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One lie brings them together. The truth could tear them apart.
Desperate to prove herself, Kayleigh Kingston will do anything to keep her job at Beacon Art Gallery. When her boss gives her an ultimatum—retrieve an artifact and escort it back to New York safely, she’s determined to do whatever it takes to succeed.
Thaddeus Tru hates lies, but his love of justice outweighs it. His newest assignment? Get cozy with a woman who’s smuggling relics and willing to murder if it means keeping her freedom. Sounds cut and dry—until he meets her.
The lie becomes a tangled web when feelings begin to pull Tru and Kayleigh closer together. Once the truth is out, will the deception wither all hope for love, or will it be strong enough to build a future together?
Desperate to prove herself, Kayleigh Kingston will do anything to keep her job at Beacon Art Gallery. When her boss gives her an ultimatum—retrieve an artifact and escort it back to New York safely, she’s determined to do whatever it takes to succeed.
Thaddeus Tru hates lies, but his love of justice outweighs it. His newest assignment? Get cozy with a woman who’s smuggling relics and willing to murder if it means keeping her freedom. Sounds cut and dry—until he meets her.
The lie becomes a tangled web when feelings begin to pull Tru and Kayleigh closer together. Once the truth is out, will the deception wither all hope for love, or will it be strong enough to build a future together?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2021
285 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
April 29, 2024
I enjoyed this one for the most part, although I did think it was a bit odd especially on Tru's end that he could go from the reminder of "hey, the intel says this woman is a killer" back to "wow, she's so amazing" like a flip of a switch. I get the trusting his gut to some extent, and knowing the plot, it was obvious she was sweet and genuine and innocent. But the fact that he not only wasn't worried about it but proceeded to fall pretty deeply in love with her before there was any proof of that gut feeling just struck me as odd. And on the other side, I understand why Kayleigh felt betrayed and confused at first, but it took longer than I expected for her to get over it once she realized what had been going on on his end. (I mean, thinking you're a killer is a pretty good reason for him to lie to you, no??? Why did it take more than that for you to understand?) Also, I couldn't tell where Noah and Mia's backstory came from--this is book one, and there's no prequel--did I stumble into a series connected to a different book again? I have no idea, but it was a lot of backstory to play into this one that I felt like I had missed. But aside from those issues, and some kissing that was slightly more descriptive than I like, I did enjoy the story, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. There was plenty of excitement and danger, and I loved Tru's protectiveness, as well as the way Kayleigh stepped up when he was out of the action. Really, really loved those scenes! <3
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
November 9, 2023
This romantic suspense had a cute beginning. I like how Tru despite his job kept his head & mind true. Kay was cute, frustrating but resourceful instead of helpless. The plot has an easy flow to it & was enjoyable.
May 7, 2024
Listen my heart says 2 stars because this didn't work for me at all, but it's probably a "it's me not you" situation so 3 stars it is.
Spoilers. (and also some unfiltered mean thoughts - so this is mor for my own memory than a review to convince anyone to read or not read)
Tru is investigating Kayleigh who is suspected of multiple murders and theft but on meeting her his instincts tell him she's being framed. Kayleigh on her hand is just trying to not be fired from her job as she's on her last chance following a string of absent-minded related incidents.
I can summarise my lack of satisfaction in two words, which should make this review nicely brief: tensionless and trite.
With the plot points of art theft, murder investigations, memory blackouts and gangs and cartels, the tension should have been dripping from this book. Yet I felt nothing. There were zero stakes in this which I think is a little ridiculous considering the plot premise. At no point did I feel like any of the characters were in danger, instead we were kind of just rolling through the motions.
The exact same thing can be said about the romance. It was equal parts boring and cringey, all at once. I can't quite wrap my head around it because the ingredients were there but it didn't come together for me. Kayleigh and Tru do have deep conversations but I was never convinced of their connection. There was plenty of flirting and kisses but I felt zero sparks. There was a lot of, "oh you like X, well I too like X, we must be soulmates because of all of these common interests" which is where the cringe comes into. Even Tru wondering what the result will be when Kayleigh finds out he's been lying to her, still didn't make me invested in this couple or this story.
There's really not much more I can say - this didn't work for me at all.
Spoilers. (and also some unfiltered mean thoughts - so this is mor for my own memory than a review to convince anyone to read or not read)
Tru is investigating Kayleigh who is suspected of multiple murders and theft but on meeting her his instincts tell him she's being framed. Kayleigh on her hand is just trying to not be fired from her job as she's on her last chance following a string of absent-minded related incidents.
I can summarise my lack of satisfaction in two words, which should make this review nicely brief: tensionless and trite.
With the plot points of art theft, murder investigations, memory blackouts and gangs and cartels, the tension should have been dripping from this book. Yet I felt nothing. There were zero stakes in this which I think is a little ridiculous considering the plot premise. At no point did I feel like any of the characters were in danger, instead we were kind of just rolling through the motions.
The exact same thing can be said about the romance. It was equal parts boring and cringey, all at once. I can't quite wrap my head around it because the ingredients were there but it didn't come together for me. Kayleigh and Tru do have deep conversations but I was never convinced of their connection. There was plenty of flirting and kisses but I felt zero sparks. There was a lot of, "oh you like X, well I too like X, we must be soulmates because of all of these common interests" which is where the cringe comes into. Even Tru wondering what the result will be when Kayleigh finds out he's been lying to her, still didn't make me invested in this couple or this story.
There's really not much more I can say - this didn't work for me at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2021
Tru by Bree Livingston 5 stars
*warning: this review is full of spoilers
Tru is the title character of the book and he’s pretty amazing: a good guy, patient and tough, but vulnerable, too. He’s ex-military and works with Guardian group to protect the innocent...what’s not to like? He takes a bullet for our heroine, so he’s courageous, as well.
It was interesting to watch the character arc of our intrepid and, at first, insecure heroine, Kayleigh. Her boss London had done a real job on her and actually was in the process of setting her up to be the fall-guy for her company’s illegal operations.
Kayleigh gained confidence bit by bit until she saved the hero! I loved that Kayleigh got to be a hero, too, not just the damsel in distress! She drove all over Mexico evading the bad guys, she treated Tru’s wounds, she kept evading bad guys with Tru basically passed out, then she got to physically take down London. To top it all off, she got to join the Guardian Group! I loved it!
A fun and romantic book with great kissing scenes, but clean romance all the way!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
*warning: this review is full of spoilers
Tru is the title character of the book and he’s pretty amazing: a good guy, patient and tough, but vulnerable, too. He’s ex-military and works with Guardian group to protect the innocent...what’s not to like? He takes a bullet for our heroine, so he’s courageous, as well.
It was interesting to watch the character arc of our intrepid and, at first, insecure heroine, Kayleigh. Her boss London had done a real job on her and actually was in the process of setting her up to be the fall-guy for her company’s illegal operations.
Kayleigh gained confidence bit by bit until she saved the hero! I loved that Kayleigh got to be a hero, too, not just the damsel in distress! She drove all over Mexico evading the bad guys, she treated Tru’s wounds, she kept evading bad guys with Tru basically passed out, then she got to physically take down London. To top it all off, she got to join the Guardian Group! I loved it!
A fun and romantic book with great kissing scenes, but clean romance all the way!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
January 6, 2022
I loved this adventure! Should be a movie!
I thoroughly loved this book! It was so exciting and I didn’t know what was going to happen next. I had intended to only read a couple chapters but then I couldn’t put it down. It was so hard to stop reading for the night. This book was an adventure, a mystery, and romance. I love that it was clean yet still had enough suspense and tension to keep me swooning and on the edge of my chair in anticipation if what came next.
Both characters were completely lovable and the one day Insta-love was actually believable. Just really well done. I loved seeing Kaleigh come into her own and be awesome in such difficult situations. Beautiful!
I stumbled on the book by accident on KU and now I’ll be on the look out for the next in the series. This is the kind of book I would love to see in a movie.
Rating: PG, clean, some kisses, gun fire, action
I thoroughly loved this book! It was so exciting and I didn’t know what was going to happen next. I had intended to only read a couple chapters but then I couldn’t put it down. It was so hard to stop reading for the night. This book was an adventure, a mystery, and romance. I love that it was clean yet still had enough suspense and tension to keep me swooning and on the edge of my chair in anticipation if what came next.
Both characters were completely lovable and the one day Insta-love was actually believable. Just really well done. I loved seeing Kaleigh come into her own and be awesome in such difficult situations. Beautiful!
I stumbled on the book by accident on KU and now I’ll be on the look out for the next in the series. This is the kind of book I would love to see in a movie.
Rating: PG, clean, some kisses, gun fire, action
March 4, 2021
Tru: Guardian Group Security
This is a great start to a new series! If the books to come after are as good, we'll be in for a great ride. Tru is tasked with getting close to Kayleigh a woman reported to be an assassin and art thief. However, Tru does not believe the intelligence as soon as he meets her. His team thinks they have good intel and he is told to keep to the plan. As each hour passes he is sure he is correct but keeps going forward. As her boss keeps on Kayleigh's back with threats, Tru continues to play his part even though he is falling in love. As they run from the bad guys, Tru's team continues to dig into the background of the main players. Can they get through all the trouble and roadblocks set up for them before being found and killed and will Kayleigh ever forgive the lies that Tru had to tell her?
This is a great start to a new series! If the books to come after are as good, we'll be in for a great ride. Tru is tasked with getting close to Kayleigh a woman reported to be an assassin and art thief. However, Tru does not believe the intelligence as soon as he meets her. His team thinks they have good intel and he is told to keep to the plan. As each hour passes he is sure he is correct but keeps going forward. As her boss keeps on Kayleigh's back with threats, Tru continues to play his part even though he is falling in love. As they run from the bad guys, Tru's team continues to dig into the background of the main players. Can they get through all the trouble and roadblocks set up for them before being found and killed and will Kayleigh ever forgive the lies that Tru had to tell her?
May 15, 2024
A fast-paced, action-packed bodyguard romance, loved it!
Tru, an ex Marina and presently a security agent of a private firm enlisted to solve crimes is going after a heartless killer masquerading as a ditzy art gallery assistant. Except his gut is screaming at him things feel wrong from the get-go.
I loved this edge-of-the-seat, fast-paced romance, with the stress on the romance part of the story, especially how Kayleigh and Tru bonded and found they were perfect for each other. The art background could have been a bit more fleshed out beyond a few famous artist name drops; and I expected lyrics if not a song from KK after she revealed she was a songwriter, but alas. I can totally see the book series being made into a successful tv series. But more Castle rather than White Collar, tho.
Recommended for lovers of actioney bodyguard romances.
Tru, an ex Marina and presently a security agent of a private firm enlisted to solve crimes is going after a heartless killer masquerading as a ditzy art gallery assistant. Except his gut is screaming at him things feel wrong from the get-go.
I loved this edge-of-the-seat, fast-paced romance, with the stress on the romance part of the story, especially how Kayleigh and Tru bonded and found they were perfect for each other. The art background could have been a bit more fleshed out beyond a few famous artist name drops; and I expected lyrics if not a song from KK after she revealed she was a songwriter, but alas. I can totally see the book series being made into a successful tv series. But more Castle rather than White Collar, tho.
Recommended for lovers of actioney bodyguard romances.
August 13, 2021
Fun adventure!
This was such a fun book! Kayleigh was so adorkable--and, yes, I spelled that with a K on purpose--right from the get-go, and I liked her even more when she mentioned wanting to be like Chuck Bartowski from the TV show "Chuck": an average person helping to save the world. She was smart and resourceful, and I loved it. I also loved how Tru listened to his gut and asked questions, rather than going on blind obedience. He still obeyed his boss's orders, to keep everyone safe and the mission on track, but he also followed his heart. He was kind, considerate, and oh so swoon-worthy. I loved the action and I loved the kisses! Another fantastic book by Bree Livingston!
This is a 100% clean romance: no swearing and no sex.
This was such a fun book! Kayleigh was so adorkable--and, yes, I spelled that with a K on purpose--right from the get-go, and I liked her even more when she mentioned wanting to be like Chuck Bartowski from the TV show "Chuck": an average person helping to save the world. She was smart and resourceful, and I loved it. I also loved how Tru listened to his gut and asked questions, rather than going on blind obedience. He still obeyed his boss's orders, to keep everyone safe and the mission on track, but he also followed his heart. He was kind, considerate, and oh so swoon-worthy. I loved the action and I loved the kisses! Another fantastic book by Bree Livingston!
This is a 100% clean romance: no swearing and no sex.
March 1, 2021
A good clean romance with drama and mystery: Tru, an undercover agent for Guardian Security, has the job of proving Kaleigh of being a murderer and thief, at least that’s what her files says. He’s to get close to her and how much closer can you get then when she spills coffee all of him. After meeting her, he realizes something is off between her and her file. Is she really a murderer and thief? He’s not only doing his job but he’s looking for proof she’s innocent. It gets really complicated with interfering gang members trying to kill them and her boss constantly checking/demeaning her.
I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.
I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.
March 2, 2021
I enjoyed this clean romantic suspense novel. According to her files, Tru, an agent working undercover for Guardian Security, is assigned to prove Kayleigh of being an art thief and murderer. After their initial meeting, Tru's gut tells him that something doesn't add up between her file's information and the person he met. He is determined to stay the course but seeks proof that Kayleigh is not the person outlined in the file and is convinced she is innocent and is determined to clear her name while trying to discover the real killer. This book has a lot of twists and turns that made it impossible to put down. Once again, the author does not disappoint.
October 2, 2022
Kayo with Kingston will prove anything to keep her job at Beacon Art Gallery. Her boss gives her an ultimatum to retrieve an artifact and record it back to New York safely. She is determined to do it. Thaddeus Tru hates lies and love justice outweighs it. He is going undercover to watch her because they think she is a the if and a murderer. His gut is saying she is innocent but everybody said they had proof she is guilty. They fix it where they are on the plane together he finds out she never flew on a plane before. They get in the same hotel and he rents to van so he could go with her and they start going to Houston Texas and they keep getting in trouble
March 4, 2021
The Guardian Group is sure she’s guilty of murder and stealing art. But, Tru’s gut is telling him otherwise. He has been hired to get close to her and try to root out the leak in the police department. The more he gets to know Kayleigh, the more he is convinced that she is innocent. To discover the truth, he must keep his true identity hidden and keep up the lies. However, not telling her the truth may get her killed...
This story is more romantic than suspense with most of the action happening at the end. I liked it.
This story is more romantic than suspense with most of the action happening at the end. I liked it.
March 15, 2021
Another great book by Bree Livingston
This book brings back the Guardian Group from Bree’s Army Ranger series. Tru is a newer member of the team and it’s his turn to find the love of his life. But first he has to make sure Kayleigh isn’t the bad guy. His gut tells him she isn’t but there is a lot of evidence against her. His guy has never been wrong and it’s telling Tru, she’s the One.
Great book! Great romantic suspense and you’ll love both Tru and Kayleigh. Looking forward to Hendrix’s story.
This book brings back the Guardian Group from Bree’s Army Ranger series. Tru is a newer member of the team and it’s his turn to find the love of his life. But first he has to make sure Kayleigh isn’t the bad guy. His gut tells him she isn’t but there is a lot of evidence against her. His guy has never been wrong and it’s telling Tru, she’s the One.
Great book! Great romantic suspense and you’ll love both Tru and Kayleigh. Looking forward to Hendrix’s story.
April 15, 2024
A bodyguard falls in love with the women he was protecting.
Loved being back with this author again. Truman and Kayleigh story was exciting from start to finish. A chance meeting would change their lives forever. Tru became Kayleigh hero from the start. She got mad at him after she was told about him. But all got resolved and she became part of the group. Their love for each other grew as they were togethor. Looking forward to the rest of the series. My first time reading this author was about Kolby looking forward to reading more in that series too.
Loved being back with this author again. Truman and Kayleigh story was exciting from start to finish. A chance meeting would change their lives forever. Tru became Kayleigh hero from the start. She got mad at him after she was told about him. But all got resolved and she became part of the group. Their love for each other grew as they were togethor. Looking forward to the rest of the series. My first time reading this author was about Kolby looking forward to reading more in that series too.
October 26, 2024
There was plenty of good stuff in this fun, clean romance read from a new to me author, it offered wiser than she’s given credit for gallery assistant Kayleigh Kingston flying to Mexico City and driving an artifact to New York. Guardian’s on the case to bring Kayleigh down for murder and smuggling, one of their best operatives, Thaddeus ‘Tru’ Truman will get close and reel her in for the authorities. But before the plane takes off, Tru’s wondering who and why Guardian was informed Kayleigh was a bad guy.
Rating: 4.25stars
Rating: 4.25stars
March 2, 2021
Army Rangers spin off series! SQUEE!!!!!
Oh my goodness! I LOVE Bree Livingston’s Army Ranger series - I’ve read all of the books more than once. And the Guardian Group Security Team - it continues!!! Kayleigh is fabulous and Tru is the perfect hero. And the ending! No spoilers, I’ll just say that it is absolutely perfect!
Oh my goodness! I LOVE Bree Livingston’s Army Ranger series - I’ve read all of the books more than once. And the Guardian Group Security Team - it continues!!! Kayleigh is fabulous and Tru is the perfect hero. And the ending! No spoilers, I’ll just say that it is absolutely perfect!
March 3, 2021
I love the Guardian Group and am so happy they are part of this new series. Tru is a great character. I really liked him. Kayleigh was a really fun character. She had some fun quirks and I loved watching her and Tru together. They were so funny and sweet together. This book is full of suspense, romance and forgiveness.
March 21, 2021
Fast paced and a great read
Who can Kayleigh trust? Her employer sends her to Mexico to pick up an artifact for the art gallery. Kayleigh meets Tru through a string of events beginning at the airport. He helps her to make her flight and offers a lift to the hotel. She finds herself running for her life after picking up the artifact. Can she survive? Read to find out.
Who can Kayleigh trust? Her employer sends her to Mexico to pick up an artifact for the art gallery. Kayleigh meets Tru through a string of events beginning at the airport. He helps her to make her flight and offers a lift to the hotel. She finds herself running for her life after picking up the artifact. Can she survive? Read to find out.
April 29, 2023
Best Accident Ever!
Spill hot coffee on a stranger...best accident ever. Life as she knew it changed for the better the moment Kayleigh Kingston met Thaddeus Truman. Okay, maybe there were some scary thieves to outwit and some bullets to dodge, but all in all finding love makes it all worthwhile. Grab this book and enjoy!
Spill hot coffee on a stranger...best accident ever. Life as she knew it changed for the better the moment Kayleigh Kingston met Thaddeus Truman. Okay, maybe there were some scary thieves to outwit and some bullets to dodge, but all in all finding love makes it all worthwhile. Grab this book and enjoy!
May 7, 2023
Tru and Kayleigh
Tru is an exciting and intense adventure story. Reading about evading, escaping from, and capturing the gang members and the criminals kept me interested and intrigued. Reading about the romance was interesting also. I enjoyed getting to know the characters too. If you’re a fan of adventure, romance, and suspense you’ll want to read this book.
Tru is an exciting and intense adventure story. Reading about evading, escaping from, and capturing the gang members and the criminals kept me interested and intrigued. Reading about the romance was interesting also. I enjoyed getting to know the characters too. If you’re a fan of adventure, romance, and suspense you’ll want to read this book.
June 15, 2023
What a tangled mess!
Kayleigh thought her mistakes were her biggest problem little did she know just how big. Tru knew she couldn't be guilty but proving was going to be difficult. Together they find out they have way to much in common to be coincidence. Will they live to find out? Kept me turning pages quickly.
Kayleigh thought her mistakes were her biggest problem little did she know just how big. Tru knew she couldn't be guilty but proving was going to be difficult. Together they find out they have way to much in common to be coincidence. Will they live to find out? Kept me turning pages quickly.
April 16, 2024
What an amazing story
The characters are fun and fierce. The guardian group security are a different breed of men meaning that lying is bad except when it is required for a job, but protecting the innocent and each other is top priority. This story has a lot of drama and intrigue.
The characters are fun and fierce. The guardian group security are a different breed of men meaning that lying is bad except when it is required for a job, but protecting the innocent and each other is top priority. This story has a lot of drama and intrigue.
December 18, 2025
2 ⭐️
this wanted to be the night agent so bad but was wayyy to insta love-y and surface level. also a little tone deaf at times because what do you mean "african prison gang"?? specify a country dawg. what are we doing. other than that i prefer the author's newer books/series, since you can see the evolution in story telling and writing!
this wanted to be the night agent so bad but was wayyy to insta love-y and surface level. also a little tone deaf at times because what do you mean "african prison gang"?? specify a country dawg. what are we doing. other than that i prefer the author's newer books/series, since you can see the evolution in story telling and writing!
March 1, 2021
Great start to this new series!
I truly enjoyed reading this feel-good,
moving & suspenseful story.
Loved the chemistry between
Tru & Kayleigh.
Wonderful characters & storyline.
Grabbed my attention from the first page,
wanting to know what happens next.
Can't wait for Book2!
A MUST READ!!
I truly enjoyed reading this feel-good,
moving & suspenseful story.
Loved the chemistry between
Tru & Kayleigh.
Wonderful characters & storyline.
Grabbed my attention from the first page,
wanting to know what happens next.
Can't wait for Book2!
A MUST READ!!
March 9, 2021
Exciting
Kayleigh meets Tru "accidentally" and friendship, and maybe more, blossoms but not all is as it seems and Tru begins to doubt that his assignment is actually guilty. Lots of excitement in this story and a welcome return of the Guardian Group characters.
Kayleigh meets Tru "accidentally" and friendship, and maybe more, blossoms but not all is as it seems and Tru begins to doubt that his assignment is actually guilty. Lots of excitement in this story and a welcome return of the Guardian Group characters.
June 11, 2021
Thrilling Romance
This is a sweet and thrilling love story with adorable and charming characters that will have you enjoying their thrilling journey to unconditional love and understanding.
This is a sweet and thrilling love story with adorable and charming characters that will have you enjoying their thrilling journey to unconditional love and understanding.
March 26, 2022
Tru
This story kept me reading every spare minute. Bree Livingston tells a good story. Reading this story made me feel like I was living it. That's a first for me and speaks to the talent of the author.
This story kept me reading every spare minute. Bree Livingston tells a good story. Reading this story made me feel like I was living it. That's a first for me and speaks to the talent of the author.
June 10, 2023
Love this book! I really like Bree Livingston in general and this was a great addition. I love that it connected with some of her other books but you don’t have to have read them to enjoy this book.
Overall, I didn’t want to put it down!
Overall, I didn’t want to put it down!
June 12, 2023
Well written
I enjoyed every page of this book! Fantastically written! Full of action with a love story on the side. I definitely recommend it if you love clean contemporary romance.
I enjoyed every page of this book! Fantastically written! Full of action with a love story on the side. I definitely recommend it if you love clean contemporary romance.
June 13, 2023
Kayleigh is so sweet and fun! I enjoyed getting to know her! And Tru was her perfect match! This book had the perfect amount of action and chemistry and kept me interested and desperate to know how it would all work out from start to finish!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews