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In Clear Sight #1

Guarded by the Marshal

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I will stop at nothing to protect her.

The moment she takes the stand I’m lost, drowning in the details of her story escaping an infamous cult’s compound. Every part of me screams to keep her safe from the men eager to kill her for testifying.
When I'm the next US marshal assigned to her protection detail, I know it’s a mistake to make it personal. But taking her to my hometown is my best bet of keeping her safe until the trial is over.
Forced together day and night, her innocence begs me to show her just how good the right touch can be.
Every stolen kiss is forbidden, putting my heart in danger for when she has to leave.
Each glance and unspoken word between us is a risk we shouldn't take.
Fantasies of us together become my only thoughts.
She's becoming my biggest weakness.

I knew better than to let my guard down.
Because the men she escaped from won’t stop until they have her back.


Guarded by the Marshal is the first book in a new WITSEC, small-town romantic suspense series by Kennedy L. Mitchell. Please note this series is recommended for readers 18+ due to graphic content, discussion of past abuse, PTSD, and foul language. Each book can be read as a standalone but is best read in order.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2022

367 people are currently reading
1721 people want to read

About the author

Kennedy L. Mitchell

43 books847 followers
Kennedy lives in Dallas, TX with her husband, 8-year-old son, and two Goldendoodles. A bookworm at heart Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed, or by the campfire, with an​ unputdownable book. Her novels are stuffed full of humorous banter, the edge of your seat suspense, and enough steam for a great facial. If you like your heroines strong yet vulnerable and sexy, tattooed heroes who can't keep their hands off their leading ladies then this author is the one for you.

Sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on new releases, exclusive excerpts, and a glance behind the scene into her writing process.

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5 stars
400 (40%)
4 stars
358 (36%)
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180 (18%)
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36 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,403 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2025
This is a Steamy Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the In Clear Sight series. This was a book I was really looking forward to, but to me this book was a little bit of a let down. I had trouble connecting to the characters in this book, and I found the middle just to be steamy scene after steamy scene. I just wanted more suspense and action. I will keep reading this series, and I am still looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,232 reviews1,523 followers
September 17, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: forced proximity, heroine in peril
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥

“𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰’𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔.”

Entertaining read! Guarded by the Marshall was super fast paced with tons of chemistry between Rachel and Max which definitely cranked up the heat on the taboo relationship (he's the Marshall that's supposed to be protecting her before she goes in WITSEC). Overall, I really enjoyed it, but I did find Max to be a bit much - especially in the beginning of the story. He has tons of stuff going on, he's an alcoholic dealing with an estranged ex who won't let him see his kids, as well as some post-military PTSD. But he's also just kind of obnoxious, lol. Like, too obnoxious 🤷🏻‍♀️. He definitely tones down as the story goes on and the PTSD ends up being something they bond over because of mutual understanding. Overall, I enjoyed it and will definitely be reading the next book in the series.

Guarded by the Marshall by Kennedy L. Mitchell is the first book in the In Clear Sight series and can be read as a standalone. It is told in first person, from dual perspective.

⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers
Profile Image for Diane (Books and Tequila Blog).
1,516 reviews72 followers
November 8, 2022
Guarded by the Marshal started off with a bang!! I loved the suspense and danger that kept me glued to my e-reader. The author added some snark and humor that went a long way to help lighten what could have been some heavy topics that are touched on in this story.

“And some women say my mouth is actually my best feature. Ten out of ten would come again.” I shot her a wink, expecting her to shy away.
But she didn’t.
She leaned in closer. “If that’s your best feature, does that mean other women have rated your other body parts as ‘one star, would not ride again’?”

US marshal, Max Williams is assigned to protect Rachel Smith until she has testified and can be transferred into the witness protection program. Max knows it won’t be the usual boring and thankless task from the very moment he lays eyes on Rachel. He finds himself falling for this strong and resilient heroine even as he attempts to keep his emotions separate from his work.

“With you here with me, I have everything I’ve ever needed. You’re the beat of my heart that I couldn’t survive without.”

This is the first book in a new series and I can’t wait to read more.
-4 Stars-
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,449 reviews101 followers
September 14, 2022
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]


Guarded by the Marshal
is the first stand alone in the In Clear Sights series by Kennedy L Mitchell . Each follow a woman in WITSEC and the Marshall guarded them that they fall in love with.

Rachel had a hard upbringing and the one time she trusts someone she ends up kidnapped by a cult for three months . She's finally free and testifying against the leader of the cult so no other woman will ever have to go through what she went through. Max is the Marshall assigned to transfer her into WITSEC, but when she's told to be available for reexamination, he's tasks with keeping her safe. Members of the cult are out to get her and he's the only one standing in their way. With forced proximity, they can't ignore the chemistry between them and when the time comes with either one of them be able to say goodbye.

I had gone into this with certain expectations for our main male character, Max. Unfortunately, he didn't quite meet those expectations. I expected him to have an ongoing struggle with his drinking and just more of an emotional mess with his situation with his kids and with PTSD from being in the army special forces. Besides his anger issues that came out when Rachel was in danger, he seemed to be your average alpha male stereotype. While I loved how he was conscious of the trauma Rachel endured and always checked in with every step of them being intimate , I didn't love how crass he was. It's one thing to talk dirty during intimacy, but he was unnecessarily vulgar on the regular, and it wasn't attractive. I found myself liking Rachel the most. She had a hard upbringing and then went through something extremely traumatic, but she was a survivor and determined to testify to help others. She covered her fears with sarcasm and was overall down to earth and relatable.

Overall Guarded by the Marshal is an enjoyable romantic suspense with a relationship that's high insta love and extremely high steam, with an age gap, banter, lots of first in the bedroom , and life or death situations. I look forward to reading the books to come in the series.



Profile Image for Jasmine Nicole.
493 reviews
September 12, 2025
This is my first Kennedy Mitchell book and I really enjoyed it. It was very much bodyguard romance and I ate it up. It dealt with cults and Waco, IYKYK.

I listened to the audiobook and the male narrator at first I wasn't sure how I felt about his voice/accent but he grew on me.
Profile Image for Catheryn.
1,311 reviews27 followers
not-finished
November 12, 2024
DNF at 60%

This wasn't bad but it wasn't great. It was pretty ok. I liked the set up to the characters and their back stories but seeing them interact in the story didn't feel genuine. Sometimes their interactions betrayed some of their back story. I also found some of the dialogue cheesy.
Profile Image for Elle Golden.
Author 5 books61 followers
September 16, 2022
I had high expectations for this book, and it did not disappoint.

Guarded By The Marshal was simply marvelous. This author can write such appealing stories based on electric plots and complex characters.
Max and Rachel were enthralling. Their backgrounds made them relatable and there was nothing I could do but love who they became.
It was heartbreaking and beautifully written.

I loved how unleashed and honest they were around each other. They brought out both the best and the truest version the other had to give.
They didn't mince their words or actions, they just were, safe on the knowledge they'd be respected.

Max and Rachel matched in every way, not only in spite of their differences but primarily because of them.
Their tension and chemistry were charged, their feelings were ever-growing, and their admiration for each other never wavered.

I loved it.
Profile Image for Frances Phillips.
210 reviews15 followers
September 19, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍🤍🤍🖤🖤
POV: Dual 1st Person
M/F
Sub Genres: Suspense/ Small Town/ Protector
Stand Alone? While it could be read as a stand alone the series is best enjoyed in order.

In this first installment in a new series we get to meet the residents of a sanctuary city for WITSEC. A city which is used to house witnesses with hold ups in their relocation.

Max and Rachel are the epitome of healing love. Two completely lost souls who are found in each other. They had me so captivated from the first moment that I devoured this book in less than half a day. I absolutely could not stop and completely fell in love with them, the town, and the characters we got to meet in this one. I can’t wait for the next one!

I am just going to keep this short by saying… Don’t walk, run to get this book! You won’t regret it.

Happy Reading my Friends!
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,310 reviews146 followers
September 9, 2022
I've been looking forward to the start of these stories for a long time, and it did not disappoint.
Even if you're new to this author, this book will keep you captivated from cover to cover, unable to believe what you're reading and finding inspiration in the characters.
Honestly there isn't much more I can say without ruining anything as this was the perfect way to start a series that you won't be forgetting in a long time.
The only 'negative' for me personally was that once the characters bonded there was a lot of bedroom action when I was desperate to get back to the storyline that I couldn't get enough of. I know that's more a me thing though, and in this case it was actually relevant to the character's growth throughout this page turning story.
Do you a favour and (like anything by this author) one click immediately, you definitely won't regret it.
Already eagerly awaiting the next book after the preview we got in the prequel.
Profile Image for Ellen.
213 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2024
I was given this book for free from the GR giveaway, so thank you Kennedy Mitchell for allowing people the chance to win one of your books!

I want to start off by saying I really like the concept of this book. Max is a US Marshal who was hired to protect Rachel due to her being, unfortunately, involved with a cult. He needs to keep her safe before she can go into Witness Protection. But what he doesn't realize is that he's going to fall in love with her the moment he lays his eyes on her. Rachel is a 22 year old girl who trusted a "friend", but ended up being taken to a cult where they people of "the Church" had their way with her. Thankfully, the compound was raided and she was taken out of that mess. But that lead her to need protection.

I normally don't do summaries like that in my reviews because I don't really like reading them in reviews myself, but I figured it was needed and I felt like it wasn't too summary like lol If that makes sense

Back to the review! I thought the story line was played out very well, I like the romance that was added to such a heartbreaking tragedy. I think characters were both developed very well, due to the POV. You got to see everything from both of their eyes and I love that. I think Mitchell did a good job with balancing both the intense moments of the plot that revolved around the cult trial and the romance between Rachel and Max. I didn't really feel like there was anything missing between to two lines of the story.

I will say that you NEED to check your triggers before reading this book, there are mentions of . There is a lot spice in this book, so keep that in mind! And it was well done spice, in my opinion! lol Both Rachel and Max were physically attracted to each other from the start, so the banter between the two before they finally gave into their attraction was both steamy and funny!

The reason I'm giving this book only 4 stars is because I was a bit disappointed by the Epilogue. The last chapter of the book there were so many things that I was excited about and I wanted to see how they played out in the Epilogue, which I did see. But I felt like it was a rushed. The points that I wanted to see were there, but there wasn't a lot of details to it. I felt kind of let down. I wanted that Epilogue to be a long chapter, but it wasn't because the time was only a few months after the last chapter. I felt like if it was a year or many two years more that I would've gotten more.

I would also like the mention that I felt like the Mitchell did repeat herself with certain things. Like in Max's POV you would learn something about his past, or he would share it with Rachel, then you would see him mentioning it again in a few of the following chapters. It's nothing really big, but I wanted to mentioned that because I find that a lot of books do this. Since I'm reading it, I'm paying attention to the details, so I feel like I don't need to be reminded of things. If I feel like I missed something, I will go back and read it, you know? I don't know if that makes sense or not lol

Other than the Epilogue, I loved this book. I enjoyed it and can see myself rereading it again. It has made me want to see what else Kennedy Mitchell has written, so I can give her other works a try!

Again, a big thank you to Kennedy Mitchel for having this book in a giveaway!

*disclaimer: I DIDN'T buy this book, I won it from a GR giveaway. Read it on my own dime and wrote a review without being asked to!*
Profile Image for Jody.
2,088 reviews60 followers
September 20, 2022
From the moment I picked up this book I was on the edge of my seat in a story of action and suspense with a romance that was both supportive but also healing for two people bruised by their pasts. Touching on issues seen in today's world readers will be captivated by the realism, hurting right alongside this couple as they fight to stay alive while fighting for their fragile love. With each turn of the page readers will find much about this story that's familiar but there's much too that was satisfying in a gripping series starter that leaves you ready for more.

Rachel Smith is a heroine you're drawn to from the very start, a heroine with a tough upbringing who rolled the dice on love but found hell on earth instead as the unwilling victim of a cult. Ready to reclaim her life she's set to testify against the cult's leader which puts her in constant danger that her assigned US Marshal, Max, must keep her safe from. Throughout their time together their forced proximity yields unrelenting sexual tension that eventually takes a more emotionally engaging turn. Rachel had an air of naïveté to her which has Max taking his time with her in sweet yet sensual encounters. Despite her lack of worldliness there's a strong backbone to Rachel with her determination to testify, a need to keep other women safe that had me admiring her and cheering her on every step of the way.

Max Williams is a man full of flaws, a man who doesn't think he's worthy of happiness or anything good as he's weighed down by the bagge of PTSD, past alcoholism, and the emotional strains of divorce. He's just going through the motions of life when readers first meet him, but the moment he meets Rachel is the moment he starts to fully come back to life. He's drawn to her immediately with a gentle and protective side quickly emerging, one that has him putting everything on the line to keep her safe from the cult members. Max is an intriguing hero, a bit rough at times but he's truly sweet and caring in his dealings with Rachel, taking the time she needs to reclaim her life.

On a whole this was a fast-paced read with a romance that brought out the best in both Rachel and Max. Their time together made them stronger, showed them the power of love, and how worthy they both are for a HEA. Their scenes were both gentle and tender, realistic in their thoughts and feelings. The suspenseful twists and turns of this tale kept me further on edge, kept me frantically turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. I also enjoyed the glimpses we got of fellow Marshals, Trapper and Shade, who have me counting down the days until they take center stage in this promising start to a new series.
Profile Image for Rellim.
1,676 reviews43 followers
December 19, 2022
There were parts of this I really enjoyed and some that just didn’t quite work for me. (I hate focusing on stars - but this one is solidly 2.5. I’m rounding up - but I just didn’t feel the connection like the stories I’d normally give a 3 to.)

I like more and stronger developed suspense than this offered. There was a little at the beginning and bit more at the end - but this mostly a lot of sex and a little romance. Max’s supposedly honed Army Ranger skills weren’t really shown and he came across as bumbling at times. There were a few procedural things that didn’t make sense.

I did enjoy the character’s personalities though. Max was an interesting mix of goofy and alpha male which worked great with Rachel’s quick wit and desire to be cared for. I like the small town and forced proximity aspects.

Unfortunately, as much as these two had great sexual chemistry - I needed a little more substance in their relationship to feel their HEA.

The parts I did like do make me want to try the next book in the series though.

CW (spoilers):
Profile Image for Amy.
1,466 reviews31 followers
September 14, 2022
“Her life was shadowed because of what someone did to her, mine black because of what I’d done to others.”

Guarded By The Marshall is the first book in the WITSEC series which focuses on a small town that’s a temporary hiding place for individuals entering the Witness Protection Program. Max is a US Marshall who is tasked with keeping Rachel safe before she is a witness in a trial. The underlying attraction between them adds to the danger of their situation and makes for a suspenseful, passionate read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

“You made me feel seen, wanted, which is more than what 99 percent of the people I’ve encountered throughout my life have done. That’s all you. No one else could’ve helped me the way you have.”

Rachel endured so much pain in her life yet she had so much strength. She refused to give up and was determined to retake what had been taken from her. She was naïve in spite of what had happened to her, but she was also feisty and courageous. Her instant connection with Max made her feel safe and protected for the first time in her life and his guidance helped her regain her independence.

“Rachel changed me, who I was before completely altered all because of her. In the best way possible.”

Max had been going through the motions of his life. His past had messed with his head and he thought he was unworthy of love. When he met Rachel, he was drawn to her and he was determined to keep her safe. I loved his protectiveness and his huge heart that was buried beneath all of the pain he kept inside. Rachel helped him realize that he was worthy and that he deserved happiness.

“The years between us were just a blurred time that somehow made us perfect for each other.”

The chemistry between these two was red-hot! They definitely steam up the pages. They also are exactly what each other needs in order to heal and become whole. I loved watching their connection grow and how they found strength in each other.

“You’re the beat of my heart that I couldn’t survive without.”

Guarded By the Marshall is a thrilling, romantic suspense story that is full of heart and heat as well of danger and tension. Max and Rachel are perfect for each other and will have you falling for them as they desperately try to spend as much time together before they must face the next chapter in their lives. I can’t wait to see what happens next for the residents of this small town in the middle of nowhere.
Profile Image for Erica Rogers.
646 reviews23 followers
September 18, 2022
Rachel is a kidnapping victim of a cult and when they were taken down she is now one of their key witnesses. She’s in danger though so she is put into the WITSEC program and Max (who is a US Marshal) is there to watch over her. He doesn’t come without his own baggage as well though. He has a past that might just get in the way of his future with Rachel. And Rachel, prior to her time with the cult she lived a life of feeling like she never fit in.

These two are so intimate and incredible together Max is a fierce protector by nature and his job just allows him to engage in that trait. They are faced with struggles and fears but allow each other to heath one another.

I always love a new book from Kennedy L Mitchell. She provides me the suspense I am always looking for, right when I need it. She keeps you captivated to the point you will want to sit and read cover to cover in one sitting.
Profile Image for Doris.
1,064 reviews
September 24, 2022
I love Kennedy L. Mitchell and her writing style. Her Protection series is one of my all time favorites 💖👌

"Guarded by the Marshal" is the first book in this new series, which is connected to the Protection series.

It was a nice read but it didn't captivate me as her other books. It's a classic "it's me, not you" thing though, because there were tropes I don't particularly like to read (age gap, virgin heroine)

So I'm looking forward to the other books in this series 👍
Profile Image for Katie Lee.
10 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2022
Small Town Big Love

Max and Rachel are so easy to root for right from the start. I love how attentive Max is to Rachel’s past and current needs. They are direct and honest with each other, making them great characters individually and even better as a couple.

This story ties in an element from one of Mitchell’s stories in her protection series and it’s just amazing! I love knowing how that group ended up.

Guarded by the Marshal is a fun read balanced with the perfect amount of hot and heavy!

I will be looking forward to the next book in this series for sure!
Profile Image for Read What I Like Blog.
411 reviews42 followers
September 15, 2022
GUARDED BY THE MARSHAL (IN CLEAR SIGHT BOOK ONE)

Kindle Unlimited: [ ]YES [X]NO
Stand-alone: [X]YES [ ]NO
Author: Kennedy L. Mitchell
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶🌶/5
POV: Dual, first person
Main Couple: Rachel & Max
Genre: Romantic suspense
Tropes: protector hero; heroine in danger; forbidden relationship; age-gap; small town; forced proximity

Review:

“I want you. I wanted you the second I saw you in that room at the courthouse.”

Rachel, a lonely young woman who is working to get her degree and support herself falls victim to a horrendous cult and now will have to start over after getting a spot in the WITSEC.

Max, divorced, apart from his daughters and seeking comfort in a bottle of alcohol is the US Marshal responsible to protect and take Rachel to this new life.

After some complications they see themselves having to spend more time than expected together and that’s when their feelings for each other start to grow.

I liked how Kennedy wrote both characters flawed, but extremely likable. Both of them deserving of their HEA. However, before getting there, they will have to face some dangerous situations and find a way to be together, although it’s not allowed. Definitely a great start to this new series.

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,157 reviews218 followers
September 16, 2022
5 star Review Guarded by the Marshal by Kennedy L Mitchell
Kennedy L Mitchell is a very new author to me but what I have read I enjoyed. Guarded by the Marshal is a great example of the romantic suspense genre and I was excited to learn is the start of a new series.
Two of my favourite types of reads together, romance and suspense, what more could I ask for? I was drawn into the story that Ms. Mitchell wove about US Marshal Max Williams and the woman he is sworn to protect Rachel (Babs) Smith.
Escaping from a cult, Rachel is in fear of her life but determined to give her testimony and put the head of the cult away. She has endured so much in the last three months but is determined not to let it destroy her life; I really admired her.
There were numerous twists and turns as Max gave his all to keep Rachel safe whilst falling for her. The intrigue, suspense and danger had me riveted from the first chapter until the last. The writing was strong and you cannot help but be drawn into the story and I quickly fell for the characters who were easy to relate to.
Profile Image for Susan Trewick.
571 reviews18 followers
September 19, 2022
This is the first book in the series and what a start it is, the story follows Max and Rachel. Rachel is going into the witsec program and Max is to take her to her new life and hand her over, easy right? There’s a few hurdles in the way and pesky feelings too!

I really enjoyed this book, I was hooked from the start and read it in one sitting, I really liked Rachel’s character, she was strong and stuck up for herself, she didn’t let what happened to her take away her future. Max was a dirty talking, alpha who is all man! There is some Insta love, but I was invested in them as couple. We get a small glimpse of characters who will be in future books and I can’t wait! Another great read from this author


*** ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review ***
Profile Image for XxnightxowlxX74.
1,191 reviews8 followers
September 20, 2022
This was a pretty quick, fast paced read. Max is a U.S. Marshal assigned to transport a witness into WITSEC from the courthouse. When Max and Rachel first meet it’s an instant attraction but Max has a job to do and Rachel is fresh from being in a nightmare.
Rachel was abducted by someone she thought was a friend and brought to a cult compound. It was three months before she was rescued. Now she is testifying against the cult leader and will need a new identity afterwards.
When Max and Rachel are forced together there are sparks between.
There is danger, action, awakenings and plenty of dirty talk in this book.
You will be rooting for Rachel and Max to get a HEA together.
1,611 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2022
This was awesome!

One of the best stories I read this year!! Even when Max changed her name three four times it was still easy to follow! It was a sit on the edge of your seat kind of book fast Pace very hot truly enjoyed it!
Profile Image for A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog.
2,787 reviews107 followers
September 18, 2022
Kennedy L. Mitchell's Guarded by the Marshal is an adventure I didn't even know I needed in my life. You meet Rachel, a witness in an active court case who is being taken into WITSEC when the case is over, and Max, an active US marshal has been tasked to protect her. This story was well written, sucked me in from the very beginning, and I basically devoured it. The plot kept me interested and the chemistry between these two characters was smoking' hot.

This book cured my book hangover and left me wanting so much more from Rachel and Max, and from the author.

~Lauren💜
Profile Image for Lauren.
568 reviews6 followers
September 18, 2022
Kennedy L. Mitchell's Guarded by the Marshal is an adventure I didn't even know I needed in my life. You meet Rachel, a witness in an active court case who is being taken into WITSEC when the case is over, and Max, an active US marshal has been tasked to protect her. This story was well written, sucked me in from the very beginning, and I basically devoured it. The plot kept me interested and the chemistry between these two characters was smoking' hot.

This book cured my book hangover and left me wanting so much more from Rachel and Max, and from the author.

Reviewed for A Book Nerd, A Book Seller, and a Bibliophile Blog
Profile Image for Larissa Rye.
1,380 reviews18 followers
September 19, 2022
I absolutely loved the chemistry between Rachel & Max! The connection they had almost right from the beginning made this such a great read! The unspeakable things that Rachel went through made my heart hurt for her. I couldn’t even imagine. Some people are just plain insane. Meanwhile Max had his own demons to deal with. These two go through a lot in a short period of time but I’m so happy they get their happily ever after. Even if it was a bumpy road to get to it!
Profile Image for ♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎.
878 reviews54 followers
September 21, 2022
卂𝘳ᥴ 尺ꫀꪜ𝓲ꫀ᭙
3 𝒢𝓊𝒶𝓇𝒹ℯ𝒹 𝒮𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓈

I was so looking forward to this book, but sadly I was a bit disappointed. I'm a bit used to the H being a bit more confident but also flawed and vulnerable with the h, and I just could not connect with this H at all. The h, I loved her strength even though she went through something traumatic.
Profile Image for it.sgottabethebooks.
1,861 reviews88 followers
November 14, 2023
Kennedy Mitchell knocked another one out of the park. This is the first book in her In Clear Sight series and it was addictive. Max and Rachel’s banter was on point and kept me entertained throughout the book from the opening pages to the very end. The romance and suspense were balanced out perfectly keeping ahold of me the entire way. I swooned at all things Max and Rachel’s strength was admirable. I adore this pair and can’t wait for the next standalone book in this series. The author certainly didn’t disappoint and this is one I highly recommend!

Audiobook:

This author couldn’t have chosen anyone more perfect than Lily Drake and Matt Haynes to play Max and Rachel. I adore this couple and look forward to listening to the other audiobooks in this series!!!
Profile Image for Athena D..
976 reviews59 followers
September 20, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS

I'm loving this first book in the In Clear Sights series! I am always left in awe of Kennedy's writing and how she leaves me in gripping suspense. On top of that, her hero—Max—is just so swoon-worthy. I loved Max and Rachel's story and I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment to this fabulous series. Guarded by the Marshal by Kennedy L. Mitchell is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,204 reviews205 followers
September 16, 2022
GUARDED BY THE MARSHAL is the first instalment in Kennedy L Mitchell’s contemporary, adult IN CLEAR SIGHT romantic suspense series focusing on the WITSEC program. This is former US Ranger/ US Marshal Max Williams, and Rachel Smith aka Kenzie’s story line.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Max and Rachel) GUARDED BY THE MARSHAL follows in the wake of the take down of a local cult. Rachel Smith is a victim of a man who had her kidnapped and groomed to be one of his wives but the take down of the ‘church’ and the ensuing law enforcement involvement found Rachel as one of the witnesses against ‘The Church’ and its’ leaders, a position that was about to force our heroine into the witness protection program. Enter US Marshal Max Williams, and the man with whom Rachel will fall in love. As Max struggles to keep one step ahead of the leaders of ‘The Church’ Rachel finds herself falling for a man who knows their time together is coming to a close.

Rachel Smith never knew betrayal like the betrayal of a friend who drugged and abducted our story line heroine but forced to enter into a relationship with a man she didn’t love all but broke our heroine’s mind. Willing to risk her life to send the leaders to prison, Rachel agrees to testify never realizing the extent to which ‘The Church’ was willing to get her back. Max Williams lost everything the day he discovered his wife with someone else. Struggling with his day to day life, Max never expected to find love with a woman whose own life was spiralling out of control.

The relationship between Max and Rachel begins under a professional arrangement but when the WITSEC program isn’t ready for our story line heroine, Max agrees to become guardian and protector, a position that places Max in the direct line of fire. The Church refuses to let go of our story line heroine, and Max refuses to leave Rachel to work on her own. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

We are introduced to Max’s fellow Marshal’s Shade and Trapper, as well as several members of law enforcement. The requisite evil has many faces.

GUARDED BY THE MARSHAL is a story of power and control, obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing, captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are energetic, charismatic, struggling but moving forward.

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Profile Image for Dimple.
1,176 reviews35 followers
September 26, 2022
Guarded by the Marshal is the first in a new series by the always great Kennedy Mitchell. The books follow a person in WITSEC and the marshal guarding them while winning their heart! This first book was an awesome first start to the series.

Max, an alcoholic former Army Ranger, turned U. S. Marshal, is disillusioned about life in general and especially love. Fighting with his hideous ex-wife in order to see their girls consumes him and her voice is the one in his head telling him he's worthless. He never expected to feel his heart start to beat again for his newest witness. Rachel "Babs" is the strongest woman he's ever met and watching her testify changed everything.

As a survivor of a heinous cult, Rachel would have every right to hide away from life or cower in a corner but she's determined no one else will go through what she did at the hands of this cult. Testifying to put the cult leader away almost broke but the Marshal there to protect her gave her strength before they ever even met. Now they're on the run but in fleeing one life, they find another worth living.

Rachel was an all-around badass. She's fierce and funny and so vulnerable without being weak. Max was a deliciously old grump, some of his comments made me laugh out loud. They're perfect for each other and I loved this story! Can't wait for more from this series!
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