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Sacred Bond Guardians #1
A Brother's Bond
Stranded with the suspect…
After rescuing a beautiful stranger from a seemingly random rock slide, a snowstorm leaves disabled veteran Adam Calloway no choice but to put her up at his remote mountain getaway. But when he realizes who Karen Smith is and why she’s here, all he knows for sure is that he has to get rid of her… and fast. Because Karen wants to find out what really happened to her younger brother, killed in these mountains nine years ago. And if she solves the cold case, she’ll destroy Adam’s fragile sister whom he’s vowed to protect with his life.
As Adam and Karen wait out the storm together, they care for Adam’s sister and her child and face mysterious threats from the outside world. Why does Karen keep getting warning texts on her phone? Who would toss a brick through Adam’s picture window? And what kind of maniac would try to set fire to a house with four people inside, one of them a vulnerable child?
Working together to keep everyone safe, Adam and Karen come to admire each other’s strengths, and the two loners begin to fall in love. But Karen is getting closer to the truth that could put Adam’s sister behind bars and leave her son without a mother. The threats keep escalating. And Adam starts to wonder if he can fulfill the vow to serve and protect that he made as a teenager at the Covenant School . . . and whether he really understands anything at all about what happened all those years ago…
This Christian romantic suspense novel starts off the Sacred Bond Guardians series, a spinoff from the Sacred Bond series of Christian Romance novels. Featuring rugged heroes in military and law-enforcement careers, the Sacred Bond Guardians books combine romance and mystery, similar to Love Inspired suspense novels. Christian mystery and suspense for your kindle…with a strong element of romance.
After rescuing a beautiful stranger from a seemingly random rock slide, a snowstorm leaves disabled veteran Adam Calloway no choice but to put her up at his remote mountain getaway. But when he realizes who Karen Smith is and why she’s here, all he knows for sure is that he has to get rid of her… and fast. Because Karen wants to find out what really happened to her younger brother, killed in these mountains nine years ago. And if she solves the cold case, she’ll destroy Adam’s fragile sister whom he’s vowed to protect with his life.
As Adam and Karen wait out the storm together, they care for Adam’s sister and her child and face mysterious threats from the outside world. Why does Karen keep getting warning texts on her phone? Who would toss a brick through Adam’s picture window? And what kind of maniac would try to set fire to a house with four people inside, one of them a vulnerable child?
Working together to keep everyone safe, Adam and Karen come to admire each other’s strengths, and the two loners begin to fall in love. But Karen is getting closer to the truth that could put Adam’s sister behind bars and leave her son without a mother. The threats keep escalating. And Adam starts to wonder if he can fulfill the vow to serve and protect that he made as a teenager at the Covenant School . . . and whether he really understands anything at all about what happened all those years ago…
This Christian romantic suspense novel starts off the Sacred Bond Guardians series, a spinoff from the Sacred Bond series of Christian Romance novels. Featuring rugged heroes in military and law-enforcement careers, the Sacred Bond Guardians books combine romance and mystery, similar to Love Inspired suspense novels. Christian mystery and suspense for your kindle…with a strong element of romance.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2015
774 people are currently reading
1032 people want to read
About the author
Lee Tobin McClain
175 books527 followersNew York Times bestselling author of emotional, heartwarming romances. Visit http://www.leetobinmcclain.com to join newsletter, get book release details, and find out more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
August 9, 2016
Not sure if I'll read this entire series, but did enjoy this one :) Couldn't guess who the culprit was! Great story and enjoyed the ending :)
May 28, 2016
The moment I started reading the story I was hooked and thought I was going to love this book. That wasn't the case. While the story was good I had a strong feeling who was behind the troubles that kept happening, and I ended up being right, though I wasn't sure at the time why this person would do it. I might continue reading this series, but it's not high on my list. I will say that if you enjoy Christian suspense story, you should give this a read since it's currently free for the Kindle.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
May 15, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. Karen was trying so hard to find who killed her brother and she didn't have any support from anyone, I admired that. Adam was all alpha male, liked it, but he should had told her about his suspicions from the beggining, his sister would have appreciated it and so would Karen. I had a suspicion about who had done it and I was right so points for me
August 14, 2016
Karen was asked by her dying mother to investigate the truth about her brother Jared's death. Years earlier he was accused of raping a girl and getting her pregnant. She supposedly killed him in self-defense. Karen and her mother strongly suspect this to be not true. Karen drives to a small mountain town and while on snowy roads a rock avalanche occurs nearly knocking her and her car off the cliff. Adam, who was tracking in the woods, happens to be nearby and rescues her. Because of the weather she is forced to stay in his cabin with him, his sister, Mandy, and her son, Seth. Mandy was the girl whom Jared was last seen with.
This story had my curiosity stirred right from the beginning since it was obvious that Jared's death was covered up. It was also clear that someone wanted to get rid of Karen or at least warn her off. But why? Adam and Karen have a hard time trusting each other since they both have a sibling to protect. Thus they both consider the other "an enemy."
I would have given this book a higher rating but it seemed as if the physical attraction Adam and Karen was the focus of the story and that annoyed me. Fortunately they restrained themselves to a point.
This story had my curiosity stirred right from the beginning since it was obvious that Jared's death was covered up. It was also clear that someone wanted to get rid of Karen or at least warn her off. But why? Adam and Karen have a hard time trusting each other since they both have a sibling to protect. Thus they both consider the other "an enemy."
I would have given this book a higher rating but it seemed as if the physical attraction Adam and Karen was the focus of the story and that annoyed me. Fortunately they restrained themselves to a point.
October 31, 2016
Do you need a second opinion on this book? Visit and explore www.oceanpearlbooks.wordpress.com. OceanPearl Books endeavors to provide well-informed book reviews, business readings, parenting tips, and consulting services for our clients worldwide. And it's all for Free!
OceanPearl Books - Book Review
Karen Smith is sent by her dying mother to discover the circumstances of her brother’s death. Desperately wishing for her mother’s approval, she sets out to defy the authorities of a small, mountaintop village of West Virginia.
Adam Calloway protects his mentally fragile sister and her son in a mountain retreat. Adam believes that his sister killed Karen’s brother. He will do anything in his power to keep Karen away from his sister.
A fast-paced, romantic suspense thriller that will keep you guessing till the last page.
This book is available for FREE at https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo....
Note: Kobobooks provides free books for a limited time only.
Rating: 5/5
OceanPearl Books - Book Review
Karen Smith is sent by her dying mother to discover the circumstances of her brother’s death. Desperately wishing for her mother’s approval, she sets out to defy the authorities of a small, mountaintop village of West Virginia.
Adam Calloway protects his mentally fragile sister and her son in a mountain retreat. Adam believes that his sister killed Karen’s brother. He will do anything in his power to keep Karen away from his sister.
A fast-paced, romantic suspense thriller that will keep you guessing till the last page.
This book is available for FREE at https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo....
Note: Kobobooks provides free books for a limited time only.
Rating: 5/5
September 29, 2016
This story was fast paced from beginning to end. The characters were well developed and animated. The author kept the story moving, never depending on minutia to lengthen it. I just really enjoyed it.
June 30, 2020
Self Defense or Murder?
Gripping story, twists & turns, mysteries to unravel.
Karen & Jared grew up in a home with an alcoholic mother, father deserted the family before Jared was born. Jared died 9 years ago, Karen's mother is in Hospice & wants Karen to find out how Jared really died, theydon't believe it was a hunting accident. Adam lives with his sister Mandy & his nephew Seth, protecting them from the accident that claimed Jared. When Karen starts asking questions she is warned to back off & just let sleeping dogs lie. Adam struggles with secrets & his growing feelings for Karen. When attempts are made on Karen's life, then on his families lives, Adam decides it is time for the truth to come out. Karen struggles with her feelings for Adam, but relies on her faith in God to lead her on his path. Mandy struggles to be a strong mother, haunted by the tragedy of Jared's death. Will the secrets set them free or destroy lives?
I really enjoyed the mystery of this story. The secrets kept me reading, I read this book in one sitting. Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, a twist had me rethinking the secrets & mystery. There were a few errors in the story, a couple of sentences that didn't make sense. Overall I recommend reading this book.
Gripping story, twists & turns, mysteries to unravel.
Karen & Jared grew up in a home with an alcoholic mother, father deserted the family before Jared was born. Jared died 9 years ago, Karen's mother is in Hospice & wants Karen to find out how Jared really died, theydon't believe it was a hunting accident. Adam lives with his sister Mandy & his nephew Seth, protecting them from the accident that claimed Jared. When Karen starts asking questions she is warned to back off & just let sleeping dogs lie. Adam struggles with secrets & his growing feelings for Karen. When attempts are made on Karen's life, then on his families lives, Adam decides it is time for the truth to come out. Karen struggles with her feelings for Adam, but relies on her faith in God to lead her on his path. Mandy struggles to be a strong mother, haunted by the tragedy of Jared's death. Will the secrets set them free or destroy lives?
I really enjoyed the mystery of this story. The secrets kept me reading, I read this book in one sitting. Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, a twist had me rethinking the secrets & mystery. There were a few errors in the story, a couple of sentences that didn't make sense. Overall I recommend reading this book.
April 28, 2018
This book was okay. A little unbelievable, but okay. The heroine sets out to find the reason her brother died out in the woods at her dying mother's request. She's not close to her mother, but she was close to her brother. She is attacked just trying to get to the house of the woman to last see him alive (still not sure how the killer knew she'd be there at that exact time). She is saved by the brother of the woman she wants to see - who tells her that his sister is off limits after she sets his sister off into an hysterical fit (apparently not uncommon). Because the road is impassable due to the attack (rock slide) and the snow storm, she ends up stuck at the brother and sister's house for a few days where they weather more attacks from the killer and the mystery deepens. Like I said, it was an okay story, just a little unbelievable.
May 8, 2018
A conundrum!
This review is a conundrum! I felt like the book wasn't sure if it wanted to be a mystery or a love story. I really wanted to give it 3.5 stars but since that wasn't an option I rated up. Karen is the heroine of the story and the mystery involves the death of her brother. The story is moving along as a mystery and is fairly interesting. Then as soon as she meets the hero, Adam, she falls in love and for a few pages it is a love story. To me, it is almost like the author wrote the mystery and then decided to go back and add some romance to appeal to a wider audience. Or vice versa. It is an entertaining story but a little disjointed. I don't know if I will be reading any others in this series.
This review is a conundrum! I felt like the book wasn't sure if it wanted to be a mystery or a love story. I really wanted to give it 3.5 stars but since that wasn't an option I rated up. Karen is the heroine of the story and the mystery involves the death of her brother. The story is moving along as a mystery and is fairly interesting. Then as soon as she meets the hero, Adam, she falls in love and for a few pages it is a love story. To me, it is almost like the author wrote the mystery and then decided to go back and add some romance to appeal to a wider audience. Or vice versa. It is an entertaining story but a little disjointed. I don't know if I will be reading any others in this series.
July 18, 2024
This is a Christian romantic suspense. Karen intends to find out what happened to her younger brother nine years ago. Adam thinks he knows: her brother raped his sister and was killed for it, leaving his sister traumatized and unable to cope. Karen doesn't believe her brother would rape a woman, and the little she gets from Adam’s sister doesn't fit that scenario, but Adam won't let her question his sister any further. The killer who knows the truth wants to stop Karen from finding out, so Adam ended up protecting her. Karen helped Adam see that his sister wasn't as fragile as he thought. The main characters were likable, and I cared about what happened to them. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting suspense.
January 6, 2021
All Karen wants to know is the truth behind her brother's death. All Adam wants to do is keep the secrets of that day. He feels a need to protect his sister who experienced trauma because of that day.
This was definitely an unpredictable romantic suspense. I knew some of the characters were up to no good. Figuring out which ones were involved was definitely a guessing game. I did not predict all of the elements. I would recommend this book. Overall rating: 4.8
This is a part of the author's Sacred Bond series. Even though I had not read other books, I was able to follow everything. I may read other books eventually, but there are quite a few, so that might deter me.
This was definitely an unpredictable romantic suspense. I knew some of the characters were up to no good. Figuring out which ones were involved was definitely a guessing game. I did not predict all of the elements. I would recommend this book. Overall rating: 4.8
This is a part of the author's Sacred Bond series. Even though I had not read other books, I was able to follow everything. I may read other books eventually, but there are quite a few, so that might deter me.
April 13, 2025
Clean and intense
I loved this book. Karen is curious, determined, and courageous. Her faith in the Father is strong in the face of danger, and I want to believe I would be like her in those circumstances. Adam is complicated, doing his best to protect all those around him. He sees something in Karen he wants for himself, beyond physical attraction.
The suspense kept me wanting to know more. The romance factor was high…clean but intense. And no cursing is always a blessing to the reader.
If you enjoy Christian romance and suspense, then this is a book I think you’ll enjoy.
Very well written & proofread.
I loved this book. Karen is curious, determined, and courageous. Her faith in the Father is strong in the face of danger, and I want to believe I would be like her in those circumstances. Adam is complicated, doing his best to protect all those around him. He sees something in Karen he wants for himself, beyond physical attraction.
The suspense kept me wanting to know more. The romance factor was high…clean but intense. And no cursing is always a blessing to the reader.
If you enjoy Christian romance and suspense, then this is a book I think you’ll enjoy.
Very well written & proofread.
December 21, 2018
Unless I misunderstood the timing of the story, the whole thing takes place in a matter of days. In those few days, the female and male protagonists meet for the very first time, come close to having whoopee, go through some dangerous situations, and fall in love with one another. While their chemistry was undeniable, it seemed a bit a stretch to fall in love so quickly.
However, the quick-love aside, there was lots of action and intrigue in the storyline to go around to make it an enjoyable read.
However, the quick-love aside, there was lots of action and intrigue in the storyline to go around to make it an enjoyable read.
December 12, 2020
Red Post
This is such a refreshing story. It has everything you can possibly want in a good Christian romance. There is still a lot of suspense, action, mystery and of course romance. I had a really time putting it down. So I read it in a day and a half. Would have been finished sooner but Thanksgiving showed up. I would recommend this one to anyone over the age of 16 because of subject matter. Great book. Loved it! Look forward to reading a lot more from Lee Tobin McClain.
This is such a refreshing story. It has everything you can possibly want in a good Christian romance. There is still a lot of suspense, action, mystery and of course romance. I had a really time putting it down. So I read it in a day and a half. Would have been finished sooner but Thanksgiving showed up. I would recommend this one to anyone over the age of 16 because of subject matter. Great book. Loved it! Look forward to reading a lot more from Lee Tobin McClain.
March 18, 2021
What a mystery to unravel. Adam and Karen find themselves falling in love by with the murder of Karen's brother Jack standing in their way things get complicated. Adam is told by the police chief that his sister Mandy killed Jack so he is reluctant for Karen to search into details surrounding his death. Mandy is a troubled person and Adam is trying to protect her. But when the truth finally comes out from Mandy about what happened to Jack - it is a total surprise to the book. Happy ending for Adam and Karen :)
August 24, 2024
I have generally enjoyed the books by Lee Tobin McClain that I have read, but this story seemed a little dark to me. Perhaps it was the Sacred Bond Guardians that wasn't explained all that well, especially the almost dual personality displayed by Jake, the sherif's deputy. Most other characters seemed real and relatable. I wasn't quite sure, though, why Adam would put so much faith in what sherif Rich Davis told him when it seemed so obvious that he had some kind of personal agenda with what was going on. The story did hold my interest to the end.
August 29, 2017
Mystery and romance
Christian romance--not too preachy. Hero and heroine work to strengthen their faith and overcome realistic trials (dysfunctional families, PTSD, physical handicaps, low self esteem, etc.). As they work together to find out the truth behind a tragic incident involving his sister and her brother, love starts blooming between them. Will the truth really set them free?
Christian romance--not too preachy. Hero and heroine work to strengthen their faith and overcome realistic trials (dysfunctional families, PTSD, physical handicaps, low self esteem, etc.). As they work together to find out the truth behind a tragic incident involving his sister and her brother, love starts blooming between them. Will the truth really set them free?
January 8, 2021
False protection / truth sets you free
The main characters in the book learn that secrets can bring trouble in many ways. They face danger as they determine their future and find that the truth can bring consequences for some and freedom for others. This is the first in the series. I already have the second lined up to read next. I look forward to reading more about the bond between these heroic men. Will each one find love? Read for yourself and find out.
The main characters in the book learn that secrets can bring trouble in many ways. They face danger as they determine their future and find that the truth can bring consequences for some and freedom for others. This is the first in the series. I already have the second lined up to read next. I look forward to reading more about the bond between these heroic men. Will each one find love? Read for yourself and find out.
April 16, 2022
This is the second and last book of this series I will read. Book 0, as well as this book deal with victims of sexual assault. The assault is not described in detail, but in both incidences I felt a strong kick to the gut.
My other issue is the writer’s inconsistencies. Karen is described through the book as having beautiful blue eyes until one sentence Adam describes them as green. Their are grammatical errors that are just weird and frustrating. The extra star is for a good storyline.
My other issue is the writer’s inconsistencies. Karen is described through the book as having beautiful blue eyes until one sentence Adam describes them as green. Their are grammatical errors that are just weird and frustrating. The extra star is for a good storyline.
February 11, 2018
Dramatic suspense throughout the book
Well written story line with interesting characters reacting off of each other. It is difficult to figure out what will be happening next. The plot was not difficult to follow however it was not easy to figure the next step. I love the Christian testimony and the fact they were portrayed as being less than perfect.
Well written story line with interesting characters reacting off of each other. It is difficult to figure out what will be happening next. The plot was not difficult to follow however it was not easy to figure the next step. I love the Christian testimony and the fact they were portrayed as being less than perfect.
May 27, 2018
Suspense
I really enjoyed this book! It had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! This is exactly the kind of romantic suspense book I like. It had charming characters, a great plot and a surprise ending. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes romantic suspense.
I really enjoyed this book! It had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! This is exactly the kind of romantic suspense book I like. It had charming characters, a great plot and a surprise ending. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes romantic suspense.
November 1, 2018
.
I've read this twice and thoroughly enjoyed it's entertainment both times.
The H/H both needed to heal from a previous situation that involved both their family members. There was danger, excitement, and trust issues to contend with.
This is a clean and wholesome read, able to stand on its own, and includes a wonderful H.E.A.
I've read this twice and thoroughly enjoyed it's entertainment both times.
The H/H both needed to heal from a previous situation that involved both their family members. There was danger, excitement, and trust issues to contend with.
This is a clean and wholesome read, able to stand on its own, and includes a wonderful H.E.A.
July 22, 2019
Fantastic Read
A Brother's Bond is a fantastic read. It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. It is an excellent mystery that is full of suspense, but maintains Karen's Christian beliefs all the way through. In the end the Lord protect her and grants her the desires of her heart. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery.
A Brother's Bond is a fantastic read. It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. It is an excellent mystery that is full of suspense, but maintains Karen's Christian beliefs all the way through. In the end the Lord protect her and grants her the desires of her heart. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery.
July 31, 2019
3.75 - It's a cute quick read.. perfect of you are looking just for some disconnection of reality. It does not have big twists, it's kind of predictable but in a nice way. It touches Christianity in a natural way, not trying to force it like other books. I liked it and the characters were easy to connect with
September 5, 2019
A roller coaster ride
When Karen comes to a little town in West Virginia in search of the truth in her brothers murder she had no idea where it was going to lead. Adam the brother of a very traumatized girl lead Karen on a wild chase that leads us in a dangerous path to find out who killed Karen's brother.
When Karen comes to a little town in West Virginia in search of the truth in her brothers murder she had no idea where it was going to lead. Adam the brother of a very traumatized girl lead Karen on a wild chase that leads us in a dangerous path to find out who killed Karen's brother.
August 22, 2024
Check out Brother's Bond of you romantic mystery.
Lee Tobin McClain never disapoints.
This is an awesome story with tons of mystery surrounding a death.
Trying to uncover the answers is proving really hard.
It's not a book you can pick up and set down, it's far to interesting to stay up all night and finish it.
Lee Tobin McClain never disapoints.
This is an awesome story with tons of mystery surrounding a death.
Trying to uncover the answers is proving really hard.
It's not a book you can pick up and set down, it's far to interesting to stay up all night and finish it.
April 1, 2025
This is not my favorite genre to begin with but it just had too many unbelievable elements to the plot. It was okay but not memorable and the characters didn’t seem to develop a relationship besides physical attraction.
PG13: kisses, discussion of a victim of rape, previous potential murder, lots of targeted peril, war PTSD
PG13: kisses, discussion of a victim of rape, previous potential murder, lots of targeted peril, war PTSD
June 25, 2025
What an awesome book!
I loved all of the action, suspense, drama and Romance !
Swoon!
Lee really knows how to grab your attention and keep you turning the pages so fast, I had to go back and reread what I missed! Lol
This author is new to me and now I can't wait to build a TBR pile with just her books!
I loved all of the action, suspense, drama and Romance !
Swoon!
Lee really knows how to grab your attention and keep you turning the pages so fast, I had to go back and reread what I missed! Lol
This author is new to me and now I can't wait to build a TBR pile with just her books!
October 22, 2018
Excellent who done it
Very refreshing to read a mystery that wasn’t filled with four letter words and sex on every page. I hold a lot of respect for a writer who can tell a story with the intent of satisfying the reader with plain words and a great plot.
Very refreshing to read a mystery that wasn’t filled with four letter words and sex on every page. I hold a lot of respect for a writer who can tell a story with the intent of satisfying the reader with plain words and a great plot.
January 1, 2020
Nice book
This was exactly what I thought it would be. There was a mystery to solve. There were some tense moments right from the beginning! I liked the character development in this book. Everything peeled back but by bit. I do recommend this book!
This was exactly what I thought it would be. There was a mystery to solve. There were some tense moments right from the beginning! I liked the character development in this book. Everything peeled back but by bit. I do recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews