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Deep in the Heart #5
Texas Protector
A detective forever haunted by the night when he couldn’t save a young girl from trauma—now she’s a cop herself and he has to send her undercover to lure a murderer
.Discover the third book in New York Times bestselling Texas romance author Jean Brashear's Lone Star Lovers series, this story a unique reunion romance with powerful emotion.
FBI agent Alex Sandoval has never forgiven himself for not protecting a young girl who was gravely injured and her mother killed before her eyes during his first hostage negotiation twelve years ago. Now Jade Butler is a cop herself, assigned to a prestigious multi-agency task force hunting for the killer of several young girls in Austin, Texas—and Alex is the agent in charge of the case.
They never met all those years ago, but Jade recognizes his voice as the one she still hears in her dreams, the voice that has comforted her through many a terrifying flashback. Her role on the task force is undercover, serving as bait for a madman, yet Alex cannot stop trying to protect her as he was unable to do years ago. Tensions ratchet between them as old memories vie with a powerful new attraction, and when Jade is taken hostage by the killer, it’s Alex’s worst nightmare as he must negotiate once again—only this time, it’s to save the woman he loves.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2004
62 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Jean Brashear
147 books239 followersA letter to Rod Stewart resulting in a Cinderella birthday for her daughter sowed the seeds of New York Times and USAToday bestselling author Jean Brashear's writing career. A lifelong avid reader, at the age of forty-five with no experience and no training, she decided to see if she could write a book. It was a wild leap that turned her whole life upside down, but she would tell you that though she's never been more terrified, she's never felt more exhilarated or more alive. She's an ardent proponent of not putting off your dreams until that elusive 'someday'—take that leap now.
Over fifty published novels later, the five-time RITA finalist and RTBookReviews Career Achievement Award winner has accumulated a whole passel of war stories to swap and loves nothing better than talking writing and books with readers and fellow writers.
And she'd still take that leap, war wounds and all.
Over fifty published novels later, the five-time RITA finalist and RTBookReviews Career Achievement Award winner has accumulated a whole passel of war stories to swap and loves nothing better than talking writing and books with readers and fellow writers.
And she'd still take that leap, war wounds and all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 22, 2018
Amazing romance book about 2 agents one whom rescued Delilah in the past from a crazy gunman which led to her career in this field also years later. Jesse still sees Delilah as the child she was and not the woman she has become and is very over protective of her while delilah is desperate to prove she can do her job despite her past while working under cover the romance blooms and he learns to love the woman she has become .... and they all live happily ever after :) one of my favourite romance books this and her hometown hero by margret daley yet this one is more crime/lust and romance perfect combo
November 30, 2017
The Best Time!
A great story,. I read it without stopping. I became invested in Alex and Jade outcome even though I knew it would end well! I look forward to stepping into the lives of the Sandoval's and Sullivans in the future. Love the male images of both Alex and Rafe, my image of what men should be. Thanks I really enjoy characters you can't forget.
A great story,. I read it without stopping. I became invested in Alex and Jade outcome even though I knew it would end well! I look forward to stepping into the lives of the Sandoval's and Sullivans in the future. Love the male images of both Alex and Rafe, my image of what men should be. Thanks I really enjoy characters you can't forget.
December 13, 2019
The little girl he once rescued as a child who seen her mothers death walks into the station as an officer and a grown woman he cant believe its her and still feels protective of her and sees her as the vulnerable girl she was and not the woman she has become that night changed both of their lives and was what lead her to this.
Amazing sexy romance book really enjoyed it <3
Amazing sexy romance book really enjoyed it <3
December 9, 2023
4.5*. Twelve years after their first traumatic meeting, Alex and Jade find themselves working together. Jade has always hero worshipped the man who saved her life but is not amused to find that he still sees her a fifteen year old in need of protection. Sparks fly between them but anger is not the only emotion….
October 7, 2024
A wonderful story of what if’s and maybe’s!!!
February 15, 2017
He still sees her as the child she was and not the woman she has become. Such an awesome, romantic crime book thats very short and wont take long to read.
January 27, 2025
I listened to the Audiobook and thought Eric G. Dove did a great job. I honestly liked the narration more than the book. No, not more than the book, just more than Jade. I would give this 3.5 stars.
I found her to be so irritating at times. I understand how you have to assert yourself in a male dominated field. Jade was so focused on proving herself and Alex was so focused on feeling guilty that they couldn't see the forest for the trees.
I think what irritated me about Jade was her defensiveness. Alex's issue with their past, and her age got to be a bit much also.
The actual story was pretty interesting. The culprit was no great mystery, but that didn't take away from the story. There was mystery, suspense, some action, romance, and a couple of steamy scenes. Jade gets the things she has missed most in life. Alex and Jade get their HEA.
I voluntarily listened to and reviewed this Audiobook received from the author.
I found her to be so irritating at times. I understand how you have to assert yourself in a male dominated field. Jade was so focused on proving herself and Alex was so focused on feeling guilty that they couldn't see the forest for the trees.
I think what irritated me about Jade was her defensiveness. Alex's issue with their past, and her age got to be a bit much also.
The actual story was pretty interesting. The culprit was no great mystery, but that didn't take away from the story. There was mystery, suspense, some action, romance, and a couple of steamy scenes. Jade gets the things she has missed most in life. Alex and Jade get their HEA.
I voluntarily listened to and reviewed this Audiobook received from the author.
October 12, 2019
This standalone audiobook is a wonderful suspense romance story.
PBI Agent Alex Sandoval met fifteen year old Jade Butler during a stand off while she and her mother were held hostage. Her Mom died and Jade, ever grateful to the man that saved her, though he thinks otherwise, was whisked away.
Twelve years later they meet again. She is now a respected cop in Austin, working in the same mission as Alex. Feelings erupt and when danger comes and Jade is kidnapped by a killer, it might be too late for them.
This was an action packed story, filled with suspense and whodunit. Add romance , and you have a winner.
Kudos to the narrator, Eric G. Dove, for his delivery and bringing the story to life.
PBI Agent Alex Sandoval met fifteen year old Jade Butler during a stand off while she and her mother were held hostage. Her Mom died and Jade, ever grateful to the man that saved her, though he thinks otherwise, was whisked away.
Twelve years later they meet again. She is now a respected cop in Austin, working in the same mission as Alex. Feelings erupt and when danger comes and Jade is kidnapped by a killer, it might be too late for them.
This was an action packed story, filled with suspense and whodunit. Add romance , and you have a winner.
Kudos to the narrator, Eric G. Dove, for his delivery and bringing the story to life.
April 7, 2018
Alex Sandoval is an FBI negotiator. The first time he did it solo, he lost the mother of a child. He never forgot. Now Jade Butler, the child he saved is in his orbit. Both are aware of each other but for different reasons. His voice is the one that gets her through everything. Now they are tip toeing around each other. He wants her off the team and she is ready to prove she is capable. Then she dresses to go undercover and every man perks up. Jealousy is not something Alex thought he was capable of but the little green monster has bitten. This time he will protect her. I love these Sandoval brothers and the entire family. The epilogue is my favorite part.
July 25, 2020
Of the Lone Star Lovers Boxed Set 1-3 Texas Protector was my favorite. It gave me everything I like in a book suspense and a strong woman. My attention was grabbed in the prologue, it gave me a little insight into Alex. I meet Alex in previous books and found him to be a jerk, now I understand a little better. I loved Jade how she fought to overcome her past and become a strong women. Alex was not likable at all even though I know why he is like he is. I can say he redeems himself. I figured out who the villain was the minute we meet the person. Texas Protector kept me on the edge of my seat.
December 18, 2018
Read this as a box set.
Read this series and loved every story.
Raina and Liam’s story was great. She was so proud when life had knocked her down and she knew she had to help herself. Liam wormed his way in and showed her that there is people out there that are real.
Rafe and Diana’s story was awesome too in that Rafe showed her that plans are not set in concrete and can be changed and made better.
Alex and Jades story was a great read in how he battled in ways to protect her when all she needed was love.
Narration was awesome too.
Read this series and loved every story.
Raina and Liam’s story was great. She was so proud when life had knocked her down and she knew she had to help herself. Liam wormed his way in and showed her that there is people out there that are real.
Rafe and Diana’s story was awesome too in that Rafe showed her that plans are not set in concrete and can be changed and made better.
Alex and Jades story was a great read in how he battled in ways to protect her when all she needed was love.
Narration was awesome too.
May 4, 2021
Another great story from Ms Brashear
There is a blend of romance & suspense with unforgettable characters you can't help but fall in love with.
Highly recommend
Merged review:
Another great story from Ms Brashear
There is a blend of romance & suspense with unforgettable characters you can't help but fall in love with.
Highly recommend
There is a blend of romance & suspense with unforgettable characters you can't help but fall in love with.
Highly recommend
Merged review:
Another great story from Ms Brashear
There is a blend of romance & suspense with unforgettable characters you can't help but fall in love with.
Highly recommend
July 13, 2022
Another fantastic book in this series!
Alex and Jade, the steam rolls off the pages, not quite clean but far from x-rated. Wonderful characters and storyline kept me riveted to the pages. Can be read as a stand alone but having started these in the proper order, I'm glad I did it this way. So far, each in the series has been excellent!
Alex and Jade, the steam rolls off the pages, not quite clean but far from x-rated. Wonderful characters and storyline kept me riveted to the pages. Can be read as a stand alone but having started these in the proper order, I'm glad I did it this way. So far, each in the series has been excellent!
December 24, 2012
Found this at my local train station on the charity shelf. Bette than the normal Mills and Boon but with some of the standard stereotypes we come to expect. Story was actually ok! Serial killer and the like. Definitely one to read in front of the fire, but not worth buying if you catch ny drift...
April 21, 2018
Alex Sandoval, FBI, saves 15 yr old Jade Butler who sees her mother murdered by the man holding Jade captive. 12 or so years later, Jade is a police detective and meets Alex on a crime special force.
November 22, 2019
Alex and Jade have a history. Alex is also overprotective and tries to fight his new attraction to Jade. Both act immature and avoid speaking about their issues. I always enjoy the narrator, Eric G. Dove.
October 1, 2011
A great love story with suspense. This book was a RITA award finalist and it richly deserved it.
October 23, 2012
So good! Jean is so good at emotions, you feel part of the book
July 27, 2014
Very nice read from a reliably strong author.
October 3, 2016
Absolutely outstanding. Another fantastic story in this amazing series. Jean Brashear is just the best.
November 7, 2016
Enjoyed the suspense and romance in this book. Great ending to the series.
November 9, 2016
I've read all the Texas hero books. This was the best one.
November 10, 2016
This is a better-than-excellent series. I highly recommend it. It has great characters, plots and people you want to know. I am glad I own them, as they will be reread over and over.
December 15, 2016
Beautiful love story !
May 16, 2017
Texas Protector is the third exciting romantic suspense book in the Lone Star Lovers series written by author Jean Brashear.
November 16, 2017
Cute story but saw how it would come down to almost the same predicament and both blaming themselves, but glad they're together.
December 10, 2017
Another good story, the third about a trio of brothers.
February 16, 2018
Book three kept up the great storyline of this group of people. An unorthodox family who make it work. Well done.
July 9, 2019
Great romance and suspense in this story. I read this in the Lone Star Lovers trilogy from bookfunnel
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews