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Heroes of Freedom Ridge #7
Guarded by the Hero
His job is to protect her, not to fall in love with her.
Heath Mitchell learned his security skills during his time in the US Marine Corps. After spending his first few years in the civilian world as the head of security for the Freedom Ridge Resort, he’s ready to branch out and help form a security firm. Things are just getting off the ground when he meets his sister’s friend. When a hit and run breaks into their meeting, she becomes his first client instead of his girlfriend.
Claire Odom has grown accustomed to a quiet life in the small town of Freedom. The perils of her past seem long gone until they resurface when she meets Heath. Determined to protect her, he becomes her full-time bodyguard. His good looks and the security he brings make it hard for her to remember he's only there because she hired him.
Heath and Claire grow closer as they fight to outrun their unknown enemies. Loyalties are broken, and unlikely alliances are formed as the quiet town of Freedom bands together to protect their friends this Christmas season. But is their new found love just a reaction to the fear or was it always meant to be?
Return to Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas romance.
Heath Mitchell learned his security skills during his time in the US Marine Corps. After spending his first few years in the civilian world as the head of security for the Freedom Ridge Resort, he’s ready to branch out and help form a security firm. Things are just getting off the ground when he meets his sister’s friend. When a hit and run breaks into their meeting, she becomes his first client instead of his girlfriend.
Claire Odom has grown accustomed to a quiet life in the small town of Freedom. The perils of her past seem long gone until they resurface when she meets Heath. Determined to protect her, he becomes her full-time bodyguard. His good looks and the security he brings make it hard for her to remember he's only there because she hired him.
Heath and Claire grow closer as they fight to outrun their unknown enemies. Loyalties are broken, and unlikely alliances are formed as the quiet town of Freedom bands together to protect their friends this Christmas season. But is their new found love just a reaction to the fear or was it always meant to be?
Return to Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas romance.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2021
326 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Mandi Blake
44 books847 followersMandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
December 23, 2024
Guarded by the Hero - Mandi Blake
4 Stars
Cute, quick Christmas read from Mandi! We are in Freedom Ridge with Heath Mitchell, who served in the Marines but now spends time as the head of security for the Freedom Ridge Resort. He meets a friend of his sister and she becomes a client who needs protection as he is the bodyguard like figure. Claire has some things from the past that resurfaces and he has to help protect her. They grow close together and the rest is history.
Enjoyed this one pretty well. As usual, Mandi has good faith elements and sweet clean romance.
4 Stars
Cute, quick Christmas read from Mandi! We are in Freedom Ridge with Heath Mitchell, who served in the Marines but now spends time as the head of security for the Freedom Ridge Resort. He meets a friend of his sister and she becomes a client who needs protection as he is the bodyguard like figure. Claire has some things from the past that resurfaces and he has to help protect her. They grow close together and the rest is history.
Enjoyed this one pretty well. As usual, Mandi has good faith elements and sweet clean romance.
December 23, 2023
This was a fun and quick read! I so appreciate the Christian faith content.
September 30, 2021
Mandi Blake’s books are always a lot of fun. I was excited to read this book especially because we are returning to freedom ridge and getting to read about old characters in love. Guarded by the Hero is the seventh book in the Heros of Freedom Ridge series which features books from different authors.
Heath Mitchell served in the US Marine Corps but now spends his time in the civilian world as the head of security for the Freedom Ridge Resort. However, he is branching out and is forming a security form. As things get started, he meets a friend of his sister, but instead of becoming his girlfriend, she becomes his client in need of protection. Claire Odom is used to the quiet life in Freedom and she relieves in it. However, her life is disrupted when peril from her past seems to resurface after she meets Heath. As Heath and Claire grow closer together and as they strive to outrun their unknown enemies, things start to get more complicated. Will their new found love serve the shadows of the past or will fear keep them apart?
Okay so I was really excited to read this book because I really enjoyed Heath’s pop ups in the previous books. He was a kind man who wanted to help people, and I couldn’t wait to read about him falling in love. Heath was more complicated than I thought he would be. He was scarred from his past and weary of hurting the ones he loved. Heath had to learn to trust those he loved and to forgive himself for the mistakes of the past. It was sweet to read about him interacting with his sister, I loved their sibling relationship. It was also so fun to read about Heath falling for Claire, they were so cute together.
Claire was also a complicated character. She was scared because of her past and weary of people. I liked Claire, and it was interesting to learn more about her. I was amazed by her artistic abilities, but I was also sad for her. She had been through a lot. It was cool to read about Claire coming out of her shell and learning to trust God fully. It was also sweet to read about her learning to trust Heath. Claire had to learn how to let go of her past and trust God to care for her.
It was interesting to read about Claire and Heath, as they tried to keep each other safe from their unknown enemy. There were a couple of surprises and I did not know what was going to happen. The plot was interesting and the characters were lovable. Guarded by the Hero was a sweet clean book, I would totally recommend it! Guarded by the Hero is a clean contemporary christian book
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Heath Mitchell served in the US Marine Corps but now spends his time in the civilian world as the head of security for the Freedom Ridge Resort. However, he is branching out and is forming a security form. As things get started, he meets a friend of his sister, but instead of becoming his girlfriend, she becomes his client in need of protection. Claire Odom is used to the quiet life in Freedom and she relieves in it. However, her life is disrupted when peril from her past seems to resurface after she meets Heath. As Heath and Claire grow closer together and as they strive to outrun their unknown enemies, things start to get more complicated. Will their new found love serve the shadows of the past or will fear keep them apart?
Okay so I was really excited to read this book because I really enjoyed Heath’s pop ups in the previous books. He was a kind man who wanted to help people, and I couldn’t wait to read about him falling in love. Heath was more complicated than I thought he would be. He was scarred from his past and weary of hurting the ones he loved. Heath had to learn to trust those he loved and to forgive himself for the mistakes of the past. It was sweet to read about him interacting with his sister, I loved their sibling relationship. It was also so fun to read about Heath falling for Claire, they were so cute together.
Claire was also a complicated character. She was scared because of her past and weary of people. I liked Claire, and it was interesting to learn more about her. I was amazed by her artistic abilities, but I was also sad for her. She had been through a lot. It was cool to read about Claire coming out of her shell and learning to trust God fully. It was also sweet to read about her learning to trust Heath. Claire had to learn how to let go of her past and trust God to care for her.
It was interesting to read about Claire and Heath, as they tried to keep each other safe from their unknown enemy. There were a couple of surprises and I did not know what was going to happen. The plot was interesting and the characters were lovable. Guarded by the Hero was a sweet clean book, I would totally recommend it! Guarded by the Hero is a clean contemporary christian book
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
October 13, 2021
I was a volunteer ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. Loved this book! I would love to find a guy in my life like Heath. This story is about Claire and Heath. Both of them have suffered agony in their lives in different ways. Claire is fearful, always checking over her shoulder. He was a marine who now ones his own security company. They meet through Tessa who is Heath’s sister and Claire’s friend. Heath is then found to be protecting Claire from a car and later gun shots. While they are together, Heath helps Claire with her fears and with trust. You won’t go wrong reading this book! The characters are strong. There is a great storyline. The author pulls you into the book and it is hard to put down. There is suspense, protection, love, and family
October 6, 2021
If only I could give this 10 stars!
I was hooked on the Freedom Ridge series from book 1 when Heath made his first appearance. To finally learn more about him has been even better than I hoped for. Heaths sister Tessa is a little fireball that is so big hearted, sassy and outgoing she made my cheeks hurt from smiling. Claire grabbed my heart about the same time she grabbed Heaths. From the minute you meet her you know she has suffered great pain and wasn’t fully recovered. To see her artistic talent and personal growth and healing is oh so satisfying.
I positively did NOT see the bad guy coming, yet I was sure I had it figured out too! Well done Mandi, well done.
Then to add the whipped cream to the hot cocoa as it were, seeing Pete, Jan, Aiden and Jeremiah were treats scattered about as well. This is a fabulous start to this seasons books!
I was hooked on the Freedom Ridge series from book 1 when Heath made his first appearance. To finally learn more about him has been even better than I hoped for. Heaths sister Tessa is a little fireball that is so big hearted, sassy and outgoing she made my cheeks hurt from smiling. Claire grabbed my heart about the same time she grabbed Heaths. From the minute you meet her you know she has suffered great pain and wasn’t fully recovered. To see her artistic talent and personal growth and healing is oh so satisfying.
I positively did NOT see the bad guy coming, yet I was sure I had it figured out too! Well done Mandi, well done.
Then to add the whipped cream to the hot cocoa as it were, seeing Pete, Jan, Aiden and Jeremiah were treats scattered about as well. This is a fabulous start to this seasons books!
October 7, 2021
Guarded by the Hero
Claire and Heath have an exciting and wonderful story. Claire was a victim of an attack when she was in college causing her to be extremely cautious. Heath is the owner of a bodyguard/security firm and the brother of her best friend. They are almost run over while he was walking her to her car the first night they met. A second attempt came the day he installed an upgraded security system at her home. Will they be able to avoid the danger that awaits them?
Claire and Heath have an exciting and wonderful story. Claire was a victim of an attack when she was in college causing her to be extremely cautious. Heath is the owner of a bodyguard/security firm and the brother of her best friend. They are almost run over while he was walking her to her car the first night they met. A second attempt came the day he installed an upgraded security system at her home. Will they be able to avoid the danger that awaits them?
October 6, 2021
Safely fall in love in Freedom Ridge
This is a lovely romance. Claire has issues trusting people and Heath has guilt issues from his Marine times but he makes her feel safe and helps her overcome her fears when her life is endangered.
I received an ARC of this book but voluntarily leave this review.
This is a lovely romance. Claire has issues trusting people and Heath has guilt issues from his Marine times but he makes her feel safe and helps her overcome her fears when her life is endangered.
I received an ARC of this book but voluntarily leave this review.
October 25, 2021
fantastic book
I love a good book that has a twist to the plot. I would love to have one of Claire’s paintings. I can only imagine the beautiful scenery. Wish I had of read more of Mandi’s books.
I love a good book that has a twist to the plot. I would love to have one of Claire’s paintings. I can only imagine the beautiful scenery. Wish I had of read more of Mandi’s books.
January 11, 2022
Guarded by the Hero
This was a really great story. Claire was a recluse and she rarely left her house except To to go hiking with her father once a week.Her friend Tessa, talked her into going to the Chris tree lighting in their town.Each lady had made a stained glass decoration exhibited in town. HeTh, Tessa’s brother escorted them. On the way back to Claire’s house a car attempted to run them down. Now the adventure begins, enjoy.
This was a really great story. Claire was a recluse and she rarely left her house except To to go hiking with her father once a week.Her friend Tessa, talked her into going to the Chris tree lighting in their town.Each lady had made a stained glass decoration exhibited in town. HeTh, Tessa’s brother escorted them. On the way back to Claire’s house a car attempted to run them down. Now the adventure begins, enjoy.
January 12, 2022
My Musings
This is an exciting novel, and I became engaged from the start and remained so until the end. The characters are complex and the plot intriguing. I am so glad I found this one on Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
This is an exciting novel, and I became engaged from the start and remained so until the end. The characters are complex and the plot intriguing. I am so glad I found this one on Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
October 14, 2021
Heath took on the role of Claire protector and companion in hiding after she is almost run over with a car and shot at. They were focused on a man who previously attacked her and not considering other potential threats. During their time together Claire comes out of her shell, learns to trust a man again, and falls for Heath. But he has guilt over his past that he needs to let go in order to be happy. I enjoyed reading about the art Claire created and wished I was artistic. I laughed when Heath's sister Tessa kept changing her college major trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life because I did a bit of that myself. I just wish I'd had the same opportunities to try out different careers.
October 17, 2021
Mandi Blake has again done what she does best, given us an exciting story with interesting characters and a few surprises, twists and turns. In addition she tackles PTSD and the problems it makes for the victim and their family and friends. Treat yourself to this book.
October 15, 2021
An enjoyable romance with some suspense to start the second saga of this series off. I’m looking forward to reading them all this time. I liked these characters.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 16, 2021
Good
a book where a man that set up security business after his PST has caused him to leave the military.
a book where a man that set up security business after his PST has caused him to leave the military.
October 13, 2021
Wonderful
This story reminds us that our faith is larger than our fears if we believe in the Lord and trust Him. Even when things seem impossible, God shows us it is possible.
This story reminds us that our faith is larger than our fears if we believe in the Lord and trust Him. Even when things seem impossible, God shows us it is possible.
October 10, 2021
Enjoyable
This was an enjoyable Christian read. I liked the characters and look forward to reading more books from this series. Although this is the seventh in the series, I think it can be read as a standalone (which is what I did). This was a sweet and clean read, I'd rate it PG for kissing and thematic violence.
This was an enjoyable Christian read. I liked the characters and look forward to reading more books from this series. Although this is the seventh in the series, I think it can be read as a standalone (which is what I did). This was a sweet and clean read, I'd rate it PG for kissing and thematic violence.
October 12, 2021
Guarded by the Hero
A good story about believable and likable characters. I have enjoyed reading this story and I look forward to reading more.
A good story about believable and likable characters. I have enjoyed reading this story and I look forward to reading more.
October 10, 2021
Beautiful
I just spent a few minutes arguing with my kindle because it kept saying I hit 4stars and this is definitely a 5 star book. So happy heath finally got his story. Loving this series and so grateful for Mandi Blake and her gift of writing .
I just spent a few minutes arguing with my kindle because it kept saying I hit 4stars and this is definitely a 5 star book. So happy heath finally got his story. Loving this series and so grateful for Mandi Blake and her gift of writing .
September 30, 2021
Oh gosh! I don’t even know what where to start. First of all, I just love Mandi Blake’s writing style. She can make you feel all the feels!
I loved Claire and Heath’s story. They were both people with so much hurt in their pasts, but were both such faithful Christians who were able to lean on God to work through their problems. I loved seeing Claire’s strength grow as the book progressed. Heath, sweet and patient Heath…what a good man! He might be one of my favorite male leads of all because he reminded me so much of my own sweet and patient husband.
Get ready for a curve ball with this one. I never saw the twist in this book coming! It made the book so much better.
I’ve learned that I really need a duel POV and an epilogue to really feel happy with a book and this one had both. The epilogue…😍😍😍
Honestly, my only problem with the book was that I just wished it was longer. I don’t mean that it was rushed or not fully developed… I just wanted it to be longer because I loved it so much. It’s always good when you get sad to finish a book and that’s just where I was tonight.
Mandi, PLEASE tell me Tessa will get her own book! I need to see her grow up more and watch her find her place. She was such a good side character! Ohhh I see a new series with Tessa and Heath’s other sisters! We could get to see glimpses of Claire and Heath as they grow as a little family!
I loved Claire and Heath’s story. They were both people with so much hurt in their pasts, but were both such faithful Christians who were able to lean on God to work through their problems. I loved seeing Claire’s strength grow as the book progressed. Heath, sweet and patient Heath…what a good man! He might be one of my favorite male leads of all because he reminded me so much of my own sweet and patient husband.
Get ready for a curve ball with this one. I never saw the twist in this book coming! It made the book so much better.
I’ve learned that I really need a duel POV and an epilogue to really feel happy with a book and this one had both. The epilogue…😍😍😍
Honestly, my only problem with the book was that I just wished it was longer. I don’t mean that it was rushed or not fully developed… I just wanted it to be longer because I loved it so much. It’s always good when you get sad to finish a book and that’s just where I was tonight.
Mandi, PLEASE tell me Tessa will get her own book! I need to see her grow up more and watch her find her place. She was such a good side character! Ohhh I see a new series with Tessa and Heath’s other sisters! We could get to see glimpses of Claire and Heath as they grow as a little family!
October 13, 2021
Loved Heath and Claire's story! Claire has been scarred by an attack when she was in college. Now, three years later, is she still being hunted?? Claire has changed and not let anyone, especially a man, close until she meets Tessa, and then Heath. Heath helps her to regain her confidence while he's protecting her. Will he be able to forgive himself and move on when he realizes that he's made a mistake, or will he continue to let his mistakes define who is, instead of asking God for forgiveness and accepting that he wasn't the one that made a bad decision in that past, but even so, our bad choices don't define who we are if we've given ourselves to Christ, repented, and asked for forgiveness. God can take those and redeem them for us, if we just ask Him to. There could be some triggers if you were abused in the past.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
September 29, 2021
I cannot describe how much I loved this book. I keep saying that I love every single one of Mandi's books, and that they keep getting better and better, but this one truly is her best yet. It truly seemed like a perfect book. Usually I can find something that might need a little bit of work, but I couldn't for this one. I loved everything about it. It is one of the best books I have read in a while. I kind of want to read it again even though I just finished it.
Anyway, I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys Christian Romances. I really don't see a reason why anyone wouldn't want to read it. I think it might be my new favorite book.
I recieved an ARC of the book, and voluntarily left this honest review.
Anyway, I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys Christian Romances. I really don't see a reason why anyone wouldn't want to read it. I think it might be my new favorite book.
I recieved an ARC of the book, and voluntarily left this honest review.
September 26, 2021
A must have - Ok so this entire series has been one of my all time favorites that I will be re reading over and over again.
Mandi made some twists and turns in this story that I didn't expect! She made me feel like I was wrapped in the story and felt like I was in the middle of it just watching it come to life. Her characters were brought to life, where you could feel the raw emotion and love thru the entire story!
I wont give any spoilers because you just need to read it on your own, but I will say yet another great story in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series, and yet another fantastic story written by one of my favorite authors Mandi!
Mandi made some twists and turns in this story that I didn't expect! She made me feel like I was wrapped in the story and felt like I was in the middle of it just watching it come to life. Her characters were brought to life, where you could feel the raw emotion and love thru the entire story!
I wont give any spoilers because you just need to read it on your own, but I will say yet another great story in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series, and yet another fantastic story written by one of my favorite authors Mandi!
September 26, 2021
Great characters, wonderful story
This overtly Christian story has a bit of suspense and action along with a sweet forbidden romance.
The hero is capable, sweet, stubborn, and dealing with PTSD.
The heroine is super talented, fearful and dealing with PTSD... but once she comfy, she also sweet and stubborn.
I love that everyone thinks both are too-good-to-be-true. No one that knows there here in town has a bad thing to say about them, except that they work too much. But they each have such deep-set insecurities.
I really like the way the storyline worked out.
This overtly Christian story has a bit of suspense and action along with a sweet forbidden romance.
The hero is capable, sweet, stubborn, and dealing with PTSD.
The heroine is super talented, fearful and dealing with PTSD... but once she comfy, she also sweet and stubborn.
I love that everyone thinks both are too-good-to-be-true. No one that knows there here in town has a bad thing to say about them, except that they work too much. But they each have such deep-set insecurities.
I really like the way the storyline worked out.
October 2, 2021
This is a Christian romance so there are many references to the character’s faith, which may be a turn-off for some people. But the characters are well-developed and there’s a HEA, but there is also a bit of danger in this one that adds to the story. This is Heath and Claire’s story, but you can read the synopsis, so I won’t repeat it here. I realized when I read the information at the end that I have missed reading several of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge books, so I’m going back to grab the ones I’ve missed, although they are written by different authors in the series.
October 3, 2021
This book had me sitting on the edge of my chair and my heart pounding, It was romantic, suspenseful, and scary, which is why I liked it so much. I especially liked Claire and Heath. They were wonderful characters who had to overcome their pasts and deal with the present to be able to ever have a future .
I liked how their faith helped them to be strong and find confidence and hope when needed. I also liked that Claire's past did not define who she was. This was a great story by Mandi Blake! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I liked how their faith helped them to be strong and find confidence and hope when needed. I also liked that Claire's past did not define who she was. This was a great story by Mandi Blake! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
October 5, 2021
Guarded by the Hero is an exciting, faith filled, heartwarming romance. Heath, ex military, and Claire, an artist and Heath's sister's friend, both live with PTSD. After a very close call, Claire becomes Heath's client. I enjoy all Ms. Blake's books but this one may be the best. The drama will keep you in the edge of your seat. Is Heath and Claire's growing attraction merely a reaction to the danger or is it more? I love how Ms. Blake wrapped up all the plot lines in a great ending. You do not want to miss this book!
November 16, 2023
Ah-Mazing!
Oh my goodness this book. I started reading this series when it first came out but I didn't know Mandi Blake's books at the time. So I just had to come back to it and read more. No shock as Mandi Blake is one of my favorite authors now, but I absolutely adored this book! It was so adorable and face paced. It was a turn pager for sure but the story line didn't feel rushed. Heath and Claire together were on fire! But in a clean romance way. And I loved the growth Claire underwent throughout the story. Love this book!
Oh my goodness this book. I started reading this series when it first came out but I didn't know Mandi Blake's books at the time. So I just had to come back to it and read more. No shock as Mandi Blake is one of my favorite authors now, but I absolutely adored this book! It was so adorable and face paced. It was a turn pager for sure but the story line didn't feel rushed. Heath and Claire together were on fire! But in a clean romance way. And I loved the growth Claire underwent throughout the story. Love this book!
October 10, 2021
Another great book from Mandi Blake! Heath and Claire are introduced in an attempt to help Claire become more comfortable after experiencing a trauma a few years before. Heath helps her to find her strength within herself and in the process finds love with each other. I loved seeing the growth of both characters, but especially Claire. The twists are suspenseful and exactly what you would expect from another great addition to the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series.
October 4, 2021
I was excited to read this book, it's actually been awhile since I read one of her stories. Mandi's characters are so real that I feel like I know them personally.
Mandi writes Contemporary romance but they are clean/Christian stories.
You'll love her stories and I know you won't be disappointed in her, pick up a book from her!
I received this book as an ARC from the author but was not persuaded to leave a positive review.
Mandi writes Contemporary romance but they are clean/Christian stories.
You'll love her stories and I know you won't be disappointed in her, pick up a book from her!
I received this book as an ARC from the author but was not persuaded to leave a positive review.
October 20, 2021
I truly enjoyed this book, this story is about Heath a ex military who carries the guilt of an accident and Claire who was a victim of an attack and is very scared of everyone and everything. Heath is hired to protect Clare and the adventure begins. This book have everything, mystery, suspense lost of romance and Christmas spirit is easy to read , fast pace and clean. I recommend this book to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews