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When the only way forward is to confront your past.

After living most of his life in one battleground after another, Grant Byers craves normal. He’s a Search and Rescue volunteer, cattle rancher, and ex-Navy SEAL. He’s not looking for trouble, but when he meets Mallory Fraser, he knows trouble has found him.

Mallory is a U.S. figure skating champion. After a tragic accident she moves to Montana, determined to put her past behind her and protect the people she loves. When the mystery surrounding her accident follows her to Bozeman, she needs help to find the truth.

With nothing left to lose, Grant and Mallory walk head first into something neither of them expected, but everything they need.

'Always' is the third book in The Protectors series and can easily be read as a stand alone. Each of Leeanna's series are linked so that you can find out what happens to your favorite characters in different books. Happy reading!

216 pages, ebook

First published April 8, 2017

959 people are currently reading
474 people want to read

About the author

Leeanna Morgan

63 books507 followers
Leeanna Morgan is a USA Today bestselling author. She lives in New Zealand surrounded by green hills on one side and the ocean on the other. She enjoys going for long walks, especially if she can convince her husband and two children to go with her!

Leeanna writes contemporary romances set in Montana. Her books contain all of the things that are important to her; good friends, family, a strong sense of community, and a happy ending.

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5 stars
615 (52%)
4 stars
344 (29%)
3 stars
158 (13%)
2 stars
34 (2%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Julia.
194 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2020
This was on okay story, but the chemistry between the H and h never really ignited for me. It just seemed to hold steady at a day-to-day emotional level, without the highs and lows I have come to expect.

The conflict had potential, but never had me on the edge of my seat. And in the end, it was resolved way too easily. It was nice to catch up on some familiar characters from other books, but I just didn’t love this one.

In my opinion, not this authors best story; disappointing because usually they are very good and quite suspenseful. Definitely read this author’s work - maybe save this one for the bottom of the pile.
Profile Image for Birty.
616 reviews6 followers
July 23, 2020
Yes, Sweet But Boring

Always had potential but it was too predictable which made it boring. Tried and true formula romance. Plus, female constantly putting herself in danger with excuse, “I’ll be ok.” Made her look clueless. The guys knew best. Male cried all the time. Just too much too much.
58 reviews
June 9, 2022
OMG! I Believe this is my first negative review on Goodreads. I'm usually such a bookish bundle of love🤦‍♀️ Leanna Morgan is one of my go-to, guilty pleasure authors, but in all brutal honesty--ugh, was this book boring.
It starts off with hooking the reader in by describing The search and rescue team removing Grant's old friend's Dead body from the scene of a killer avalanche. Then things take a bland turn until chapter 5, when mallory and Grant find a mysterious code of numbers on the back of a photo of Mallory and her deceased boyfriend, Simon. I thought things would be picking up from there, but the whole book just kind of dillydallied, even when it was discovered what the numbers meant. There was a villain in the story, A ruthless business man named Juan Garcia, but the thought of Gargamell, Who used to terrorize the Smurfs, would chill me to the bone before the villain in this story could. He didn't even have a real role in the story. It was like the mentioning of him and how ruthless he is was thrown into the mix
As an attempt to add suspense. This Book also had a lot of Mandane chitchat. So... much... Mandane chitchat and Mandane details. I usually like MON Danity added within a story, because it adds realism. But there was so much blah, blah, blah, all the chitchat and life details felt like filler. Like the author was more concerned about meeting a certain word count.
Juan Garcia--who was invisible to the point where he might as well have been the bogeyman--spooked mallory when he ransacked her apartment and left a threatening note in her bathroom, written in red ink. Then dozens and dozens of pages of law, blah, blah go by, and he doesn't do anything. There's just talk about how ruthless he is and how he would stop at nothing to get what he wants. FINALLY, he goes as far as shooting Mallory in the arm at Grant's Dad's apocalypse bunker cabin, which starts up a ho-hum action scene. Then the notorious Juan Garcia gets his just desserts. Seriously, Leanna Morgan? The villain was taken down in such a sudden, smooth and easy, anti-climactic way that it felt lazy. Like the author was as bored with her book as I was and just wanted to wrap things up and get to the happy ending.
I just didn't feel this book. It didn't feel like the author herself was that into the characters. Like she had a story idea and forced out a novel, just for the sake of putting out more material. Simon's brother, Andrew, added some villainous drama, but this barely bumped up any thrill potential.
There was one part that I did find amusing. It was a scene where Mallory was teaching Grant about ice-skating. She was wearing an outfit that hugged every curve, yet he couldn't stop staring at her beautiful face. That is so adorably unrealistic. Something that would only happen in a clean romance.
I'm still a Leanna Morgan fan, just not a fan of this particular book.
Profile Image for Anna.
768 reviews158 followers
August 27, 2020
*I have a free ebook version*

The cover really was throwing me off a little...I wasn't sure at all what to expect. I thought it might just end up being some cheesy weird romance thing. It sort of was, but it wasn't half as bad as I thought it would be.

The characters were fine, but I feel like Mallory was the more "I'm gonna be fine, let's get through this" type of person while Grant was the emotional "gah I'm crying again" guy. Both were fine, though, I just recognized those two personalities shining in them frequently. But I really liked how Grant wasn't just an annoying dude, he actually cared about Mallory and was the type of man who put her first and took very good care of her. We need more guys like that.

During the several beginning chapters, I had no idea what was really going to go on to get Grant and Mallory together as a couple. Then I was like, oh look, plot twist! Yay! Something is going to happen finally! Something did happen, and in the form of a mystery.

The mystery alone wasn't that bad, but I feel like it took longer to occur than needed. The ending was more rushed, and I didn't like how it was "solved" by Grant and John saying, "Oh, by the way, It was almost as if the author really wasn't sure how she could solve the mystery on her own. I wished the villain actually made an appearance in the story instead of being behind the scenes conducting everything.

Surprisingly, this book wasn't Christian and it's an adult book, but it still remained clean from unwanted sex.

There were a few grammar mistakes here and there, but since there were hardly any, I'm not taking any stars off for that.

Content:
Language--basically one hell
Sexy Stuff/Romance--Grant and Mallory fall in love, obviously. There are some kisses, some of which are descriptive. No sex! Yay!
Violence--Characters are threatened verbally and with letters, one character has PTSD from being at war (not really a big part of the story though) and another deals with nightmares of a car crash. One character is shot and wounded badly but not killed.
Other-- "The CIA has evidence that he was behind a huge drugs and human trafficking ring.”
Profile Image for Judi Easley.
1,496 reviews48 followers
March 3, 2021
This is the only one in this series that I've read. The plot was interesting with all its twists and secrets. However, the MCs really didn't seem to have chemistry. They didn't spend much time together to begin with. Then they didn't talk. They finally got to talking as the bullets are flying. He almost let her father chase him off. His little brother practically had to hold his hand. I did like his proposal.
Profile Image for Cheryl Phipps.
Author 45 books235 followers
August 22, 2020
The sweetest story,

Overcoming fear and hurt, this pair have suffered enough. Protection comes easy for Grant - admitting love for the ice skater proves the hardest hurdle to overcome. An easy sweet read.
30 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2018
Live all the characters in these books and how their stories continue through the series.
Profile Image for Jennifer Prescott.
507 reviews22 followers
April 3, 2018
Mallory is targeted after an awful accident, and gives up her dream and moves to Bozeman. There she meets Grant, a man who is a bit shy and they have instant connection, but both refuse to give into it right away, saying they prefer to go slow. Then something from Mallory's past explodes into her life, threatening her and those around her. Grant steps in and eventually things heat up enough to have to go to extreme measures, yet Mallory is still hurt. Grant stays beside her through it all and shows the both of them just how well suited they are for one another. Another wonderful story from a great author!.
Profile Image for Clarie Giselle Speights .
538 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2020
DNF 45%

This story had potential but so did the other two sub stories. Granted that the sub stories intertwined with the main story but in my opinion it was too much. And I thought the story was about Grant and Mallory not an emasculated Grant and reckless Mallory. Like the author must have made Grant cry five times. I know men cry hell my husband cried when I gifted him a PlayStation for Christmas one year but his crying was excessive. This story is more like an outline of an unfinished story because editing was needed.
9 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2017
Beautiful story with very real characters. Romance with a bit of suspense. Also appreciate that it is a totally clean read!
Profile Image for Gaia.
232 reviews14 followers
September 11, 2018
2.5 stars

... and once again, another main female character TSTL!
Profile Image for Kimberly.
761 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2020
This is a tough book to review for me. I picked it up from a book sale interested in reading something labeled "romantic suspense" because - hey - I like mysteries and I like romance so the combination was enticing.

This book had so much I liked and so much that frustrated me. I was frustrated by the characters' lack of life off the page, Grant's overbearing nature to a person he literally just met, and the lack of touches that made me feel their chemistry. Grant bemoans his lonely life and then looks out the window and falls in love with a woman he sees out there. Before I get the sense they have a genuine mutual attraction, he is kissing her and wrapping his hands around her waist - it was weird and felt out of order. That said, I liked the plot (so will try another romantic suspense - please provide suggestions!) as it never sat on the action and I really liked the ending where Grant gets real about being nervous.

This is a very conversation/banter driven book without much sauce on those exchanges. When the author did add to it - it was magical (I will never forget when "Grant's blue eyes collided with hers." (or something like that) but the book needed MORE of that. The how and why of how she fell for him was mostly off the page (it felt to me) and I feel like I missed out. I will say that I really liked that this author stayed away from the standard tropes about how gorgeous everyone was and how good they smell (how I now gag when I read this in a book - romance authors - please stop the madness!).

All in all a good read (kept me up at night wanting to see what happened) but not amazing.
Profile Image for Martha B..
835 reviews11 followers
July 22, 2020
...and the truth shall set you free.

Premier figure skater Mallory Fraser is a champion, she's also in hiding from threats. Her dreams died with the death of her boyfriend, but new dreams have a way of replacing old ones.

His PTSD forced him to leave his SEAL team, but Grant Byers has clawed his way back to a “normal” life. He still holds out the hope of meeting the woman of his dreams, a hope that may soon be fulfilled.

I love a lazy afternoon with a sweet and clean book with an easy to understand plot and truly likable character's. Always by Leeanna Morgan is just such a book. I enjoyed the banter between friends and siblings, as well as the challenge of the lurking danger. I was a bit put off by Grant's excessive emotional responses, but I understand that is one of the possible effects of PTSD.

Content 411: Other than the use of d*mn twice and a couple of kisses, this is a very clean and sweet book. It is suitable for any age reader.
Profile Image for Elda.
1,203 reviews6 followers
August 6, 2020
This story is a bit low key throughout. From the blurb it sounds as if there will be high tension and a great romance but to me it fell a bit flat. I liked the premise of the story but thought there would be more fireworks in the romance department, however, the couple kept second guessing themselves (yawn). Even the parts that were supposedly more dramatic kinda felt flat for me. The young group of ice skaters added a nice adorableness to the story. Also, I did like the little bit of snarkiness and banter among family members and friends. This might make a nice beach read for some but for me I was expecting a bit more..... I had not read anything by Leeanna Morgan before and thought I would take a gander at this book. She did well on the writing part with no editing and proofreading errors, but unless I need something to help me go to sleep while reading, I think I will pass on other books by her.
Profile Image for Laenie K.
96 reviews9 followers
September 9, 2020
A sweet romance

It was a good enough story to keep me interested to finish the book, though i struggled for the last 20%. I honestly didnt like how Grant was portrayed. For a former Navy Seal, he didnt appear to be very macho-ey or had enough of a spine to be one. Did not seem like his time spent in the Navy was very productive. I mean, come on...the woman he supposedly loved got shot and he didnt think to give or seem to know first aid? And whats with the trying to hold back tears or crying, for some reason or other, many many times throughout the whole story? I am all for guys showing their emotional side, in fact i think its kinda hot. But do it only when the moon is blue or something, not at so many random times that I feel the lady can take more hits than you without breaking down like a wussy. Maybe if Grant was never a Seal, I may be tempted to give that additional star.

201 reviews5 followers
August 1, 2020
Grant Byers is a Rescue Worker, a rancher and an ex-Navy Seal. After returning from the war he suffered severe PTSD. He lives alone on his ranch and has had little to do with others. Then me meets Mallory Fraser who has recently moved to town.

He knows nothing about her except she is an excellent skater and teaches young children to preform on the ice. His favorite niece is one of her students. They began to get acquainted and he finds that she is hiding because her life has been threatened. She was training for the Olympics when she received a warning that if she didn't quit skating, she would be hurt. This was right after her boyfriend was killed in an auto accident.

since that time she has been having nightmares, one night she realizes she remembers more of the accident. That is when her troubles began.

Read the book to find out how Grant helps her through this ordeal, and with helping her he is beginning to help himself. You will enjoy the way the book ends. A delightful, fast moving story that makes you feel good.
Profile Image for Bukcrz.
296 reviews5 followers
January 28, 2021
This book is ruined by a heroine made to be rescued. She’s supposed to be a competent former figure skating big name but she is always double minded and people around her keep pushing her to do the next step in the story. She’s that kind of heroine that I don’t mind the bad guy to kill because she is asking for it. Her character left a bad taste on my tongue.
The hero is at least an endearing character and to me I think he carried the whole book. He is the perfect cookie cutter for an adorable guardian. He shows competence and has to manipulate the situation to keep the clueless and undecided heroine from harm.
An ok read.
937 reviews7 followers
June 14, 2021
Grant Byers is a retired SEAL with PTSD who is living on his parents ranch and fixing it up while being a Search and Rescue volunteer up in Montana where he lives near his brother who does investigations and protections of individuals. He meets Mallory Fraser a woman who was to go into the Olympics as an ice skater but her fiancee was killed in a hit and run accident while she was in the car as a passenger. These two meet and sparks fly. This is a well written story of someone trying to kill Mallory but she doesn't know why.Grant and his brother John investigate. No spoilers but a lot of action!
334 reviews
Read
August 1, 2020
Enjoyed.

This was a great romance with an intriguing mystery. Grant was a wounded soldier, rancher, courageous man who deserves a wonderful woman by his side. The first time he saw Mallory he knew she was the one for him. The mystery surrounding Mallory was intense and kept the pages turning. The home break in, scary threats, murder attempts make the romance more interesting and entertaining. There was a great set of characters who helped weave the romance and solve the mystery. This was an enjoyable read.
1,117 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2020
A strange story. They fall in love right away but that’s pretty much the end of the romance until he asks her to marry him at the end of the story.
There are some strange uses of words but could be common in New Zealand like:

are you happy for my team to do that?”

“Are you happy for my pilot to fly you to the bunker?”

“It’s your soft place to fall.”

“Are you happy for me to withdraw my security team?”


Profile Image for J.M. Ralley.
Author 8 books10 followers
August 5, 2020
This author has delivered again. The plot hooks you and keeps you turning the pages. The only downfall I thought was the shooting. I felt it was a bit rushed. And Mallory went from a armwound which didn’t look like it had hit an artery t being unconscious in what seemed a short bit of time me.
I wold have liked to see a bit more of the threat. This bit seemed weak. But the over all story is certainly catchy.
Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,678 reviews26 followers
January 18, 2019
This is another suspenseful book in The Protectors series. This book is about John’s older brother, Grant, and Mallory. They meet because she’s teaching Bella, Grant’s niece, how to figure skate. I love how close the characters are with their friends and family. No one is ever afraid to offer help if it’s needed. Grab your copy and see what happens.
Profile Image for James a Schmidt.
305 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2020
“Always:A Sweet Small Town Romance(The Protectors Book3)

What a book ! I first started this and thought okay,another book about a rancher that finds true love.Boy,was I wrong! Between the espionage,the secret security and the Mexican drug people this book went way beyond that! Yet it was sweet and honest and loving.
It was a really good book that everyone will want to read!
1,263 reviews27 followers
July 23, 2020
Mont

Totally lived this book! So many aspects in life thrown all into one page turning read. The absolute only thing I'd change are the are you happy to lines as I believe they would be asked in a different way, but that is just me. What a thrilling book. Read during the Corona 2020 pandemic.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews101 followers
July 29, 2020
Finding Love

Grant was not great with the dating scene, especially after returning from serving as a SEAL. His brother John, Rachel & his niece Bella help. He meets Bella's ice skating coach and his life changes. Mallory moved to Bozeman to be closer to her cousin, Tess, after her car accident and death of her boyfriend. But there is so much more. And Grant seems to help also.
Profile Image for Carol.
837 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2020
Always

Mallory has been training a group of little girls in figure skating. When Bella's uncle Grant saw Mallory he knew she was the one for him, now to get to know her and convince her to get to know him. Little did either know the trouble that was ahead that could draw them closer or end a life. Now they just had to get to the bottom of the mystery!
712 reviews5 followers
August 12, 2020
Lots of action!

This was a great story! I enjoyed the sense of family that Leeanna Morgan has injected in this book. The family helps each other a nd it was prominent in this story. Murder, malfeasance and the quest for money are all covered in this book. Great writing and action are (and I loved the ice skating) make this a great way to spend an afternoon!
166 reviews
December 2, 2024
Clean but left you to create the story

Felt like the author started the story and 'yada yada yada' they like each other 'yada yada yada' stuff happens . . There wasn't a build up to their relationship and as I read in someone else's he cries a bit more than I would think. Not one I would recommend or read again.
Profile Image for Michelle  Brown.
730 reviews6 followers
October 26, 2017
Nice Story

Glad Grant got his HEA.

It was nice to see more of John, Rachel and Bella. I was kind of hoping Rachel would be pregnant before the books end but oh well. Nice reading Tanner and Tank again as well.

A nice easy read to go along with all the others in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

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