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American Armor #1
Wanted by the Marshal
Can he keep the key witness from harm…
before it’s too late?
After escaping a terrifying encounter with a serial killer, RN Kiera Connell lands in the protection of US Marshal Travis Johnson. In order to make sure she stays alive to testify, Travis has to thwart whatever danger comes her way. Normally, for a pro like Travis, that’s not an issue. But focusing on the mission becomes his greatest challenge as Kiera’s exposure threatens to unravel all his best-laid plans.
before it’s too late?
After escaping a terrifying encounter with a serial killer, RN Kiera Connell lands in the protection of US Marshal Travis Johnson. In order to make sure she stays alive to testify, Travis has to thwart whatever danger comes her way. Normally, for a pro like Travis, that’s not an issue. But focusing on the mission becomes his greatest challenge as Kiera’s exposure threatens to unravel all his best-laid plans.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2019
35 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Ryshia Kennie
32 books382 followersThe winner of her city’s writing award in 2011, Ryshia Kennie’s novels have taken her characters from the depression era prairies in her first book “From the Dust” to a across the globe and back again. There’s never a lack of places to set a story as the too long prairie winters occasionally find her with travel journal in hand seeking adventure on foreign shores. While facing off a Monitor Lizard before breakfast or running through the Kasbah chased by an enraged Water Carrier aren’t normal travel experiences and might never find a place in one of her stories, they do make great travel stories. When not collecting odd memories from around the world, she’s writing mainly romantic suspense and women’s fiction. For more, visit her website at http://www.ryshiakennie.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 23, 2019
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
WANTED BY THE MARSHAL (American Armor Book One) by Ryshia Kennie is a new Harlequin Intrigue romantic suspense by a new to me author. This is the first book in the American Armor series featuring a US Marshal sent to watch over the sole survivor of a serial killer.
Kiera Connell is a nurse practitioner who loves her job at the Prairie Seniors’ Care Home in Cheyenne Wyoming. She is on her own, but she views the seniors as her family. One night as she is walking home after work she is abducted.
Kiera escapes and is able to direct police to where she was kept. The police arrest Eric Solomon and discover he is the serial killer the FBI has been looking for. The only problem is, Kiera heard two voices, but without evidence, the authorities just believe it is PTSD and they have their man. The FBI is afraid Kiera may take off before the trial, so she is to be watched by US Marshals.
US Marshal Travis Johnson is assigned to lead Kiera’s case. Travis’ job is to keep watch over her until she appears in court. As Travis gets to know Kiera and strange phone calls occur, he begins to believe her about there being two abductors against all the physical evidence. When Travis is attacked, they move to a safe house, but will it be enough? As the threat to Kiera escalates, Travis and Kiera find their attraction does the same.
I loved the suspense plot with the idea of a second abductor that there is no physical evidence of and the authorities are skeptical of the witness’ memory. It was a good twist that kept the suspense growing. Kiera is a strong heroine who is determined to stand up for herself, while also having a very kind and loving heart towards her patients and Travis. I did not feel a strong enough attraction for the romance to jump to sex scenes. I felt the trope of the bodyguard falling for his charge was written well for the shortness of the story, but I did not like when Travis left Kiera alone for the plot points of bad things happening to her. For me, it was not believable since his main job was to protect her and it felt forced. Overall, it was just an O.K. romantic suspense read for me.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.
WANTED BY THE MARSHAL (American Armor Book One) by Ryshia Kennie is a new Harlequin Intrigue romantic suspense by a new to me author. This is the first book in the American Armor series featuring a US Marshal sent to watch over the sole survivor of a serial killer.
Kiera Connell is a nurse practitioner who loves her job at the Prairie Seniors’ Care Home in Cheyenne Wyoming. She is on her own, but she views the seniors as her family. One night as she is walking home after work she is abducted.
Kiera escapes and is able to direct police to where she was kept. The police arrest Eric Solomon and discover he is the serial killer the FBI has been looking for. The only problem is, Kiera heard two voices, but without evidence, the authorities just believe it is PTSD and they have their man. The FBI is afraid Kiera may take off before the trial, so she is to be watched by US Marshals.
US Marshal Travis Johnson is assigned to lead Kiera’s case. Travis’ job is to keep watch over her until she appears in court. As Travis gets to know Kiera and strange phone calls occur, he begins to believe her about there being two abductors against all the physical evidence. When Travis is attacked, they move to a safe house, but will it be enough? As the threat to Kiera escalates, Travis and Kiera find their attraction does the same.
I loved the suspense plot with the idea of a second abductor that there is no physical evidence of and the authorities are skeptical of the witness’ memory. It was a good twist that kept the suspense growing. Kiera is a strong heroine who is determined to stand up for herself, while also having a very kind and loving heart towards her patients and Travis. I did not feel a strong enough attraction for the romance to jump to sex scenes. I felt the trope of the bodyguard falling for his charge was written well for the shortness of the story, but I did not like when Travis left Kiera alone for the plot points of bad things happening to her. For me, it was not believable since his main job was to protect her and it felt forced. Overall, it was just an O.K. romantic suspense read for me.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.
September 19, 2019
Wanted By The Marshal falls in the genre of romantic suspense and opens in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Kiera Connell is the victim of a violent kidnapping. Her lucky escape leads to the arrest of a serial killer, but while she waits for his trial, Kiera still isn’t safe.
US Marshal Travis Johnson is given the task of keeping Kiera safe so that she can testify in court; an easy job, until his feelings for Kiera grow, as does a new threat to her life.
Written in a style which leant towards telling rather than showing, I found this quite an exhausting read. At times I waded through long paragraphs of practical detail in which the action was painstakingly depicted but did nothing to create suspense or drama. In other places the story skipped over details that I wanted to know more about. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-eZe
US Marshal Travis Johnson is given the task of keeping Kiera safe so that she can testify in court; an easy job, until his feelings for Kiera grow, as does a new threat to her life.
Written in a style which leant towards telling rather than showing, I found this quite an exhausting read. At times I waded through long paragraphs of practical detail in which the action was painstakingly depicted but did nothing to create suspense or drama. In other places the story skipped over details that I wanted to know more about. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-eZe
August 16, 2019
Good mix of romance and intense suspense. The intensity starts immediately as Kiera is abducted while walking home from work late one night. The precariousness of her situation is clear from the outset as she wakes bound and gagged only to hear what her captor has planned for her. She is terrified, but she also refuses to go down without a fight. I was incredibly impressed by Kiera right from the start because of her determination to escape, and I was glued to the pages as I rooted for her success.
As the only survivor of this serial killer, Kiera's testimony is vital to the conviction of the suspect. She is understandably on edge, which makes her introduction to the lead marshal on her protection detail unexpectedly intense. I had to laugh at Travis's chagrin at being caught unaware and liked that he kept calm and understood Kiera's wariness. There is tension between them as Travis, who believes that this is more of a babysitting detail than protection, gets an earful of Kiera's disgust over law enforcement's refusal to believe her when she tells them there was more than one abductor.
I liked both Kiera and Travis. Kiera is strong, determined, and more than a little stubborn. She also has a kind and loving heart, as shown by the way she cares for her patients and how selflessly she gives of herself in various volunteer pursuits. Travis is dedicated to his work, quick-witted, and honorable. He is close to his family and protective of those he cares about.
I liked the development of the relationship between Travis and Kiera. There were sparks between them from the start, but both tried to ignore the attraction and keep to a professional relationship. That became more difficult as the danger increased, and Travis found himself emotionally invested in keeping her safe. I laughed a little at his realization that he followed in the footsteps of other family members who fell fast and hard for their mates. For Kiera it was the kindness and comfort Travis offered that worked its way into her heart, filling a hole she hadn't realized was there. The ending was terrific, especially Travis's acceptance and enjoyment of Kiera's quirks.
The suspense of the story was gripping all the way through. As readers, we know that there was a second person involved in Kiera's abduction, which makes it doubly frustrating that law enforcement blows off Kiera's story. I liked that she never gave up on making them see the truth. Though skeptical at first, it didn't take too long for Travis to realize that she was telling the truth. The escalating attempts on Kiera's life kept the story moving along, with very little let-up in the tension. I was a little surprised at the mistakes Travis made, something I didn't expect from an experienced marshal like him. The same with two of his fellow marshals. James especially bugged me with his refusal to believe that Kiera was telling the truth. The final confrontation was a nail-biter to the very end.
As the only survivor of this serial killer, Kiera's testimony is vital to the conviction of the suspect. She is understandably on edge, which makes her introduction to the lead marshal on her protection detail unexpectedly intense. I had to laugh at Travis's chagrin at being caught unaware and liked that he kept calm and understood Kiera's wariness. There is tension between them as Travis, who believes that this is more of a babysitting detail than protection, gets an earful of Kiera's disgust over law enforcement's refusal to believe her when she tells them there was more than one abductor.
I liked both Kiera and Travis. Kiera is strong, determined, and more than a little stubborn. She also has a kind and loving heart, as shown by the way she cares for her patients and how selflessly she gives of herself in various volunteer pursuits. Travis is dedicated to his work, quick-witted, and honorable. He is close to his family and protective of those he cares about.
I liked the development of the relationship between Travis and Kiera. There were sparks between them from the start, but both tried to ignore the attraction and keep to a professional relationship. That became more difficult as the danger increased, and Travis found himself emotionally invested in keeping her safe. I laughed a little at his realization that he followed in the footsteps of other family members who fell fast and hard for their mates. For Kiera it was the kindness and comfort Travis offered that worked its way into her heart, filling a hole she hadn't realized was there. The ending was terrific, especially Travis's acceptance and enjoyment of Kiera's quirks.
The suspense of the story was gripping all the way through. As readers, we know that there was a second person involved in Kiera's abduction, which makes it doubly frustrating that law enforcement blows off Kiera's story. I liked that she never gave up on making them see the truth. Though skeptical at first, it didn't take too long for Travis to realize that she was telling the truth. The escalating attempts on Kiera's life kept the story moving along, with very little let-up in the tension. I was a little surprised at the mistakes Travis made, something I didn't expect from an experienced marshal like him. The same with two of his fellow marshals. James especially bugged me with his refusal to believe that Kiera was telling the truth. The final confrontation was a nail-biter to the very end.
October 1, 2019
After being abducted, Kiera Connell escaped her kidnappers before they could kill her. She was able to lead the police to the house where she had been held. There they arrested a serial killer they had been tracking for years. When she told the police there were 2 killers, they didn't believe her. As the only survivor of a serial killer, it was US Marshal Travis Johnson's job to keep Kiera safe (and to make sure she didn't run) so she could testify at the trial. When Kiera got odd phone calls, Travis started to believe that there really were two killers, and one of them was after her. When Travis was attacked, they moved to a safe house. But the threat to Kiera got worse. As they got to know each other better, their attraction grew. They tried to fight it and be professional but that was easier said than done.
Even though Kiera was a kind-hearted woman, always helping others and volunteering often, I didn't like her much. She wasn't the least bit concerned about her safety or being found by someone wanting to kill her and even went jogging by herself after being told not to leave the house. I never felt a connection to Travis either. We were told how good he was at his job but Kiera was kidnapped (again) on his watch. We were told about the attraction between Travis and Kiera but I never felt it.
This was a tense, action-packed story with a HEA. I liked this book, but I didn't love it as much as I thought I would.
Even though Kiera was a kind-hearted woman, always helping others and volunteering often, I didn't like her much. She wasn't the least bit concerned about her safety or being found by someone wanting to kill her and even went jogging by herself after being told not to leave the house. I never felt a connection to Travis either. We were told how good he was at his job but Kiera was kidnapped (again) on his watch. We were told about the attraction between Travis and Kiera but I never felt it.
This was a tense, action-packed story with a HEA. I liked this book, but I didn't love it as much as I thought I would.
December 1, 2019
Action from start to finish! A quick romantic suspense but the romance was a bit lacking for my taste. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2021
Wanted by the Marshal is the first book in the American Armor series. This story had a great storyline and the characters were exceptional. Kiera was a very strong woman who should have been terrified and crying out of her mind. She was kidnapped and who knows what else was going to happen to her but she was able to escape. She held it together and was willing to cooperate with everything the Marshal’s told her. Then there was Travis the Marshal that was sent to take care of her and he was there for her at all times. I know that there was a time that he felt that he should have been there to protect her after they tried to hurt her. Now Kiera is on the run with Travis but she doesn’t something that will jeopardize her life and also the life of Travis. I know that Kiera had great intentions but what she did was not right. Kiera and Travis are great together they had great chemistry and I was ecstatic that they were going to end up together. I can’t wait to read more books in this series.
August 21, 2019
I think this may have been the first book I've read by this author, but I plan to read its sequel soon.
The heroine works in a nursing home setting, and she is one of the good ones, much loved by the people she cares for. She goes above and beyond the call of duty to these friends of hers, and they look forward to seeing her.
The hero is a U.S. Marshal, charged to protect the heroine while they await the trial of the man accused of being a serial kidnapper/killer; she is the one who got away.
But there are things about this story that defy the assumption that it's a simple tale; has she taken leave of her senses? Who did attack her? Who should or will believe her side of the story?
If you like your romantic suspense to come in a Harlequin-length book, try reading Ryshia Kennie's first book noted above. I think you will like it.
I received this book free from the author; I was neither required nor asked to give a particular kind of review.
The heroine works in a nursing home setting, and she is one of the good ones, much loved by the people she cares for. She goes above and beyond the call of duty to these friends of hers, and they look forward to seeing her.
The hero is a U.S. Marshal, charged to protect the heroine while they await the trial of the man accused of being a serial kidnapper/killer; she is the one who got away.
But there are things about this story that defy the assumption that it's a simple tale; has she taken leave of her senses? Who did attack her? Who should or will believe her side of the story?
If you like your romantic suspense to come in a Harlequin-length book, try reading Ryshia Kennie's first book noted above. I think you will like it.
I received this book free from the author; I was neither required nor asked to give a particular kind of review.
December 22, 2020
2.5.
The plot of the story was good. But I feel like a lot of things were repeated, often over one or two pages. Like we get how the Marshal feels about her, you spent three paragraphs talking about. Please move on.
There were also a few things that didn’t make sense in the story, like when Kiera was in Denver and attacked again, said she didn’t get a look at the attacker. Then two pages later and next chapter, she said she would be able to identify the attacker. That doesn’t make sense to me.
I also feel like a lot of the sentences could have been worded better and were run on.
I’m not an author, or an English major but I just feel like with a bit of editing this story could have been a lot better.
The plot of the story was good. But I feel like a lot of things were repeated, often over one or two pages. Like we get how the Marshal feels about her, you spent three paragraphs talking about. Please move on.
There were also a few things that didn’t make sense in the story, like when Kiera was in Denver and attacked again, said she didn’t get a look at the attacker. Then two pages later and next chapter, she said she would be able to identify the attacker. That doesn’t make sense to me.
I also feel like a lot of the sentences could have been worded better and were run on.
I’m not an author, or an English major but I just feel like with a bit of editing this story could have been a lot better.
July 8, 2019
The book starts off with a kidnapping and almost murder. The story has moments of suspense but it falls on body guard romance type of story that lacks any real chemistry that would make the story even close to believable. The mistakes made though the witness protection felt forced and lacked really any more direction than a typical harlequin romance story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Ryshia Kennie Wanted by the Marshal
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Ryshia Kennie Wanted by the Marshal
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September 1, 2019Categories
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
American Armor (Book #1)
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
American Armor (Book #1)
Read
September 1, 2019Categories
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
American Armor (Book #1)
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
American Armor (Book #1)
May 5, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book. the story line drew me from the beginning and I had to keep reading to find out what is happening and how it turns out. I recommend this book!!!!
August 14, 2020
I enjoyed the story. Would have liked a bit more expansion on their lovemaking. I found the ending of the perpetrator a bit disappointing. The ending seemed rushed.
February 22, 2025
Great book.....New author for me.
August 15, 2025
Became a bit of a romance novel towards the end.
August 13, 2019
Kiera Connell is a nurse practitioner who works at the Prairie Seniors' Care Home in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She loves her job and often works extra hours. Her car is in the shop for repairs and even though it is almost midnight and she has worked a long shift she decides to walk home. Halfway home she stops to give some money to a seemingly harmless homeless guy sitting on the curb begging. Next thing she knows a hooded figure is approaching very quickly and then it is lights out. She wakes up to find her wrists and ankles tied with rope. She is very tightly bound. Then the threats of horrible things to come start. The next time she wakes up she is confined in a small space. She knows she needs to escape...
Wanted by the Marshal by Ryshia Kennie is the first book in her new series, American Armor. In this story we meet US Marshal Travis Johnson who is assigned to protect Kiera. Kiera is the only woman to have escaped this particular serial killer. I really enjoyed meeting both of these main characters. Kiera is a stong woman filled with determination. Travis is a dedicated US Marshal who thinks fast on his feet. The path to Kiera and Travis' HEA is strewn with danger but these two won't let that stand in their way. There's lots of action and tense moments in this story so I am sure readers will enjoy this book.
Wanted by the Marshal by Ryshia Kennie is the first book in her new series, American Armor. In this story we meet US Marshal Travis Johnson who is assigned to protect Kiera. Kiera is the only woman to have escaped this particular serial killer. I really enjoyed meeting both of these main characters. Kiera is a stong woman filled with determination. Travis is a dedicated US Marshal who thinks fast on his feet. The path to Kiera and Travis' HEA is strewn with danger but these two won't let that stand in their way. There's lots of action and tense moments in this story so I am sure readers will enjoy this book.
September 2, 2019
Kiera escaped from a killer and ends up in protection with Marshal Travis there to make sure shes safe until she can testify about the killer. But shes knows in her heart that there wasn't just one killer despite what the police says, and now it seems that the accomplice is after her and Travis will do every hing in his power to make sure shes safe.
Loved this book! I loved that not only does the readers get the prospective of the Kiera and Travis but the killer as well. I loved seeing that the killer was doing on that end, seeing what they though and how they would try to finish what was started before Kiera escaped. I loved that Kiera was not the type of person who would sit down and take beating. She would do everything in her power to save herself. She did have those like Travis to help her but she trusted her instincts and would do what ever necessary to protect herself rather then waiting for the aid of others and I loved that she really was a strong character. It was interesting seeing how things played out and how things ended up when they tried to figure out if there was indeed an accomplice and who it was. Great book I really enjoyed it.
Loved this book! I loved that not only does the readers get the prospective of the Kiera and Travis but the killer as well. I loved seeing that the killer was doing on that end, seeing what they though and how they would try to finish what was started before Kiera escaped. I loved that Kiera was not the type of person who would sit down and take beating. She would do everything in her power to save herself. She did have those like Travis to help her but she trusted her instincts and would do what ever necessary to protect herself rather then waiting for the aid of others and I loved that she really was a strong character. It was interesting seeing how things played out and how things ended up when they tried to figure out if there was indeed an accomplice and who it was. Great book I really enjoyed it.
August 6, 2019
Once again, Ryshia Kennie has used her world travels to good measure, this time adding the color and culture of Wyoming as the backdrop to her engaging story. The award winner's new book, meets its billing as a serious romantic suspense and will toss you head-long into the fray when Kiera Connell, an RN, walking home from her dream job at a Senior's Care Home in Cheyenne, after working a late shift, is abducted.
While not my usual reading or writing genre, the well-developed characters and the twists and turns of plot provide an enjoyable read. The strong-willed Kiera, and the protective but duty-bound marshal, Travis, try to disregard their growing attraction for each other which provides a romantic, tension filled subplot, as each strives to maintain a strictly professional relationship. Set against an increasing threat level and violent encounters, this action packed who-dun-it is a page turner from start to finish.
Don't miss it!
Book read and reviewed by Wendy Taylor
While not my usual reading or writing genre, the well-developed characters and the twists and turns of plot provide an enjoyable read. The strong-willed Kiera, and the protective but duty-bound marshal, Travis, try to disregard their growing attraction for each other which provides a romantic, tension filled subplot, as each strives to maintain a strictly professional relationship. Set against an increasing threat level and violent encounters, this action packed who-dun-it is a page turner from start to finish.
Don't miss it!
Book read and reviewed by Wendy Taylor
September 2, 2019
Wow! Wanted By The Marshal by Ryshia Kennie is a fabulous romantic suspense. Ms. Kennie has provided readers with a well-written book and furnished it with an outstanding cast of characters. Kiera is a nurse at an elder care facility and is attacked and kidnapped on her way home from work. Travis is the marshal in charge of keeping Kiera safe, and making sure she doesn't run away from testifying against the man that attacked her. Travis and Kiera's story is packed with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to my next book by Ryshia Kennie. Wanted By The Marshal is book 1 of the American Armor Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 9, 2019
Wanted by the Marshal
Ryshia Kennie
Action packed from the beginning to the end. Kiera is attacked, escapes, and isn’t believed as to the number of people who kidnapped her and wanted to kill her. Can she get U. S. Marshal Travis Johnson to believe her before it’s too late and the ‘one who got away’ fulfills what could have been.
Non-stop action from beginning to end that had me reading late in the night to find out what happens.
Love Kiera and Travis as the main characters.
Looking forward to the next book.
Ryshia Kennie
Action packed from the beginning to the end. Kiera is attacked, escapes, and isn’t believed as to the number of people who kidnapped her and wanted to kill her. Can she get U. S. Marshal Travis Johnson to believe her before it’s too late and the ‘one who got away’ fulfills what could have been.
Non-stop action from beginning to end that had me reading late in the night to find out what happens.
Love Kiera and Travis as the main characters.
Looking forward to the next book.
August 28, 2019
"After escaping a terrifying encounter with a serial killer, RN Kiera Connell lands in the protection of US Marshal Travis Johnson. In order to make sure she stays alive to testify, Travis has to thwart whatever danger comes her way. Normally, for a pro like Travis, that’s not an issue. But focusing on the mission becomes his greatest challenge as Kiera’s exposure threatens to unravel all his best-laid plans."
Excellent job building suspense and keeping me interested.
Excellent job building suspense and keeping me interested.
October 14, 2019
Be prepared to learn a few things. Its well written and it has flow. It has alot of action and truth to it. What Kiera goes thru no one should. I like Travis for as a Marshal he's good. The characters are believable and realistic. The story is fast paced and has romance blended in. I like the epilogue for it shows time passing and love growing. Which is life. I look forward to the next in this series. J
August 18, 2019
This book hooked me from the beginning. Full of action, intrigue, and romance. Great storyline and wonderful character development. Kiera and Travis have great chemistry. I received a copy and I am giving my honest review.
August 7, 2019
A definite suspenseful story Kiera, who’s an RN needs police protection. The Marshall ends up with this job. Totally intriguing. Don’t miss out once it’s released.
September 3, 2019
The book has great characters. I loved the spunk on the female lead. You never know what to expect from her. Enjoy
July 23, 2020
The initial action was riveting but as things progressed the storyline became repetitive. The romance felt rushed.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews