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Duty to Defend
An undercover deputy marshal's life and love are on the line in her latest mission in this inspirational romantic suspense novel.
Working undercover at a day care, Deputy Marshal Daci Marlowe has one protect a mother and her infant son from the woman's fugitive ex-boyfriend. But when someone seems more focused on killing Daci, she and her partner, child-advocate attorney Jax Williams, must figure out why before it's too late.
With her family's tragic past and her experience raising her siblings, Daci can't help but relate to the woman and child--even as she's drawn to Jax. Daci knows that Jax has his own harrowing past, though, one that makes the handsome defender keep her at arm's length. But with each attempt on Daci's life, Jax comes closer to both Daci and a dangerous truth.
Working undercover at a day care, Deputy Marshal Daci Marlowe has one protect a mother and her infant son from the woman's fugitive ex-boyfriend. But when someone seems more focused on killing Daci, she and her partner, child-advocate attorney Jax Williams, must figure out why before it's too late.
With her family's tragic past and her experience raising her siblings, Daci can't help but relate to the woman and child--even as she's drawn to Jax. Daci knows that Jax has his own harrowing past, though, one that makes the handsome defender keep her at arm's length. But with each attempt on Daci's life, Jax comes closer to both Daci and a dangerous truth.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
35 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Jill Elizabeth Nelson
76 books59 followersJill Elizabeth Nelson writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth. Jill speaks regularly at conferences, writer’s groups, library associations, and civic and church groups. When teaching classes for writers, she thrills to bring the Ahah! moment to her students as they make a new skill their own. Jill and her husband live in rural Minnesota where they raised four children.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 8, 2023
Duty to Defend
by Jill Elizabeth Nelson is the first book I’ve read by this author. It is an inspirational romantic suspense novel largely set in Springfield, Massachusetts. It features Deputy Marshal Daci Marlowe and child advocate attorney Jax Williams. Daci goes undercover at a day care to protect a mother and her infant son from the woman’s fugitive ex-boyfriend. However, it seems someone is also intent on killing Daci. Daci and Jax need to determine who that is while protecting the woman and child. At the same time, they’re drawn to each other.
The author does a great job of characterization for the two main characters, but I wanted a little more depth to some of the secondary characters. Daci and Jax are easy to like and root for, and were credible and relatable. The author does a good job of giving them depth including flaws and virtues. They’re determined and intelligent, but also exhibit frustration and vulnerability. Both have also walled off their hearts due to past relationships and losses and have complicated feelings affecting their personal lives.
This story has a multi-layered plot with several mysteries and some twists and turns as well as a few surprises along the way. I would have liked to learn a little more about the US Marshall Service and their fugitive investigations. The ending was impactful. Themes include family, romance, friendship, helping others, grief, death, and much more.
Overall, this engaging and action-filled novel kept me entertained. If you enjoy inspirational romantic suspense, then I recommend that you check out this book.
All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 1, 2018.
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My 4.05 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
The author does a great job of characterization for the two main characters, but I wanted a little more depth to some of the secondary characters. Daci and Jax are easy to like and root for, and were credible and relatable. The author does a good job of giving them depth including flaws and virtues. They’re determined and intelligent, but also exhibit frustration and vulnerability. Both have also walled off their hearts due to past relationships and losses and have complicated feelings affecting their personal lives.
This story has a multi-layered plot with several mysteries and some twists and turns as well as a few surprises along the way. I would have liked to learn a little more about the US Marshall Service and their fugitive investigations. The ending was impactful. Themes include family, romance, friendship, helping others, grief, death, and much more.
Overall, this engaging and action-filled novel kept me entertained. If you enjoy inspirational romantic suspense, then I recommend that you check out this book.
All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 1, 2018.
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My 4.05 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
December 18, 2021
This is a Romantic Suspense. I felt this book was packed with action and suspense, but I felt that I just did connect to the characters fully. I liked this book, but I think this book has a much action and not enough character development.
January 10, 2018
Phew! Mind-blowing, heart-racing, brain-teasing good! Seriously -- the suspense is so suspensey that my brain hurt trying to keep up and figure out. I didn't do so well. Guessed something right but got it all wrong at the same time. :-) Loved Daci and her crazy siblings and even though none of the sibs are in law enforcement I can't help hoping they each have their own story too though this doesn't look like it's part of a series. But the Marlowe clan is memorable so a reading fan can hope. In any case, I'll be anxiously looking forward to Jill Elizabeth Nelson's next release because she knows how to deliver a stellar romantic suspense.
December 9, 2019
This is the 1st book I read by Jill Elizabeth Nelson. I'm sorry I stopped reading this story at chapter 3 because it didn't grab my interest.
January 3, 2018
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Duty to Defend. I really enjoy Jill's books. It seems like it's been a long time since I read one but this one is excellent. The story is well written, action packed, and full of faith. I really liked the characters. I know you are going to love it.
Deputy Marshal Daci Marlowe is about to do start her first day as a marshal. It isn't a normal assignment it is an undercover operation. Daci had raised her four siblings after her parents death and the murder of her grandmother and because of that working at a day care should be one of her skill sets, right. Daci isn't to happy about it. She is assigned to befriend a young woman with a special needs child. The father is an escaped killer and the marshals figured he wild come after his child. The first day someone tries to abduct the child but her partner rescues the day.
Child Advocate Jax Williams, former marshal is partnered with Daci. He was drawn to the woman but after the death of his wife and unborn child due to his law enforcement job, he's not willing to get involved with a marshal. They soon realize that Daci is the target after several attacks. Who in her past could be after her? Can he keep her safe, find the killer, and keep his heart safe at the same time?
A journey into their past and present trying to find the answers to why someone is out to kill Daci. God has a plan for these two, a good plan and not for evil. God has a plan for you too, a plan for a hope and a future. Give God your heart, forgive others, forgive yourself, give Him control, and watch Him work in your life.
Deputy Marshal Daci Marlowe is about to do start her first day as a marshal. It isn't a normal assignment it is an undercover operation. Daci had raised her four siblings after her parents death and the murder of her grandmother and because of that working at a day care should be one of her skill sets, right. Daci isn't to happy about it. She is assigned to befriend a young woman with a special needs child. The father is an escaped killer and the marshals figured he wild come after his child. The first day someone tries to abduct the child but her partner rescues the day.
Child Advocate Jax Williams, former marshal is partnered with Daci. He was drawn to the woman but after the death of his wife and unborn child due to his law enforcement job, he's not willing to get involved with a marshal. They soon realize that Daci is the target after several attacks. Who in her past could be after her? Can he keep her safe, find the killer, and keep his heart safe at the same time?
A journey into their past and present trying to find the answers to why someone is out to kill Daci. God has a plan for these two, a good plan and not for evil. God has a plan for you too, a plan for a hope and a future. Give God your heart, forgive others, forgive yourself, give Him control, and watch Him work in your life.
July 9, 2018
loved the last couple of pages
May 18, 2025
Wow! Another excellent book by this author! I’ve only just discovered her work and I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve read so far! Definitely a gifted writer! I wasn’t able to guess who was behind the crimes. I actually had a completely different person in mind. Lots of good twists and turns in this one. I definitely recommend it.
December 21, 2018
Great read
August 19, 2018
Good book about family and FAS.
February 18, 2023
It's a wonderful book.
September 29, 2024
Mystery and Drama
Relatable characters who are struggling with personal issues while solving deadly mysteries. Action filled, light romance and a satisfying HEA. Enjoy!
Relatable characters who are struggling with personal issues while solving deadly mysteries. Action filled, light romance and a satisfying HEA. Enjoy!
June 8, 2020
Suspense and action, danger and intrigue. Pretty good novel with some romance thrown in.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews