Guilty

The Protectors #5

by Karen Fenech

The brutal murder of a school teacher appears to be an open and shut case. Despite the overwhelming evidence against homeless drifter James Gaines, public defender Faith Winston makes sure she is assigned to defend him. But Faith has an agenda of her own--even if it means a guilty man will go free.

Chief of Police Ryan Crosby ended his relationship with Faith in a breakup that shattered them both, but he has not stopped loving her. When Faith's representation of Gaines makes her a target for revenge, Ryan reenters her life to protect her. He finds himself in a battle to find her assailant, and in a battle with Faith herself who will not trust him again with her heart.

But when Gaines escapes from custody, Faith is abducted and Ryan is in a race against time to find her. One woman is already dead and Faith is next.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2017

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Karen Fenech writes romantic suspense novels and short works of suspense. She is the author of the romantic suspense series, The Protectors. Karen's novels and short suspense fiction have received critical acclaim and have been translated into several languages. When Karen's not writing or spending time with her family, she loves to shop, watch movies, and just kick back in a comfortable chair and read.

You can reach Karen here:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KarenFenechsF...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenfenech
Website: http://www.karenfenech.com

If you'd like to know when Karen Fenech's next novel is released, sign up for her notification-only news at: www.karenfenech.com/books.html

Next Release: BREATH OF MALICE

http://www.amazon.com/Breath-Malice-K...

Reviews

[★¸. • * ° *Jillie* ° *•.¸☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

So happy I read this last book. It was good like the first two. I returned the Audiobook back to the library and checked out the paperback. Happy I did. There is something nice about being able to turn pages and sit.

I really liked Faith Winston. She had such a good moral code and didn't waver from it. Her story line was written very well. Ryan Crosby came across differently to me. I couldn’t figure out if I liked him for the first few chapters. I was also a bit unclear why these two broke up in their past. And how he ended up in a second relationship so quickly after that.

The baby gets bounced around and left with a neighbor way to long, for days without the mother picking him up? I would have called the police right away. It was also unclear how Faith felt about this baby. Sure she gets to see it but it was unclear at the end of the book how she felt with the circumstances.

I was WAY into the book and I didn’t even realize that Faith was a teacher too?

The book is fast paced and was very enjoyable to read. Some of the other characters from the other books showed up bringing the series to a good conclusion.

Enjoy ~

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are in the mood for a thrilling exciting suspenseful romance that will keep you on the edge and pull you in, this is the read for you. Ms. Fenech knows how to take her readers on a well balanced wild ride giving them a wonderful buildup with twists and turns mixed with just the correct amount of romance to make it a thrilling exciting read. This is well written with a wonderful buildup of excitement and romance. It is a story that will touch you in many ways and leave you with tears for those done wrong.

When a deeply loved school teacher ends up brutal murder it puts the town on the edge. This does seem to be an open and closed case that is until Faith takes the case to make sure justice has its day. Is he guilty most likely but she has her own reason for doing what she does. Faith is a strong woman but has a few ghosts haunting her. She hopes to put a few to rest by the time this case is over. With a whole town against her wanting justice of their own she is put in danger again and again. Her weakness is Chief of Police Ryan Crosby who tore her heart out when he walked away leaving her feeling empty and alone.

Ryan does his job as best he can he will be put on the edge again and again before justice can be served. He has a past that has torn him and Faith apart. When she is put on the front line with people wanting revenge he is having trouble not only protecting her but to stay one step ahead of her. She isn’t going down easy, she doesn’t want him around it is too painful. When the opposed killer gets loose everyone is on the run to bring him back in before another women dies. Ryan refuses to let that women be Faith. He has is his work cut out for him not only trying to prove to Faith he still loves her and he will never make that mistake again but to protect her when she doesn’t want him near.

I honestly did not see it all coming as the story unfolds I had my eye on one but I thought he can’t really be that dumb. I also had my eye on the opposed killer but he is just so sweet and kind. Could it all be an act to get on Faith’s good side before he makes her his next victim? I will tell you this some of the plot you may work out the rest will blow you away. There were a few times my jaw fell open, a few where I would have loved to have gotten my hands on a few and others where my heart really went out to so many.

Ryan and Faith go together so well it broke my heart to see what they had done to each other. I understood why Ryan did what he did and most men would have done the same thing. I also understood where Faith was coming from she has her own reason for revenge and they go deep. She also has her reasons for staying away from Ryan which are very understandable. With everything that is going on it is going to be real hard for them to keep their distances. Will the love they have be enough to pull them through that is if they can stay alive or will others come between them as they have in the past?

There will be some characters you won’t like and others you will. Each play an important part as the author twists her way through a wonderful plot giving you a read you won’t be able to put down. The supporting characters are outstanding from her best friend to his family along with a few men on the force. You will not find any unless words or fillers here every word and line has a reason or a purpose that will give you some wonderful entertainment. This is filled with suspense, victims, murder, and justice of the past and present, excitement, thrills, a few jaw dropping moments, as well as passion, pain and lots of love. This is a suspenseful believable story that will have you reading well past your bedtime. You will be hooked from the first page until the last. The ending will leave you with your heart in your throat holding your breath as you set sweating it out who will be killed and who will live. The triangle will keep your mind spinning as only Ms. Fenech can do. I highly recommend this read which will not only hold your interest but highly entertain you. You will become part of the story as you cheer for one and yell at a few others. Come take the journey that only Ms. Fenech can give you. This is one author you do not want to miss.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith Winston, a public defender, has never lost a case, however she has never tackled a murder case before, and she’s taking a big risk when she volunteers to defend James Gaines, who is accused of raping and beating Sharon Fahey to death. The detective who handled the Fahey case was Ryan Crosby. Faith and Ryan had seen each other for a while, but a most unfortunate turn of events forced them to part ways a year ago. They loved each other madly, and still do, and Ryan hopes he can get back what he once had with Faith, but it’s an uphill climb. Faith has very personal reasons to see Gaines acquitted, but the good citizens of Wade County, Washington, who have never been too fond of Faith, are now ready to seriously turn against her.

GUILTY is the fifth book in The Protectors series, and if I hadn’t known, I wouldn’t have noticed; it definitely can be read as a standalone. The premise for GUILTY seemed right up my alley, but the execution – pardon the pun – surpassed all my expectations. GUILTY is a deftly crafted story, Faith and Ryan have individual fascinating backstories, and theirs is one of the most genuinely poignant romances I have read in a good while. There is so much love and pain between these two, and it’s so beautifully written that it becomes your own. I love thrillers of all sorts, but I often feel I could do with less romance, but it is definitely not the case with GUILTY, as the romance is just as gripping as the suspense. I had no idea how everything would turn out, as the twists and turns kept me on my toes and turning the pages as quickly as I could. Another terrific read by Karen Fenech!


I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Janice Hougland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely another five-star winner of a story from Ms. Fenech! Fast-paced, heart-pounding suspense and danger, a second-chance romance full of heart and passion—everything a reader could hope for in a story that takes them away into an exciting adventure. Ryan is forced to terminate his relationship with Faith because of his ex’s pregnancy with his son, but neither Ryan nor Faith ever get over their love for each other. When Faith becomes embroiled in the crazy plans of a killer as she defends an innocent client, and Ryan races to catch the killer before Faith is hurt, the questions of who did what and where bombarded this reader into staying up way past her bedtime. I was gifted with a copy of this book.

[Elaine Kalkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the previous Protectors Series books, Guilty was a great read. While it can be read as a stand-alone book, I would highly recommend reading all of the books in the series to anyone who hasn't already. Karen Fenech has a talent for painting characters that the reader can relate to with believable story lines that keep us interested and guessing at the same time. Since the first time I read a Karen Fenech book, I have always anxiously awaited the next release and this time is no exception. I have reread many of her books, but there is nothing as exciting as a new release by a favorite author. Congratulations on another winner, Karen!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a well written suspense filled romance. I read it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down.
I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review

[Morilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guilty: The Protectors Series by Karen Fenech is the fifth book in the series. She is a new author for me and the subject is definitely outside my comfort zone - I tend to keep murder-mysteries for television viewing, not reading, mainly because I abhor reading about crimes in all their gory detail, but there was none of that to contend with in this book! Yes, someone was murdered, but apart from a very brief description, the book centres around the arrest and planned prosecution of a likely suspect and his defence by a local lawyer.
The first book in this series was published in 2011, so the premise for the "protectors" has been around quite awhile, but do not worry if, like me, this is new to you. There was reference to "other protectors" but there was no impact on this story so it isn't a continuing series, rather complete stories in each book. It held my attention till the end and the actual perpetrator of the crime was surprising! The characters were strong and the story was well crafted and I would certainly read more books by Karen Fenech.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Reviewed for Once Upon an Alpha

[Between My BookEndz · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Guilty” is Book 5 in Karen Fenech’s “The Protectors” romantic suspense series. Every book features a very alpha male who works in either law enforcement, international intelligence or the military. They all share a bond with one another so strong they consider each other brothers. With a description like that, in a genre I love, these books should be dream reads for me. But they are somehow fall short. I read, and somewhat enjoyed, the first book in the series, “Imposter.” Then I read the second book, “Snowbound,” and could barely finish it. So when “Guilty” popped up as a suggested read on my kindle, I clicked and dove in…….only to be disappointed.

The blurb somewhat explains the plot: public defender attorney Faith volunteers to defend a man accused of killing a beloved high school teacher - an indefensible suspect. Police Chief Ryan dated Faith the year before, but upon discovering his estranged wife was pregnant with his son, left Faith to return to a loveless marriage for the baby’s sake! Ok, not a bad set up, but the execution was not for me. There was a lot of overwrought drama - yes, that’s redundant, but so was the over-the-top emotions in this story! Ryan yearns for Faith, Faith yearns for Ryan - but oh, the pain of the breakup! Faith “must” defend the “innocent” suspect, for a very personal, dramatic reason! People are threatening Faith! Ryan is battling his Ex! The conflicts and issues were not written with a delicate touch at all and it only took away from what wound up being a decent suspense plot.

My other issue with the book had to do with the procedural aspects involving Faith’s father and even her legal case. I may be more familiar with legal procedure than most readers, so I am not taking any stars away from this review for what I felt was a real lack of research into death penalty proceedings. Timelines did not fit for me in the era the action was occurring in (present day) and it just kept pecking at me. I couldn’t help but think a little bit of research would have gone a long way to making that angle work better.

It is clear from the reviews that many loved this book, and I am glad. I did like the “who-dunnit” plot and the characters were not dislikeable. I am sure I will give this author another read sometime in the future.

[Anja ~ Once Upon a Page ⚜️ Books and Tequila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guilty by Karen Fenech is an exciting and sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense novel that will keep you wondering and guessing until the last page.

As this was my first book by Karen Fenech, and because it’s part of a series—“The Protectors”—I will be honest and say I was concerned in the beginning that I will be lost and not find my footing in the story. It has happened before and if not done well, it can ruin a book. However, this was definitely not the case with Guilty. I have been drawn into the story from page one and never felt like I was missing anything.

Faith and Ryan have a painful and heartbreaking history neither one can escape, even though Faith might desperately want to. However, when a beloved school teacher is brutally murdered, the two of them are thrown together whether they want to or not. Ryan on the other hand, the town’s sheriff, is deeply committed to protecting Faith, even from herself if necessary. But can these two put the hurt and heartbreak of the past behind them and move forward? Together? Or is the hurt inflicted too deep? The trust too broken?

Guilty is an engaging second chance novel about two stubborn characters needing to find their way to forgiveness, while navigating a net of lies, deceit, and crime. The characters are very well-developed and the storyline will have you captivated with its suspense aspect.
This story was a very entertaining read and can definitely be read as a standalone. It’s not just made up of amazing character, but we also get hints about the characters from the previous books, not giving anything away but making us wonder what happened. I know I will go back and start this series from book one.

If you are looking for an intriguing read which will keep you guessing and biting your nails, definitely give Guilty by Karen Fenech a chance. I know it kept me entertained throughout the pages.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great standalone addition to the Protectors series, a loosely connected series that revolves around an extended family made up of those who protect and serve. This book brings in featured characters from prior books in supporting roles, which I always enjoy. As an aside, the storyline reminds me of a book I read years ago, one that's still a favorite. It's the story of a man trying to do the right thing, then desperately trying to make it right. A nod to Sam and Alyssa, and the classic line, "You eviscerated me!"
Faith Winston is a winning attorney with the public defenders office. While she was in law school, her father was executed for rape and murder before she could work on an appeal. Now she's defending a homeless man accused of brutally murdering a beloved school teacher. But that assignment has vilified her in the eyes of many of her townspeople, leading to both verbal and physical attacks against her.
Ryan Crosby is the Chief of Police and until a year ago was involved with Faith. Then his estranged wife told him she was pregnant and a paternity test proved he was the father. So he did the only thing he could. He broke it off with Faith and returned to his wife, whose lover had broken up with her when he learned she was pregnant. But even the baby couldn't save his struggling marriage. Now Ryan is living alone and has filed for divorce and joint custody of Jeremy, something his wife is fighting. And on top of that, Faith is out of reach. After the way he hurt her, he knows she'll never be his again. He also knows she's defending a homeless drifter on a murder charge, and that she volunteered for the case. But when she's attacked in the parking lot at work, he knows he can no longer keep his distance.
This is an honest and voluntary review of an advance copy.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Fahey, a popular high school teacher, is found brutally murdered. All evidence points to James, a homeless guy. Faith, a public defender, asks for his case. Faith is all too familiar with someone being wrongly accused of a crime they didn't commit. While Faith was attending college, her father was framed, convicted, and put to death for a crime he didn't commit. He didn't have the means to hire a good attorney and his public defender did very little to defend him. So Faith made it her life's mission to defend those that can't defend themselves. Taking this case though, places Faith's life in jeopardy.

Ryan, her ex and current police chief, cares for Faith. He loves Faith, but hurt her when he decided to try to make his marriage work for his child's sake. He doesn't love his ex, but doesn't want to lose custody of Jeremy to his wife. It didn't work and they've filed for divorce, but Faith doesn't believe Ryan when he says he won't leave her again. Throughout the investigation, Faith's safety is comprised. Ryan takes it upon himself to be her "protector". While Ryan is out chasing leads, Faith is abducted. Now Ryan is running out of time and could lose Faith forever.

Romantic suspense at it's BEST!!! This novel was amazing, heart-wrenching, suspenseful, and filled with several shocking twists. If I could give it more than 5-stars, I would. This is one of the best novels I've read in 2016! It is the fifth novel in the series, but can be read as a stand alone novel. It ends with a HEA and no cliffhanger. I read a gifted copy of this novel and all opinions stated are my own.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This book is part of a series, but is completely standalone as far as I was concerned. There were characters from the other stories, but their backstories were not important to this book. I really loved this book. There are two people who used to be a couple, but split so he could go back to his pregnant wife. Ryan and the wife split again right after the baby came, but now he seems to have burned his bridges with Faith, the woman he really loves. When Faith takes on a death penalty case as a public defender, they are thrown together when the town goes into uproar and attacks happen to her and the defendant. Faith doesn't trust Ryan not to leave her to go back to his wife again, no matter how much she loves him. Ryan is fighting to spend time with his infant son, do his job as police chief, and manage his situation with Faith. Faith has a tough history and wants to do her job to the best of her ability and deal with her feelings for Ryan.

I really enjoyed this read!

[Karja26 · Rating 5 out of 5]

~*~ I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book ~*~

Karen Fenech and work is very new to me, to be quite honest I cannot remember how I came to find out about her but boy am I glad I did!!!

Guilty is Book 5 of The Protector Series, I am so happy I took the risk in reading this book not only because it was all new to me but the fact that I was starting it basically at the end of it all.

The character development was spot on, Faith had a rough upbringing that basically shaped who she is today. Ryan due to his childhood made a decision he thought was right but deeply affected not only him but Faith as well.

I spent a good majority of this novel trying to figure out who the culprit was and I was pretty chuffed when I found out I was right **smug grin**

I got to start this series from Book 1 'Imposter' as getting hints about the past characters has me eager to devour more of Karen's work.

**Thumbs Up** Karen can't wait to see what else you have for us readers

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read about a chief of police and and a lawyer who in the past had been involved and in love. Ryan left Faith because his ex wife was pregnant and wanted to be a part of his son's life so he chose his son to try and make things work. A year later Faith ends up defending a man accused of rape and murder that has a lot of media attention and a target is put on Faith. Ryan is still in love with Faith and he has separated with his wife seeking joint custody of his son and wants Faith back. When Faith is assaulted Ryan goes into protective mode and has a protective detail assigned to her. Unfortunately the man she is defending escapes custody and goes after Faith. Can Ryan protect her and get to her in time? Will love be enough to bring them back together? A great read full of suspense, lost love, anguish and twists and turns that keep you turning the pages.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot, hunky heroes & gorgeous women needing protection. Karen Fenech has a reputation for developing great books with these factors. The suspense in this book grabbed me at the beginning & kept me reading until I finished. The dialogue & plot keeps you on your toes as you read & the writer tosses in unexpected twists to keep you going. The characters are well developed & the men have a relationship that goes beyond friendship & resembles a family. I recommend this series to anyone that like romantic suspense. I'm not sure what took me so long to find this author but I've enjoyed reading this series & cant wait for her next one.