his mission to protect people whose lives are in danger. Newly named guardian to his niece, Sophia." Liam is thrown in the deep end when he takes over custody of his 14 year old niece, moves to a new town, and takes less dangerous jobs.
Beautiful story of coming to know God is with you always, especially in difficult moments. There is an arsonist on the loose and lots of mystery, intrigue, danger, and an ending I did not see coming!
Lovers of inspirational romantic suspense will love Protector by Jennifer Pierce. I could not put it down.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Samantha Williams is a firefighter in Renegade, Colorado, but she has a secret--she is in the witness protection program after sending a man to prison. She is also the guardian of her little sister. Deputy US Marshal Liam Roberts left a job in fugitive aprehension to become the guardian of his niece and provide a stable life for her. Liam is assigned to protect Sam and her sister Bella, and soon they are working together to stop a killer. They decide to start a ruse of dating, but soon they do not have to pretend. It's clear that someone is after Sam and after her sister and Liam's niece disappear, Sam and Liam race to find them before it's too late. Someone wants Sam dead and is willing to go to any lengths to silence her. Will Sam learn to let go and trust God? And will she trust Liam and find love again? This was a great story of letting go and regaining trust in others and in the God who controls every circumstance. The identity of the killer was a complete surprise, and the drama kept me reading to the very last page. This is a great series for fans of clean faith-filled romantic suspense! I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this heart-pounding romantic suspense. It’s my first book by Jennifer Pierce, but it definitely won’t be my last.
I really liked the characters. Sam is a firefighter and in witness protection with her sister, Bella. US Marshal Liam is new to town and taking care of his niece, Sophia, while his sister’s in jail. Sophia and Bella were fast friends, but getting into trouble together at school. I was very curious about what was going on with them. I loved seeing Liam’s strong faith in the face of adversity. It was really inspiring.
With an arsonist starting fires all over town and getting bolder and more dangerous at every turn, the suspense just kept ramping up. By the end, I was flying through the pages as fast as I could. I had my suspicions about who the arsonist was, but I was totally wrong. I was shocked by the reveal.
While this is book three in the Heroes of Renegade series, it can stand alone just fine. I highly recommend it to fans of romantic suspense with a strong thread of faith.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
This new-to-me-suspense author delivered a strong suspense plot with characters who brought chemistry, concerns and fear to wrap up the plot successfully.
Though this story is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone as this plot is not directly linked to the Shadow Syndicate plot which is an ongoing story line in this series.
Sam’s backstory in witness protection added to the high suspense with who is behind everything and what is actually going on. There were also twists included at just the right moment to question everything you think you knew.
The plot line with the teens also felt realistic with what teenagers face daily with wanting to fit in but also wanting to do what is right. I loved how Liam was able to talk to them and get to the truth.
I suspected the person behind it but did not want to be correct. Even though that reveal was not a surprise, there was enough action, suspense and questions which kept me reading to see what was going to happen.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
She had been through so many hard things that she couldn’t see beyond them to what God had done in the midst of it. Samantha Williams is a paramedic and a firefighter. Her past is hidden in WITSEC. Currently her life is in her job and in taking care of her 15yr old sister, Isabella. What could possibly go wrong? Will she finally realize that God is in control?
US Marshal Liam Roberts’ job changed when he became guardian of his 15 yr old sister, Sophia. Needing to have a less dangerous job, he is now on court duty and security of witnesses. Interesting how things can change. Arson, murder, shots fired and more will keep you wondering if Sam’s past has found her or is the Shadow Syndicate back to create more problems all of which culminates in a surprise ending.
An early copy of Heroes of Renegade Book 3 was received through Sunrise Publishing and BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.
Protector is my first book by Jennifer Pierce and it definitely won’t be my last.
Sam Williams aka Madison Johanson has a secret so big that failing to keep it could be deadly for her and her sister, Isabella, aka Anna. For six years the pair has been living in Renegade under the protection of the U.S. Marshal’s WITSEC program.
Deputy Marshal Liam Roberts is new to Renegade and is assigned to Sam and Isabella’s interim handler . He gave up a job he loved for a more stable (read mostly boring) position so that he can provide a more consistent environment for his niece, Sophia, whom he is raising.
When Sam finds her life in danger, she fears that her past has come back to haunt her. Sam and Liam decide fake dating will be the perfect excuse for them to be spending a lot of time together without raising suspicions.
Even though i figured out who “the bad guy” was before it was revealed, I really enjoyed this book. There are so many of my favorite tropes.
Faith-based WITSEC Protective hero Fake dating Redemption
I can’t wait for the next book in this series and my next book by Jennifer Pierce.
I received an arc of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
Sometimes only God can bring you through the fires. Samantha is a firefighter but also in the WITSEC program. She is fighting fires set by an arsonist in Renegade who is trying to kill her but for what reason? have the criminals she put behind bars found her or is it more of the Shadow Syndicate? Liam is a US Marshall assigned to protect her and her sister, he is also guardian over his niece so the two girls become friends. Liam's faith is strong but Samantha doesn't believe God will save her because of her past. I like the characters, female firefighter, US Marshall, two teens to keep them on their toes. The action and suspense are pretty steady. I would have liked more of the Shadow Syndicate since it was very prevalent in the first two books in the series but maybe it will show up more in the next book.
Meeting Liam and Sam was a lot of fun. I enjoyed learning about the US Marshals and what they do as law enforcement officers. Liam was the perfect Marshal - dedicated, loyal, trustworthy, and patient. His love for his niece Sophia was heart-warming and it was nice to see his growth as her guardian and father figure. Sam came with a lot of baggage but I loved her grit. It was impressive that she was the only female at the Renegade Fire Department. Her younger sister Bella was sweet and her friendship with Sophia was touching, even if a bit predictable. The suspense was fast-paced and intense; the unveiling of the villain at the end of the story was a shocker. The overarching theme of hunting down the Shadow Syndicate terrorizing Renegade did not progress much in this book but I suspect it will take center stage again in the next one.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Protector By Jennifer Pierce Book 3 in the Heroes of Renegade series Rating: 4.5/5
What another wild ride! I am loving this series. Each story is standalone so feel free to jump in at any time. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything from Jennifer Pierce before, but she is a great writer, and I did not want to stop reading. The story and characters will keep you guessing and on your toes. I loved the addition of raising teenagers to the mix which made for some hilariously frustrating scenarios. The mystery and suspense is well done while the clean romance is sweet and swoon-worthy.
Highly recommend this Christian romantic suspense thriller also full of heart and redemption!
My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
I received this ARC from the publisher in return for an honest review. This is a fast paced, well written story with characters that draw you in and don't let go until the end. I love the relationships between Sam and Bella, and Liam and Sophia. Both adults found themselves in parenting roles and are working through the joys and the struggles with their teenagers. Liam's faith is an integral part of his character. He looks to God for help in everything he does. It's an interesting evolution as Sam goes from questioning God's presence to being shown how God was always in her life caring for her. An exciting story with a timeless message.
I must admit, this book did not follow the story line I thought it would but despite that I did enjoy the book. I assumed more of the mystery aspect of books 1 and 2 would show up in this book but it was basically a passing glance. I still enjoyed the story. And am curious as to where this series is going. The teen girls in this story were a nice add to the story. Loved how the authors brought in the struggle of teen life with all the adult drama going on as well. It was a great connection. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinion in this review is 100% my own. And yes, I do recommend this book.
I am so enjoying the Heroes of Renegade series. This third installment, Protector, is my favorite so far! With a slightly different feel than the first two books, this story centers on a firefighter in witness protection and a U.S. marshal. With a strong message of faith and nail-biting danger, we follow their tension-filled romance to an unexpected end. This story is one I will remember. Jennifer Pierce did an excellent job bringing all the pieces of the plot together. I was on the edge of my seat, hardly able to set the book down. I highly recommend this book!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Protector by Jennifer Pierce is a story that has heart. I loved the concept of Liam, the hero, having to take care of a niece and Sam, the heroine, having to take care of her younger sister. The plot does move along at a nice rapid pace. Every time readers think that Pierce has decided to allow the characters to have some down time, something else comes up that will put their lives into jeopardy. However, even though the story does keep the reader flipping through the pages, personally, I figured out who the villain was before the climactic moment. Not that it ruins the story, but it made me observe that character a little more closely. As for the spiritual element, I liked how Liam had a strong faith, but did not push it onto Sam. He just told her what he believed and watched her see his faith play out in his life. In a different angle, romance takes a while to develop as the two characters must learn to trust each other and to open their hearts to love. Overall, The Protector by Jennifer Pierce is a gripping story with heart, action, and enough romance to keep any the sappiest of readers happy.
I received a complimentary copy of Protector by Jennifer Pierce from Sunrise Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Thank you to Sunrise Media Publishing for an early copy. All opinions are my own.
This book is full of action, found faith and love. Samantha has been in the WITSEC program with her much younger sister for six years. She is a fire fighter and relies mostly on herself. Liam is a US Marshall in charge of his niece. He moved to Renegade to raise his niece and have a fresh start. He is put in charge of Samantha and her sister Isabella. There is an arsonist starting a lot of fires and things are escalating. There are some twists and turns I didn't see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Part 3 of Renegade… this story took a very different twist than the first two. We met new characters from a different part of Renegade. Sam is a firefighter… but really she and her teenage sister are in WITSEC just trying to fit in and live a new life. By twist of events, Liam becomes her handler and his teenage niece and Sam’s sister strike up a friendship that brings Sam and Liam together. There twists and turns and danger… and the shadow syndicate is still there in the background and seems unstoppable.
Liam and Sam's story. The role of "Marshal's" is not something we have in my country, so is somewhat foreign. But am aware of the "cowboy era", then in recent times Dee Henderson's book called Protector's. Another area involving a career person was a first responder response as a fire fighter. This story integrates the daily Christian walk, where we depend and trust in God to get us through the dramas and relationships.
The series continues with the thread of who are the baddies in the town of Renegade? "Guardian next.
This story grabbed me from the beginning and wouldn't let me go. The involvement of the teenage girls made it even more personal for me!
My favorite character by far was Liam. He was such a calm and steady presence for Sam and the girls. I enjoyed that he encouraged Sam in her faith and was a steadfast uncle.
The hits kept coming to the characters from the start to the finish and I was left guessing throughout as to who was involved. This definitely kept me reading.
Thanks so much to Sunrise Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.
What a fast-paced, heart-pounding read. Protector by Jennifer Pierce has it all—WITSEC, arsonists, secrets, faith, suspense, found family, and so much more. Amidst the danger and threats, Samantha is navigating raising her teen sister and Liam is navigating raising his teen niece. Protector has relatable characters and an engaging, captivating storyline. The killer's identity was a surprise. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Fantastic suspense that kept me guessing and turning the pages. The multi layered characters including firefighters and U.S. Marshals added to the plot. Set in Renegade, another book definitely worth the read. This book was provided by the publisher for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.
I loved the story of Liam and Sam it was engaging the entire time. I love a stand alone but also part of a series book! Christian romantic suspense thriller is one of my favorite genre to read. I especially love when there’s a mystery solved in the individual book, with the big mystery throughout the series.
This book hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's full of action, suspense, drama and mystery. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the end. This book deserves more than 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.