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Hometown Heroes #1
Protective Custody
A cop burned by love falls for a key witness in a crime implicating the town’s rich and powerful.
Lifestyle magazine editor Heather McAlister was in the wrong place at the wrong time. What she saw sends her faith and life into a tailspin. As a key witness in a crime shaking the town’s power brokers, doing the right thing may cost her everything. Including her life.
Detective Kyle Taylor is in the midst of solving the town’s worst crime spree, a case that cold make or break his career, when the woman he thinks he might have a future with witnesses a gang initiation gone wrong before they can finish their first date. He has spent his entire adult life protecting his hometown. Now he’s protecting a woman he’ll risk everything to save.
With more than their future at risk, they must discern betrayal from trust, image from truth while avoiding a danger closer than they think.
Lifestyle magazine editor Heather McAlister was in the wrong place at the wrong time. What she saw sends her faith and life into a tailspin. As a key witness in a crime shaking the town’s power brokers, doing the right thing may cost her everything. Including her life.
Detective Kyle Taylor is in the midst of solving the town’s worst crime spree, a case that cold make or break his career, when the woman he thinks he might have a future with witnesses a gang initiation gone wrong before they can finish their first date. He has spent his entire adult life protecting his hometown. Now he’s protecting a woman he’ll risk everything to save.
With more than their future at risk, they must discern betrayal from trust, image from truth while avoiding a danger closer than they think.
422 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2022
399 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 10, 2017
When Kyle first saw Heather he felt like he had to meet her. When she agreed to go out with him, they never expected their lives would change. Kyles friends and co-workers are all very special people. They are always ready to help protect Heather. Justin is a good kid who gets messed up with the wrong crowd. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this whole story. I had the honor to review this book for a honest review. The review is my honest thoughts and reaction to this book. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if it was possible.
January 15, 2018
Clean romantic suspense with chemistry
His is the second book I’ve read by this author. I look forward to more. This is not to be confused with a mystery—it reads like a movie with fast paced suspense and slower character development scenes sandwiched between the action. It’s clear who the bad guys are and what they’re up to the whole time, but seeing how everything unfolds is still thrilling. Her characters, including the supporting roles, are well developed and add something to the story. I look forward to book two in the series!
His is the second book I’ve read by this author. I look forward to more. This is not to be confused with a mystery—it reads like a movie with fast paced suspense and slower character development scenes sandwiched between the action. It’s clear who the bad guys are and what they’re up to the whole time, but seeing how everything unfolds is still thrilling. Her characters, including the supporting roles, are well developed and add something to the story. I look forward to book two in the series!
May 2, 2020
Detective Kyle Taylor investigates an unsolvable crime spree. Heather McAlister, a magazine editor, becomes a key witness in a murder, then goes into protective custody.
The question, can Kyle protect Heather, dominates the book. Tension keeps the pages turning and the interest high. It's a journey of love, making it a warm and exciting story. It's a story of ordinary people in extraordinary situations. And... it's a revelation of an incredible God.
Great cast of characters: Kyle - cop, Heather - protected, Monica West - reporter, Quinn Morgan - Heather's x-boyfriend, Lisa, Joe, and Sarah. And ... the Bedroom Robber. Each was unique and interesting. Christianity was displayed. Prayers were prayed.
Great plot. Fire, shots fired, questions generated.
Favorite line: "Maybe we try to change our behavior when we really need to change our thinking."
I loved this story, and I look forward to the next one in this series.
The question, can Kyle protect Heather, dominates the book. Tension keeps the pages turning and the interest high. It's a journey of love, making it a warm and exciting story. It's a story of ordinary people in extraordinary situations. And... it's a revelation of an incredible God.
Great cast of characters: Kyle - cop, Heather - protected, Monica West - reporter, Quinn Morgan - Heather's x-boyfriend, Lisa, Joe, and Sarah. And ... the Bedroom Robber. Each was unique and interesting. Christianity was displayed. Prayers were prayed.
Great plot. Fire, shots fired, questions generated.
Favorite line: "Maybe we try to change our behavior when we really need to change our thinking."
I loved this story, and I look forward to the next one in this series.
February 16, 2017
Protective Custody: Hometown Heroes: Book 1, written by Jennifer Vander Klipp, is the second book I've read by this author. Wow! What a read and so glad I chose to check it out...So worth it!
We start out the book with Kyle Taylor, a police detective, bringing coffee to his friend at church and meeting Heather McAlister, a magazine editor & praise team member, and getting thrown together for a lunch. Initially, we're wondering what is going on because she seems to have a stalker of an ex that is always around...is this what the story is going to be about?! Then she agrees to go to get some coffee later with Kyle and just happens to witness a terrible crime take place. Because of the gravity of the crime, she's placed under police protection and her life is turned upside down.
Vander Klipp takes us on an exciting ride with mystery and suspense at every turn of the page. I truly didn't want to put the book down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next! Throughout the book, the author took us to thought provoking moments that the reader can relate to in everyday life. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Do bad situations mean that one is lacking in faith or does it help to just increase the faith of those enduring that struggle to see that through faith you can have peace and joy in the midst of struggle?
I thoroughly enjoyed each page of this book! I would recommend this book for anyone who likes suspense, mystery, faith-building stories, and I think it would be appropriate for older teens on up.
We start out the book with Kyle Taylor, a police detective, bringing coffee to his friend at church and meeting Heather McAlister, a magazine editor & praise team member, and getting thrown together for a lunch. Initially, we're wondering what is going on because she seems to have a stalker of an ex that is always around...is this what the story is going to be about?! Then she agrees to go to get some coffee later with Kyle and just happens to witness a terrible crime take place. Because of the gravity of the crime, she's placed under police protection and her life is turned upside down.
Vander Klipp takes us on an exciting ride with mystery and suspense at every turn of the page. I truly didn't want to put the book down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next! Throughout the book, the author took us to thought provoking moments that the reader can relate to in everyday life. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Do bad situations mean that one is lacking in faith or does it help to just increase the faith of those enduring that struggle to see that through faith you can have peace and joy in the midst of struggle?
I thoroughly enjoyed each page of this book! I would recommend this book for anyone who likes suspense, mystery, faith-building stories, and I think it would be appropriate for older teens on up.
January 31, 2019
Protective Custody is the first installment from the Hometown Heroes series by Jennifer Crosswhite. I enjoyed her prequel of the series, Promise Me, and this one does not disappoint. I loved this book. The mystery and suspense that surrounds Heather and Kyle kept me fascinated and not want to put it down until I was finished in one sitting.
Protective Custody gets four and a half stars from me. Looking forward to the second book in the Hometown Heroes series, Flash Point.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own hones opinion.
Protective Custody gets four and a half stars from me. Looking forward to the second book in the Hometown Heroes series, Flash Point.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own hones opinion.
February 8, 2017
Protective Custody is a book that really captures your attention from page one and keeps you engaged until the end of the book. It is fast paced but has a tender romance that touches your heart as well.
Heather McAlister works for a magazine but also sings in the choir at her church. She is being pursued by her ex fiance who wants to get back together. Heather has no interest in that.
Kyle Taylor is a detective who sees Heather and wants to ask her out. Heather agrees to go out with Kyle and things are going well on their date. They stop off at a diner/coffee shop and a crime takes place. Heather is a witness to the crime. She is also hurt as she flies through the window. Kyle's need to protect her draws him closer to her. They find evidence that she has been targeted by a gang called Seventeen. The police decide to put Heather in protective custody. In order for protective custody to be effective you are essentially taken away from your home, your job and your social group. As Kyle works to protect her, their romance blossoms. Kyle is working to solve a series of crimes and keep Heather safe.
The leader of the gang is becoming desperate to find Heather. The teens he is recruiting to his gang are connected to wealthy families and are the kids no one suspects. As Kyle and the rest of the police department work to solve the case, things get more and more dangerous for Heather and for Kyle. The frustration of being separated from Heather's typical life becomes difficult as well. But Kyle and Heather have a strong faith and they begin to rely on that to keep them grounded through the difficult time. It also helps their relationship to stay on track.
This is a great Christian fiction/suspense/romance/action book. I just loved it and cannot say enough good things about it. This is my second novel from Vander Klipp and I continue to be impressed with her writing.
Heather McAlister works for a magazine but also sings in the choir at her church. She is being pursued by her ex fiance who wants to get back together. Heather has no interest in that.
Kyle Taylor is a detective who sees Heather and wants to ask her out. Heather agrees to go out with Kyle and things are going well on their date. They stop off at a diner/coffee shop and a crime takes place. Heather is a witness to the crime. She is also hurt as she flies through the window. Kyle's need to protect her draws him closer to her. They find evidence that she has been targeted by a gang called Seventeen. The police decide to put Heather in protective custody. In order for protective custody to be effective you are essentially taken away from your home, your job and your social group. As Kyle works to protect her, their romance blossoms. Kyle is working to solve a series of crimes and keep Heather safe.
The leader of the gang is becoming desperate to find Heather. The teens he is recruiting to his gang are connected to wealthy families and are the kids no one suspects. As Kyle and the rest of the police department work to solve the case, things get more and more dangerous for Heather and for Kyle. The frustration of being separated from Heather's typical life becomes difficult as well. But Kyle and Heather have a strong faith and they begin to rely on that to keep them grounded through the difficult time. It also helps their relationship to stay on track.
This is a great Christian fiction/suspense/romance/action book. I just loved it and cannot say enough good things about it. This is my second novel from Vander Klipp and I continue to be impressed with her writing.
September 19, 2019
A great read
What engaged me in the story:
• The premise of gang recruitment and initiation of teens alienated from their rich parents.
• Heather and Kyle had to start their dating relationship under threats from the Seventeener Gang and Heather's ex-boyfriend.
• The resilience of Heather was a great example of building faith.
• The fun banter between Heather and Kyle.
• Heather and Kyle were characters that you wanted to discover more about as you read this story.
• The minor players in this story added depth to the storyline.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• There were no major editing problems and the story flowed smoothly.
• The pacing of this story was good. It was not too fast nor too slow.
• I liked the action and suspense of the story.
• I like it when an author has the main characters use their brains and do not have them make ridiculous mistakes to drive the action of the story.
• The author presented a well-crafted enjoyable story. It kept my interest from the beginning until the end.
• This is a religious book asking why God does not always intervene during times of trouble? Why does evil exist?
• This was a clean read.
I recommend this book. I have read several by this author and have enjoyed each one of them.
What engaged me in the story:
• The premise of gang recruitment and initiation of teens alienated from their rich parents.
• Heather and Kyle had to start their dating relationship under threats from the Seventeener Gang and Heather's ex-boyfriend.
• The resilience of Heather was a great example of building faith.
• The fun banter between Heather and Kyle.
• Heather and Kyle were characters that you wanted to discover more about as you read this story.
• The minor players in this story added depth to the storyline.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• There were no major editing problems and the story flowed smoothly.
• The pacing of this story was good. It was not too fast nor too slow.
• I liked the action and suspense of the story.
• I like it when an author has the main characters use their brains and do not have them make ridiculous mistakes to drive the action of the story.
• The author presented a well-crafted enjoyable story. It kept my interest from the beginning until the end.
• This is a religious book asking why God does not always intervene during times of trouble? Why does evil exist?
• This was a clean read.
I recommend this book. I have read several by this author and have enjoyed each one of them.
March 16, 2017
Protective Custody by Jennifer Vander Klipp
Kyle Taylor is a police detective who meets Heather McAlister at his church. Kyle and Heather hit it off and meet up for a date. As the date takes place, a terrible crime is witnessed by her. Heather is placed in protective custody.
Jennifer takes us on a heart pounding journey from the moment the crime happens to the pulse pounding ending! This is a story full of twists and turns, that all mystery and suspense readers will love!
This book had many aspects of faith interwoven in its pages. It will make the reader question and relate to their own circumstances of everyday life.
I highly recommend this book for anyone that is Christian and non-Christian alike to read this heart pounding book. Add this book to your must-read list!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Kyle Taylor is a police detective who meets Heather McAlister at his church. Kyle and Heather hit it off and meet up for a date. As the date takes place, a terrible crime is witnessed by her. Heather is placed in protective custody.
Jennifer takes us on a heart pounding journey from the moment the crime happens to the pulse pounding ending! This is a story full of twists and turns, that all mystery and suspense readers will love!
This book had many aspects of faith interwoven in its pages. It will make the reader question and relate to their own circumstances of everyday life.
I highly recommend this book for anyone that is Christian and non-Christian alike to read this heart pounding book. Add this book to your must-read list!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 12, 2019
Why Me Lord?
Finally Heather and Kyle were going on an actual date. Between their jobs which didn’t always end at 5:00 P.M. every day like most normal people’s jobs. After a great time at dinner, except for running into Quinn, they went to their favorite place for dessert. Just as they were about to leave, a lone guy came inside for coffee. Heather couldn’t help but notice that he was covered with tattoos. Then a couple of teenage boys came in for something or other. They were just studying the overhead Menu. Kyle had gone to the Men’s room, but Heather felt like something was off. The next moment a shot sounded and chaos erupted instantly. Next moment Heather’s body went flying through the front glass front of the store onto the cement side walk. Her arm was bleeding as well as her head. She was transported to the hospital. Even worse, she was the only witness to see the kid who killed the clerk. No, no, no!
Why would God allow this to happen to her? She tried to live for Him. Maybe you’re asking the same question about something else entirely.
Finally Heather and Kyle were going on an actual date. Between their jobs which didn’t always end at 5:00 P.M. every day like most normal people’s jobs. After a great time at dinner, except for running into Quinn, they went to their favorite place for dessert. Just as they were about to leave, a lone guy came inside for coffee. Heather couldn’t help but notice that he was covered with tattoos. Then a couple of teenage boys came in for something or other. They were just studying the overhead Menu. Kyle had gone to the Men’s room, but Heather felt like something was off. The next moment a shot sounded and chaos erupted instantly. Next moment Heather’s body went flying through the front glass front of the store onto the cement side walk. Her arm was bleeding as well as her head. She was transported to the hospital. Even worse, she was the only witness to see the kid who killed the clerk. No, no, no!
Why would God allow this to happen to her? She tried to live for Him. Maybe you’re asking the same question about something else entirely.
November 21, 2017
Excellent suspense, great characters and a fantastic love story! Heather and Kyle meet at church, introduced by a mutual friend. She is a witness to a shooting and he’s the cop who needs to protect her. He just didn’t figure on her stealing his heart. What I really enjoyed about this book was the fact that you got to see the story from various viewpoints - not just the main characters but some of the supporting ones too. Teenagers, step mums, friends and co workers all played a part in making this a riveting story.
A brilliant start to a new series which introduces you to the three men - Kyle, Joe and Scott - who are real hometown heroes. Joes story is next up and I’m looking forward to it already.
A brilliant start to a new series which introduces you to the three men - Kyle, Joe and Scott - who are real hometown heroes. Joes story is next up and I’m looking forward to it already.
September 28, 2019
This was a hefty book about a PD detective Kyle and a choir member from his church, Heather, who on their first date are involved in a robbery/murder. She is also shot at but saves herself by jumping through a shot-out window to wind up as a protected witness. This was a good story with a great plot. Although it got rather slow in places, it was refreshing to read a Christian book that wasn't riddled with sex scenes. I will be reading more of this author expecting the mystery, thrills, and life lessons in other books!
August 4, 2019
I really liked this suspense story. The characters were likeable and I could relate to them. I also liked that the romance wasn't filled with conflict. There were questions, but they decided that they were going to work toward a relationship rather than fighting it.
There was a lot of action and tension in the story as far as the suspense went, and I like that too. The story just kept moving and I kept moving with it!
This is a clean read. Thank you, Jennifer!
There was a lot of action and tension in the story as far as the suspense went, and I like that too. The story just kept moving and I kept moving with it!
This is a clean read. Thank you, Jennifer!
May 28, 2020
I've just finished Protective Custody. I liked that this book had a definite Christian message and that the protagonists where involved in their local church. Personally, I was disappointed in one aspect. As a romance there was a lot of kissing, hugging, etc from the beginning of the relationship, even when neither one even knew if they loved the other one. It was a nice story, however.
July 16, 2020
Kyle and Heather are refreshing to read about. I was so happy to find a novel that had such a good story. Kyle and Heather put God first even with all the trouble around them. This is the first in the Hometown Heroes series. I am looking so forward to reading the prequel and the other two books in the series
August 26, 2019
WOW!!!!!!!
What an amazing book. It had lots of intriqu e and mystery and action, which I l love, and a lot of faith and trust in God, which is absolutely necessary in today's world. I can't wait to read the next book in this series
What an amazing book. It had lots of intriqu e and mystery and action, which I l love, and a lot of faith and trust in God, which is absolutely necessary in today's world. I can't wait to read the next book in this series
March 1, 2017
Interesting light mystery and love story. Very enjoyable read.
November 5, 2017
Good book
Absolutely loved it. Fast paced and kept me guessing concerning the outcome. I highly recommend it to all who like a good mystery or suspense.
Absolutely loved it. Fast paced and kept me guessing concerning the outcome. I highly recommend it to all who like a good mystery or suspense.
March 17, 2018
Many eyes make good reading
So wonderful to read a well-written book without grammatical errors. And a real Christian message, moot just a nod to religion.
So wonderful to read a well-written book without grammatical errors. And a real Christian message, moot just a nod to religion.
January 18, 2019
Very good
This was a very good story and I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This was a very good story and I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 26, 2019
Great holiday escape
Read this book while traveling during Christmas holidays. It was a wonderful escape and I quickly got the next book in the series.
Read this book while traveling during Christmas holidays. It was a wonderful escape and I quickly got the next book in the series.
April 19, 2019
This was another great story in this series. I had a hard time putting it down. I love books that have continue over characters and this was no disappointment. While I'm sad to be finished, I can't wait to pick up the next one. I am a big fan of the faith centered suspense!
March 6, 2017
Funny, great characters, twisting plot and a wonderful reminder to trust God and let go. This book is entertaining and surprising.
Received this book from the author for our honest review.
Received this book from the author for our honest review.
December 8, 2023
Something about the book's description sounded interesting, and I couldn't find the book (online) in my local library, but I did find the "Hometown Heroes: The Complete Collection" that included this story, though not in either audiobook or Kindle format. I didn't finish this story (the second of four, including the 0.5 prequel) before my loan expired, but the story didn't start off very engaging, and was kind of ho-hum up to the point that the Starting off, the book was not very engaging, and it never really hooked me before the book expired and disappeared from my tablet. I suppose part of the reason I didn't get farther into the book was because in wasn't especially interesting, so I was not very motivated to make time to sit down and read it. I'm not excited enough about it to check it out again and continue the book or the series.
As for the writing, I was surprised to find a number of grammatical/usage errors (in the narration, not evaluating dialog), and some of the sentences didn't make sense to me on the first read (finally, by the third read, I got what the author was saying). The story didn't flow very well for me.
As for the writing, I was surprised to find a number of grammatical/usage errors (in the narration, not evaluating dialog), and some of the sentences didn't make sense to me on the first read (finally, by the third read, I got what the author was saying). The story didn't flow very well for me.
December 12, 2023
Contrary to what I thought after finishing the prequel, there is not an overarching mystery in this series. I was pleased about this information and enjoyed this romantic suspense immensely. While I didn’t feel like it really had connection to the prequel, it was still a very good standalone read. There was a very strong faith element and we got to see various aspects of our characters lives at home and at work along with perspectives from multiple other characters involved in this story, both good and bad.
December 23, 2023
I couldn’t put this book down!
I was extremely surprised at how quickly this book captured and held my interest and how well written it is. Since this is a new author to me, I just didn’t expect it to be such a great read. On a first date, Heather witnesses a terrible crime while her date Kyle, is away from their table. The fact that he is a policeman is helpful in keeping her safe, but it also creates a challenging way to develop a new relationship.
To add to the complexity, Quin, Heather’s ex-fiancé has arrived back in town.
I was extremely surprised at how quickly this book captured and held my interest and how well written it is. Since this is a new author to me, I just didn’t expect it to be such a great read. On a first date, Heather witnesses a terrible crime while her date Kyle, is away from their table. The fact that he is a policeman is helpful in keeping her safe, but it also creates a challenging way to develop a new relationship.
To add to the complexity, Quin, Heather’s ex-fiancé has arrived back in town.
March 2, 2025
You will love it!
This is the first book I have read by JL Cross white and I loved it. Her characters are real with real struggles. God doesn't call the equipped,He equips those He calls. He prepares us and strengthens us through those fiery trials to better serve Him. This is clearly shown in Protective Custody. Suspense, romance, family struggles, insecurities and more. I love a book that is enjoyable and teaches biblical truth that helps me grow in my walk with the Lord. This book fulfills that objective with flying colors. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
This is the first book I have read by JL Cross white and I loved it. Her characters are real with real struggles. God doesn't call the equipped,He equips those He calls. He prepares us and strengthens us through those fiery trials to better serve Him. This is clearly shown in Protective Custody. Suspense, romance, family struggles, insecurities and more. I love a book that is enjoyable and teaches biblical truth that helps me grow in my walk with the Lord. This book fulfills that objective with flying colors. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
March 16, 2025
An Exciting Ride!
This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last! I was pulled into the story right away and there wasn’t a moment of lag from beginning to end.
The characters were interesting and relatable, even the “bad guys” in the story. I felt compassion and understanding for them, which just shows the talent of the author. I also loved the relationship and chemistry of the two main characters, Heather and Kyle. I love stories with forced proximity, and this one didn’t disappoint!
Looking forward to the next book in this series!
This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last! I was pulled into the story right away and there wasn’t a moment of lag from beginning to end.
The characters were interesting and relatable, even the “bad guys” in the story. I felt compassion and understanding for them, which just shows the talent of the author. I also loved the relationship and chemistry of the two main characters, Heather and Kyle. I love stories with forced proximity, and this one didn’t disappoint!
Looking forward to the next book in this series!
March 23, 2025
Romantic suspense, with biblical truths woven into the story, and real world issues the MCs deal with in a way that has you cheering them one. Great book, looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 25, 2025
Excitement, romance, and faith based
I had trouble putting this book down. Kyle and Heather are normal people who had Jesus as their anchor. This is not the usual Christian romance book. Unexpected events made this book just right for me. I want to find more from this author
I had trouble putting this book down. Kyle and Heather are normal people who had Jesus as their anchor. This is not the usual Christian romance book. Unexpected events made this book just right for me. I want to find more from this author
March 27, 2019
Their idea of protective custody was pretty loose!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews