Turquoise Guardian

Apache Protectors: Tribal Thunder #1

by Jenna Kernan

Her Warrior Protector

Carter Bear Den is a proud Apache of the Turquoise Canyon Reservation. The former US Marine is a member of the Turquoise Guardians working to protect his people and their land. When he discovers a grisly mass shooting at the Lilac Copper Mine, Carter's one thought is to find Amber Kitcheyan.

After breaking her engagement to Carter and relinquishing her membership with the reservation, Amber found work at the mine. Now she is the sole survivor of the shootingat best a witness, at worst a suspect. But Carter swears to protect the only woman he has ever loved, even if it means losing everything else.

Apache Protectors: Tribal Thunder

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 20, 2016

About the author

Thank you for finding me on GoodReads.

Find my social media links here: https://linktr.ee/jennakernan

Here's a bit more about me...

Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Jenna Kernan has written over forty novels, most recently penning domestic thrillers. Her debut thriller, A Killer's Daughter, won the bronze medal in popular fiction from the Florida Book Awards in 2021. Jenna’s 2022 domestic thriller, The Ex-Wives, won the gold medal in the same category. The Nurse, was released in 2023, The Patient's Daughter released in 2024, and The Fake Mother in 2025. Her thrillers are intense, unsettling, and gripping with unexpected twists and turns.
Jenna began her writing journey penning historical romance, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Find them here: https://www.jennakernan.com/books-1
A member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Florida Mystery Writers and Novelists, Inc. and a natural redhead living with her husband on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Jenna has recently increased her sunblock to SPF 50.

Jenna offers a FREE BOOK as a welcome gift to new VIP Readers. Subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/jennakernan/grippi...

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Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to the new series. Carter came home from the Marines and is now a member of a group that helps protect his fellow members of the tribe. His boss and medicine man sent him to the Lilac Mine with a message for Amber, who also happens to be Carter's ex-fiancée. He arrives in time to see a mass shooting take place, and is determined to find Amber.

Amber has worked for the mine for only a short time. After noticing a problem with some paperwork, she left the office to take it to her boss for signing. She arrived at his house just in time to witness his murder, and is rescued by Carter just as the gunman has her in his sights.

Both Carter and Amber still have feelings for each other, even though their engagement was long ago. Their relationship had happened when they were young, and the issues that drove them apart could have been avoided with a little more maturity and much more communication. Thrown together now, as Carter works to protect Amber from those that want her dead, they have the opportunity to clear up their past issues, but it is going to take some work on both their parts.

I liked both Carter and Amber. Both are proud of their heritage and that dictates many of their actions. Amber relinquished her membership in the tribe, which puts her outside their influence and protection, but there is some mystery about how and why it happened. Amber is loving and protective of those she loves, and much stronger than she believes. Though the end of their relationship broke her heart, she never stopped loving Carter. Carter is also protective of those he loves, and even though he is still angry at her, protecting Amber is never in question. He also never stopped loving her, though he didn't realize it until he saw her again. He is also stubborn, and tends to believe he knows what is best.

I liked seeing the reigniting of their relationship. Carter is still hurting from the loss of his friend and fellow Guardian during the war, something he blames himself for. The freshness of that pain is one of the things that had contributed to his breakup with Amber. I liked seeing him able to share some of those feelings with her, and how her reaction helped ease some of his pain. But he is still very much a take charge kind of guy, and his protectiveness brings back some of the memories of what drove her away from him to start with. As she opened up about her own feelings, and how she had felt that he didn't respect her enough to listen to her, Carter finally began to see where he had gone wrong. As more of her story was revealed, I ached for her feelings of loss, and her frustration at not being listened to. It was interesting to find out the background of it, and see what Carter thought could be done to fix it. I thought his big moment at the end was fantastic, and can't wait to see how things work out by the end of the series.

The suspense of the story was really good. There is some viewpoint from the bad guy side of the equation, but it is mostly told from Carter and Amber's side. From the very beginning the action is intense and nearly nonstop. Because she was not killed with the others, there had been some question as to whether she was a witness or involved, but Carter never really seemed to have any doubts. As more information comes to light, and Amber and Carter begin to figure out what is happening, both of them are in increasing danger. There are also some questions about who might be playing for both sides of the issue. I definitely had some concerns about a couple of the characters. I loved seeing the involvement of Carter's fellow Guardians, Ray, Dylan and Jack, all of whom had been in the Marines with him. There were also a couple of appearances of Agent Luke Forrest and his partner from the first Apache Protectors series. By the end, though one small part of the mystery had been solved, there is still much more going on. I was somewhat surprised by what happens with Carter and Amber at the end.

There are still a couple of unsolved questions going on. The biggest is what is going on with the environmental groups that seem to be behind the trouble. Something big is building up, but there isn't enough information yet to know what it is. The Guardians are on alert and determined to protect their people. There is also a personal story that is going on with fellow guardian Jack, who is Carter's twin brother. They don't look at all alike, and Jack has always felt out of step. I like that his fellow Guardians don't let it bother them. I am curious to find out what the full story is. I have a couple ideas, but will wait to see what else is revealed.

[Paula Brandon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Amber Kitcheyan witnesses a mass shooting at the copper mine she works at, and happens to be the only survivor in the department that was targeted, so several killers are after her. To her rescue is Carter Bear Den, whom she broke up with nine years earlier after relinquishing her membership with the reservation. Feelings are still there, of course, as they evade killers together.

Although this had some decent action and suspense, it was mostly a bust. The plot is too thin, there are too many characters to keep track of, it's difficult to fathom who did what to whom, and all the major plot strands are still left dangling by the book's end. I understand this is part of a (dreaded, for me) mini-series, but why can't each book work on its own? Nothing is resolved here! Why did the shooter have to kill so many people? Where are the missing explosives? Who was the higher up police contact giving away Amber and Carter's location? Why is Larry Kirkson mentioned in the cast of characters, but never appears in the story? Who was behind the decision to target the mine? Why do they hate the mine exactly? NOTHING IS EXPLAINED HERE!

Worst of all, this has one of the worst "happily ever after" endings I've ever encountered. Our two leads are in witness protection, not knowing what the future brings, essentially still on the run, and may possibly never see their families again. How is that happy or romantic in any way, shape or form?

[Rachel-RN · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
This was entertaining, lots of action. I was pleasantly surprised. My only issue was the underlying mystery, who-did it, wasn't solved. There were some answers, but not many. I recognize this is a series of 4 books, but for an Intrigue, I expected it to be more stand-alone. They do solve their misunderstanding and it's one I don't think would have been "solved" had Amber laid it all out there at 17. I think Carter wouldn't have had the maturity to help her. The ending was......different. Anything else and it'd be a spoiler, but if you want to know here it is: The ending was different since they were going to be in witness protection for an undetermined period of time. I did like it enough to continue on to books 2, Eagle Warrior.

[Dawn ♥ romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this romantic suspense with lots of fast paced exciting action. When revealed, I particularly liked the relationship conflict which is an important one. The multiple groups of organizations was a bit overwhelming and the ending was weak but overall story made up for it. Apache protector and former marine Carter gets involved with mass killing that involves his ex-fiance Amber.

[Books and Spoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

High energy action from the page one pulled me into the dangerous world of mass murders and manhunt. Amber's bravery in the face of the madman is admirable, Carter happening into the scene of the crime more than a consequence.
The connection between Carter and Amber was broken, damaged by the incidents years ago caused by lack of trust and young minds. Now facing the constant deadly danger they have to find a way to each other again, at least for a long enough to work together as a team to survive. The peril seems to follow them too easily, every exposure turns deadly, and the gunmen must have inside information to be able to catch them at every turn of the plans.
The Native American culture and society with their beliefs and habits have always fascinated me, yet here I felt a bit unknowledgeable as I was reading the story, there were details that I would have wanted more information about, yet there were other details that were repeated several times.
The attraction between Carter and Amber is palpable, but they didn't really have the opportunity to work on the past hurts, misunderstanding and the trust, respect issues they had before. The feelings they had so many years ago were awakened again, but nothing from the past was really solved in a true matter.
This story was clearly a part of a series, more so than most of the Intrigue stories, and I would recommend reading the previous books first to make it easier to follow the storyline and understand the dynamics between the different characters. I had to go back several times to check if I had missed information. Of course, this might be an issue of the advance reader copy I had, and the editing fixed into the final print of the book, I do hope so.
The story was filled with plot twists, battles, and conflicts. The constant friction and rivalry between the different law enforcement forces and inside information being shared with the culprits added to the tension and strife.
The ending took me completely by surprise, both on the romantic and suspense side. I'm not saying it was an actual cliffhanger but to get a conclusion to the crimes you have to keep reading the series. The story was filled with energy and thrive, the romance had a lot of possibilities, the action was savage and cruel. I liked it, it was entertaining, had lots of potential, but it didn't feel finished, complete, on both aspects of the tale, I was left wanting more information, development, and insights, maybe these wishes will be granted on the next instalments of the series, but here I was left a bit hanging.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

[Suge · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well. If I could give this book less stars, my god. I would. My friend and I started a book club and decided to read something that's not what we usually read. Naturally, we selected a romance novel. We thought "what could it hurt?" We were fools.

So we browsed the bookstore and decided we wanted to read a Native American themed romance novel. We are both native and thought that it would make the prospect of reading a romance novel more interesting.

Well, that... this is just how mistakes are made, ya know?

So we started reading it and hated it immediately. The writer, who is obviously nontribal and has no idea how tribal government works, has thrown together a very romanticized idea of the indigenous of America. I guess if you look at Wikipedia long enough, story ideas of the Native American persuasion just jump out at you. That's what this felt like; the very basic of information about a group of people cobbled into a story.

And it's easy to tell that the author is not native but longs to be by the way she never calls white people "white" in her book. Suddenly that's too harsh an adjective to throw out there. Instead she uses the word "Anglo." Now, I'm half white and I've never used to word "Anglo" to describe my white side. So there's that.

Not only that but there is a part about kicking the FBI off of reservation lands. Um. No. Sovereign nations adhere to federal law, which includes the FBI. If the FBI comes on tribal land and you tell them to leave, guess what? They pretty much don't listen.

Look. I get it. It's a harlequin romance novel. I wasn't expecting the best of the best but I also wasn't expecting to be so offended and irritated and angry. I guess when you're an Anglo and you don't have to live that Native life daily it's easy to glamorize Rez life. But the fact of the matter is, this book isn't so much romance as it is fantasy. Because everything I read about Indians in this book is almost completely a work of fancy.

I mean, Jesus Christ, a hundred pages in and no one has fucked yet? Come on!

Do yourself a favor and read Louise Erdrich or Sherman Alexie if you hunger for Native American stories. Put this book down, preferably in a trash can, and get yourself a better book. You deserve it.

[Becky Van Daniker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna Kernan has done it once again! She brings us right back to the heart of the Apache Reservation in this brand new spin off series. Full of action that will keep readers engaged and turning the pages until the end. The fast-paced action begins from the very first page.

Readers will love the new characters, Amber Kitcheyan and the Bear Dens for the character development is strong.

Former Marine and current Turquoise Guardian Carter Bear Den wasn’t expecting to walk into an explosion when he comes to visit Amber, except he does.

Amber Kitcheyan is Carter’s ex-fiance and she hasn’t seen him in years. She just so happens to be the only survivor of her workplace, the Lilac Copper Mine, so she can’t help but respect that he tracked her down as the killer has her in his sights. As he is trying to protect her, many roadblocks will get in the way.

Will he be able to protect her and find their way back to each other?

That was a lousy description of the book, but so much happens that it’s hard to talk about it without spoiling it. I loved it and can’t wait for the next book!

However, I do have to point out that there is a quick sex scene that I skipped over.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the first book in her Tribal Thunder spin-off of her Apache Protectors series, Jenna Kernan takes us right back into the heart of crime in or around an Apache reservation. She brings new characters to life while letting us catch a glimpse of past people and cases we feel like we’ve helped her solve in the previous books. The drama starts from page one and continues throughout the book. We can’t let our guard down and relax, because every time we do, something else happens to put them in danger again! Exciting and fast paced!

Former Marine and current Turquoise Guardian Carter Bear Den isn’t expecting to walk in on the middle of a crime when he seeks out his ex-fiance, but that’s exactly what happens. As soon as he realizes there is danger, he immediately begins his search for Amber in the building.

Amber Kitcheyan hasn’t seen Carter in years, but as the lone survivor of a mass shooting at her place of employment, the Lilac Copper Mine, she’s so happy for his help when he tracks her down just as she’s in the sights of the killer. Through twists and turns of trying to keeping her safe, they continually get hit with roadblocks as danger grows closer.

Will their time together lead to an understanding of details that led to their relationship ending? And as the attraction between them flares up, will they stick together no matter the danger lurking around the corner?

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of Jenna Kernan's review team but would have purchased anyway since I have been a fan of her books for a while. This is another great read in her Apache Protector series. Amber was the only survivor in the Lilac Copper Mine mass shooting. Carter was on his way to deliver her a message and saved her life from the gunman who killed her boss. Was she have a part in the murders or just lucky to have escaped. They were once engaged but will need to trust each other to find the truth. Although this is a stand alone book, I like the way it includes characters from the other books in the series.

[Arthur · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't read many Harlequin romances, so I don't know what to expect. There were some editing details that are missed--characters that weren't in the room yet participate in dialogue, etc. I didn't realize this is the beginning of a series until I finished it, so be warned that the story arc is unresolved. There are many characters and it's hard to distinguish the law enforcement officers. The plot seems convoluted with constant attacks when the characters are "safe" which enable our intrepid couple to escape once again, each escape drawing them closer. They do very well for a couple that lack food and sleep. Amber's character seems to waffle between strong and helpless.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turquoise Guardian is one of those books I didn't want to put down. I was anxious to see how it ended but didn't want it to end. Jenna has included great information on the Apache culture and some of their traditions. This story has romance, family, murder and mayhem. Some of the best ingredients for a truly enjoyable read.

[Jess Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the suspense and thrill of this story. The chase and constant life on the run. I did not care for the lack of information at the end. I understand this is going to be a series yet I just don't like being left hanging wondering who the actual face behind BEAR is. I know they have a suspect but I just didn't care for the way it ended. I loved everything about it up till then.

[Roni Denholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is an exciting romantic suspense! Jenna Kernan has obviously done a ton of research, which shows in the authentic Native American details not only with the characters, but with tribal law enforcement. The main characters are brave and their love story tender. I really enjoyed this book!

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I seemed to have a hard time following this book. I really think you need to read the whole series in order to "get" everything that's happening. I was especially lost in the beginning. Of course, now I want to know about the dna results to learn Jack's history, so I may have to continue this series!!

This was a Goodreads.com giveaway.

[Tia Lappe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Had me captivated from start to finish.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turquoise Guardian had action, adventure, mystery, killings, suspense and even lots of romance! Hard to put down!!

[Larena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arizona


Carter Bear Den is an Apache on the Turquoise Canyon Reservation and is proud of that fact. He is also a former US Marine that works to protect his people and their land as a member of the Turquoise Guardians. Carter’s one thought after discovering a grisly mass shooting at the Lilac Copper Mine is to find Amber Kitcheyan.

Amber found work at the mine after she relinquished her membership with the reservation and breaking her engagement to Carter. She is the sole survivor of the shooting. At the best she is a witness at worst she is a suspect. Carter is determined to protect the only woman he has ever loved. Even if by protecting her he loses everything else.


This is a great start to a spin off series. The characters are interesting and the overall story arc is proving to be fascinating. Readers will be interested in seeing where this series takes them and how it gets there. It isn’t necessary to read the first series before this one but it will make this series ever more enjoyable to read. If the rest of the series is similar to this book this is will be another series for the keeper shelf. The action starts at the beginning and doesn’t stop until the very end of the story. It also takes some great twists and turns that keep readers guessing just who is doing what. It also brings another way of life to vivid life for the reader. This is definitely worth reading.

[Pandemo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the story was rousing and strong, the poor editing ruined much for me. I have a problem with senseless use of run-on sentences, not to make a point, but just because of careless editing, other parts broken into fragments, again, not to strengthen the ideas, but for lack of proper editing.

Then there are just WRONG places, like page 22:
There were no cacti up on Turquoise Canyon. Here the planes [sic] stretched out wide-open to the snowcapped Huachuca Mountains…

This should have been a very beautiful description on the area. But, I got to [air]planes instead of plain [flat grassland], and the mood was gone. What is her editor thinking? Anyone can make a slip like that, IN A ROUGH DRAFT, but to publish it that way? [48 pages with errors in punctuation within the first 151 pages; run on sentences, sentence fragments, comma errors, that/which confusion, was/were errors, and phrasing that is not standard American usage, in a story supposed to be set in that universe.]

There were so many errors in standard basic diction that I thought the author was 1) new to writing, and 2) probably foreign born.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turquoise Guardian, the first book in the Apache Protectors: Tribal Thunder series by Jenna Kernan will grab your interest from page one and won't let go until the end. Action-packed, intense and dangerously explosive scenes burst to life as Amber Kitcheyan and Carter Bear Den's lives are at stake after witnessing a gruesome mass murder at the Lilac Copper Mine. With gunmen out to get them and the constant times they are together remind Amber and Carter about their past relationship...drawing them closer than they both anticipate. In the end they must fight against the dangers of being murder witnesses even as their attraction for each other burns hotter than ever. Overall, this book is gripping and intense and the story arc will keep you riveted with each rollercoaster scene.

Highly Recommended
5 Stars

[Ann Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turquoise Guardian is the first book in the Apache Protectors: Tribal Thunder series by Jenna Kernan. Kernan's knowledge of the tribe is evident in this fast-paced and gripping story which brings two people back together under considerable odds. Amber Kitcheyan and Carter Bear Den witness a gruesome mass murder at the Lilac Copper Mine and the events unfold from there. I did not care for the references to Anglos as I think we all can relate to the age old drama of people finding each other during and after a crisis. However, the Native American/Anglo theme is an interesting one; I thank Goodreads for a chance to read this author and a book I would not have read otherwise. Will be an interesting series to follow!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turquoise Guardian is the first in a new series by author Jenna Kernan, and the first book that I have read by this author. It definitely won’t be my last! The story grabs you from the very first page and keeps you turning the pages reluctant to put it down. Turquoise Guardian has everything you could ask for in a great read including lots of great action, danger, romance, and some very sexy men. If you want a quick, but enjoyable read, then this one is definitely worth picking up! You won’t be disappointed. I am looking forward to the next one in this series!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of those times that I randomly selected and hoped for the best because I had no clue what it was about. Pretty glad that this book turned out really good. I love a book that can keep me on my toes and this book did it for me. I loved that it was suspenseful, I loved seeing that connection to Carter and Amber. I thought it was interesting getting that aspect of Native American info throughout and how it played in the book. I mean I've come across a few books of characters that are Native American but you don't hear much about it and you can tell these characters were very much into their culture.Overall this was a pretty great book I really enjoyed it.

[Reader43 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apache protectors for Amber

The Apache culture, tribal traditions, and the importance of family create an exciting read. Amber, as a disenfranchised member of the tribe, works outside the reservation. Amber tells the boss discrepancies she noted in the paperwork and the trouble begins. From car chases to kidnapping to attempted murder, Amber's life has taken a weird turn. With the help of her old boyfriend the two attempt to find out who is behind their problems and stay alive. An exciting and readable book. For those who enjoy learning more about different culture, adventure, and love of family.

[Lynn Grier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turquoise Guardian by Jenna Kernan is another winner of her new Apache Protectors series "Tribal Thunder". So much action, drama and suspense will keep your reading fix wanting more. Come on back to the Reservation and enjoy Carter Bear Den and Amber Kitcheyan's story. Looking forward to the other books in this series.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, this is the first book that I have read from Jenna Kernan but it will not be the last. I loved the dynamic between the characters and how well developed they were. This book has action, suspense, and romance which I love. I can't wait to read the next book in this series and go back and read the others from this author. Awesome book!

[Barbara Leuthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book a little confusing at firstbut all becomes clear once you get Ambers story .The reunion with Carter adds alot to the story.very action filled.At the i wanted to know the rest do they go in witness protection,do they see their family again,other than that it was a very interesting book just would have liked a conclusion.I received this book free as part of goodreads giveaways.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced, inventive tale, that becomes more intricate as it evolves. Native American police, local police, FBI, splinter groups, it has it all. The characters, both primary and secondary, are strong and clearly delineated, the plot intriguing. I can't wait for the next book to come out.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick. easy read. Action packed from beginning to end and kept me interested throughout. I had a problem with the ending though; it left us hanging and gave no answers. Maybe the next book in the series will answer them.

[AF · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series spin off from Jenna Kernan. It has all the action I love from Harlequin Intrigue with the tribal culture than I have come to love. Definitely loved this book. Cannot wait for more!