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A Promise to Protect

(Men of Valor #1)

Liz Johnson (Goodreads Author)

4.13 · Rating details · 334 ratings · 43 reviews

Navy SEAL Matt Waterstone knows about keeping people safe. When his best friend's sister is attacked, Matt promises no harm will come to Ashley Sawyer—not on his watch. But Matt's not the only protective one. Ashley will do anything to safeguard the residents of the battered women's shelter she runs. She's sure she can handle the threats she gets in return. What she can't ...more

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Paperback, 224 pages

Published November 27th 2012 by Love Inspired (first published January 1st 2012)

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· 334 ratings · 43 reviews

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Jan 23, 2019 Sarah Grace Grzy rated it liked it

Shelves: suspense, christian-fiction, contemporary

2.5ish stars?

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Dec 20, 2019 Hannah rated it liked it

Shelves: 2019-challenge, veterans-and-uniforms, owned-books, tbr-2019-marathon-tbr, suspense-2019

3.5 stars
An easy read, though several times I felt like I didn't quite believe what was going on. I definitely feel like her more recent writing is more polished, but I enjoyed it anyway. ...more

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Dec 22, 2012 Megan rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2013-electric-lime, read-in-2013, us-california

I always enjoy a story when it features SEALs, so I was pretty sure I'd like this...as long as it wasn't corny, as some can be. I thought the author did a great job of showing the toughness of SEALs and also their kind caring side. Tristan, Ashley's brother, was a great character and I'm looking forward to reading his story in SEAL Under Siege . If you like suspense stories featuring SEALs you should enjoy this story too. ...more

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Jan 22, 2013 Paula Legate rated it really liked it

Shelves: action-romance

This book started off with Ashley talking to her brother Tristan on her cell phone before he left on a Seal mission. During the conversation someone almost ran Ashley over. Over protective brother called his best friend Matt to visit Ashley and find out who was behind Ashley’s near miss. The threats continued, and Matt was there to help Ashley. There was more friendship in this book than romance. Both Ashley and Matt both had things they had to work out before they could get together. Matt grew ...more

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May 26, 2014 Brittany rated it it was amazing

Another wonderful book by Liz Johnson! This author really knows how to write books that I love to read! I first met these two main characters when I read SEAL Under Siege (which actually comes after A Promise to Protect). I enjoyed that book so much that I knew I needed to read this one, too, and see how they got together!

The hero of A Promise to Protect is Matt Waterstone, a Navy SEAL. He is obviously a strong male lead, but the author is also able to write him as a strong character who has vul ...more

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Dec 21, 2012 Melanie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: review-books, bookshelf

Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/RNA5E5VH...
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

A Promise to Protect was a great read! I liked it from the beginning and the book just kept continuing to get better as I read! I loved the characters - especially Matt, although Ashley and her brother Tristan were also favorites. I particularly liked how protective Tristan was and found myself chuckling a few times from things he did. ;)

The mystery was very good. I actually didn' ...more

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Dec 17, 2012 Kathleen Kelly rated it it was amazing

Shelves: author-requested-reviews

A Promise to Protect by Liz Johnson is a story about a who woman is attacked and stalked by an unknown assailant. Ashley Sawyer runs a shelter for abused women and she is devoted to what she does. When someone attacks her, her brother's friend Matt, takes it upon himself to protect her and try to find out who is after her. In the process he starts to fall for her but thinks that her brother will not find him good enough for Ashley so he keeps his growing feelings to himself. He made a promise to ...more

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Jan 05, 2013 Jill Kemerer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: inspirational, love-inspired, romantic-suspense, category-length, christian-fiction

Perfect! Liz Johnson sure knows how to keep me on the edge of my seat while developing a sizzling romance. Matt is my kind of hero--kind, protective, and not over-bearing. I found Ashley very relatable and sympathetic. I wanted her to fall for Matt and keep her "girls" safe.

The twists and turns kept the pace lively, and I got teary-eyed a few times toward the end. When I did read the final words, I sighed and smiled, satisfied with the way everything turned out. I'll be reading more by this tal ...more

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Dec 29, 2019 Paula Brandon rated it it was ok

This is not something, I would normally read, as it is from the Love Inspired Suspense line, and I am not religious. But for some reason, Mills & Boon (who publish Harlequin's catalogue here in Austalia) like to throw a couple of Love Inspired book into the Intrigue line every now and then, meaning those of us who subscribe to it don't actually get the Intrigue books we think we're paying for. But anyway....

Matt Waterstone is a SEAL recovering from a minor leg injury and he's asked by best buddy This is not something, I would normally read, as it is from the Love Inspired Suspense line, and I am not religious. But for some reason, Mills & Boon (who publish Harlequin's catalogue here in Austalia) like to throw a couple of Love Inspired book into the Intrigue line every now and then, meaning those of us who subscribe to it don't actually get the Intrigue books we think we're paying for. But anyway....

Matt Waterstone is a SEAL recovering from a minor leg injury and he's asked by best buddy Tristan to check on Tristan's sister, Ashley Sawyer, who has just received a threatening note. When Matt gets to the women's shelter that Ashley works at, the threats and attacks escalate, and he immediately swears to always protect her. It seems the threats are related to a girl Ashley assisted in finding another shelter to stay in. Matt and Ashley work together to get to the bottom of things.

It actually wasn't too bad as far as these things go. It's all very demure, with Matt and Ashley sharing only sweet kisses, and the suspense element is handled well. In regards to the religious content, it's to the author's credit that I didn't feel preached at....but it's just not my thing. There's no other way around it. And the big theme that seems to run through this book is that it's okay to be weak sometimes, because God can be strong for you. Indeed, we get this bizarre commentary from Ashley:

"You reminded me what it felt like to really rely on someone else. To let down my guard long enough to remember that when I'm weak, God is strong. And sometimes when we really need help, He sends Navy SEALS to the rescue."

I mean, did I really just read that? If you pray hard enough, God will deploy SEALs to rescue you from human traffickers? And religious aspect aside, it's an attitude that bothers me in some romantic suspense, where the heroine believes that everything will be hunky dory because a man will always be there to look after her and protect her. Never a guarantee in life, romantic fantasy or not! I prefer a heroine who is strong, but knows when to seek assistance, which is the type you usually get in Intrigue. Not someone who waits for an external party - a man, higher power, whatever - to step in and keep things in order.

When looking at my 2 star rating, keep in mind I'm not the target audience! I read it because I'd already paid for it as part of a subscription to a completely different line. This was otherwise well-paced and did maintain some levels of suspense. Those looking for hot romance should look elsewhere, though!

Points off for Ashley's older brother, Tristan, who is the tropey "No one is good enough for my sister and all men should stay away from her" type. That is just SUPER CREEPY and gross. ...more

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Nov 29, 2012 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance-fiction, christian-fiction, chick-literature, contemporary-fiction, christian-action-adventure, christian-suspense-fiction, christian-inspirational-fiction

"Tristan is the closest thing I have to a brother. He's worried about you, and so am I. Let me help."

Fear flicked through Ashley's eyes as she whispered, "Someone almost ran me over."

"Tristan said something about a letter," Matt pressed.

Ashley nodded. "When I got home that day, there was an anonymous note saying that someone wanted hsi property back."

His gut clenched. What kind of jerk threatened a bettered women's shelter? "Listen, I'm in town for a few days. Let me look into things."

She smile "Tristan is the closest thing I have to a brother. He's worried about you, and so am I. Let me help."

Fear flicked through Ashley's eyes as she whispered, "Someone almost ran me over."

"Tristan said something about a letter," Matt pressed.

Ashley nodded. "When I got home that day, there was an anonymous note saying that someone wanted hsi property back."

His gut clenched. What kind of jerk threatened a bettered women's shelter? "Listen, I'm in town for a few days. Let me look into things."

She smiled up at him. "Thanks, but I got the note more than a week ago. If there was any danger, something else would have happened by now."

As they reached her car, her smile died. He didn't have to ask if she still thought the threat had passed as she took in the smashed windshield of her coupe. Tucked under a wiper blade, the person responsible for the mess had left a clear message.

If I don't get what's mine, you'll get what's yours. (pg. 18).

In the latest suspense romance novel from Liz Johnson, A Promise to Protect involves Matt Waterstone, a Navy SEAL who is recovering from an injury who takes on an investigation and protection of his best friend's sister, Ashley is almost run over. Since she took over helping women find safety and refuge at Lil's Place, a battered women's shelter this is her first time that the threat levels for her personal safety have taken on a different meaning.

It seems that helping a young Asian woman, named Joy seems to be the only link in helping both Matt and Ashley uncover who is behind a string of increasingly violent threats against Ashley. While she thinks its no more threatening than ex-boyfriends or husbands she has dealt with in the past, these threats are now involving the personal safety of the women and children in the shelter unless Ashley returns Joy. Even the local small town police don't seem to have enough resources to help locate the person responsible and when a lady who aided Joy turns up missing, Ashley and Matt know that this threat is personal and it won't stop until Joy is returned or Ashley is made to pay for her intervention.

I received A Promise To Protect compliments of Liz Johnson and Harlequin's Love Inspired Series for my honest review. This is perfect to take along in your purse to read anywhere, but trust me once you get started, you'll be hooked until you reach the final page. Liz does just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat with enough suspense to keep you frantically turning pages hoping to find out just what happens, both to solving the threat to Ashley and to seeing if the romantic tension between Matt and Ashley connects with true love for them both. I easily rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion and can't wait for more from Liz in the future. The Love Inspired series from Harlequin is geared to the Christian Romance reader and is one I am certain you will enjoy. ...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Jennifer Defoy rated it it was amazing

I've read two of Liz Johnson's other novels before, and I have to say that each new one I read is so much better than the last. Given how good the first one was this last one was excellent. The story was exciting and emotional. Trying to protect women in a shelter has to be a difficult enough job, but add in the fact that one of the women was saved from something much darker than an abusive partner and it makes the job of protecting these women and their children that much more difficult - and d I've read two of Liz Johnson's other novels before, and I have to say that each new one I read is so much better than the last. Given how good the first one was this last one was excellent. The story was exciting and emotional. Trying to protect women in a shelter has to be a difficult enough job, but add in the fact that one of the women was saved from something much darker than an abusive partner and it makes the job of protecting these women and their children that much more difficult - and dangerous. Even with the help of Matt protecting these women may be more than Ashley can handle.

Ashley was a good character. She wasn't just strong for herself she was strong for the many many women she's been entrusted to protect. Ashley runs a women's shelter and gives so much of herself to these women that once the story really started going I kept thinking "how much more can she give." But Ashley never even thinks twice about doing what's needed to protect the women in the shelter. Matt was also a pretty good character. He was the strength Ashley needed to keep herself going and keep her shelter safe. Even when things get a little out of hand Matt seems to always have a plan. He was the cool, calm, and collected type.

The writing was really good. Even when I realized just how dark the evil Ashley was trying to protect the women from really was I didn't feel like the story was dark. Liz Johnson has a way of writing that keeps things from getting too dark and depressing. Not that the story was happy and sunshine, but the story never really jumps too deep into the horrid crimes that are being committed So even though you're aware of what is going on, it's not the kind of story that pulls you into that same dark place. I think it's a great feat to be able to write about something so horrible without having to go too dark with the writing and still be able to convey the seriousness of what is going on. It made this a great book to read. It was exciting enough that I didn't want to put it down, but it wasn't depressing to where I had to put it down to get my head out of where the book was going. It was a bery perfect balance.

Overall it was a great read. It had great characters, a good romance, and an awesome story. ...more

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Nov 01, 2012 Laura rated it really liked it

Title: A PROMISE TO PROTECT
Author: Liz Johnson
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
December 2012
ISBN: 978-0-373-44518-9
Genre: Romantic suspense

Ashley Sawyer manages a battered women’s shelter, and she’s used to threatening notes from the ex-husbands, ex-boyfriends, or soon-to-be exes. But she is not used to someone trying to run her over, bashing her windshield on her car in, and demanding his property be put back where she found it. The local police are no help. The threats are too vague, and it mi ...more

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Jun 13, 2014 Dawn Leonard rated it it was amazing

I enjoy Liz Johnson's books a lot. She tells well-crafted tales that keep you guessing with a perfect amount of faith and God included. The storyline and characters seem real and relatable. The story moves quickly making the book hard to put down. Very real story of battered women and human trafficking which apparently happens more than people realize. Loved the protectiveness of both Matt and Tristian. I can relate to the desire of Ashley to be strong on her own and her understanding that the b ...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Amy Jacobs rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

If there is one author that comes to mind when someone needs a recommendation for Inspirational Romance, Liz Johnson is usually the one I mention.

Each character in this story compliments the other in such a good way that it pushes this story into great. I loved Matt in this story. He was the perfect hero for Ashley. Each book that this author writes, gets better in the character department each time. Her writing is growing and the story proves it.

Suspense is also great in this book. It flowed a ...more

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Aug 06, 2017 Judine Brey rated it liked it

Shelves: mystery, christian, romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 13, 2012 June rated it really liked it

Loved this story. Human trafficking stories are always tragic. I enjoyed watching the development of a relationship between Matthew and Ashley. Though they have known and loved each other for years, they don't know they love each other and that there is any chance of a relationship between them. Ashley trusts no man and wants to keep it that way. But Matt just stays under her skin and she can't shake what is there.

...more

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Nov 15, 2012 Renee rated it really liked it

When I first opened the envelope, I was uncertain about this book as it's published by Harlequin but since the book was also promoted as Inspirational I decided to give it a chance and I'm glad I did. A Promise to Protect is part of the Love Inspired Suspense line and it's truly both. The love story was clean cut but touching and the suspense kept me wanting to read more. This is not the same Harlequin of the 80s. ...more

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Nov 06, 2012 Emily Boivin rated it really liked it

i won this book on goodreads and i did enjoy it very much. i thought the plot kept my intrest and i realy did care about the charecters and rooted for the best outcome. it was a quick read, it only took me a few hours. which was good as i like that kind of book when i am between larger novels. if you pick this book up you will not be dissapointed.

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Mar 13, 2017 Patty Campagna rated it really liked it · review of another edition

So sweet

This book is good. It's a good story with a little bit of a social message but done very well. Loved Ashley and Matt. Both are wonderful compelling characters. I couldn't but the book down. ...more

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Dec 22, 2012 Julie rated it really liked it

Great read! Interesting story!

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Jan 08, 2013 Theresa Hewitt rated it really liked it

A good love story. Makes you think about your own weaknesses. Loved it

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Feb 24, 2013 Melinda rated it liked it

These books are kind of cheesy and predictable, but still fun, easy reads.

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Apr 10, 2013 Karen Barnett rated it really liked it

A Promise to Protect by Liz Johnson is a chilling page-turner filled with heart. Have you ever struggled with falling head over heels for a fictional hero? Trust me--Matt Watersone is one of those.

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Apr 04, 2014 Sonia rated it liked it · review of another edition

Good read

Good read

The suspense keeps you interested but the romance is a bit silly for my taste, not realistic in my opinion.

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May 04, 2014 Allie rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery-suspense, christian

The main characters were great--flawed, and believable.

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Jun 14, 2014 Alison rated it really liked it

I love these Christian romance novels. They're not amazing literature and they're not supposed to be. They're great stories that include faith, which is a big deal to me. ...more

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Sep 07, 2015 Kale Snyder rated it liked it

I found this story a little weak but it was ok over all.

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Apr 04, 2016 Linda Advena rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Good

It was short and sweet. Just enough drama and intrigue. Lovable characters. Awful villains. Real word issues. Well worth your time.

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May 12, 2016 Pat rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Another great mystery romance with the navy seals by Liz Johnson. This time with Matt as the designated protector of Tristan's sister Ashley as they try to stay one step ahead of human traffickers. ...more

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Nov 18, 2018 Joleen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-romance, tn-reads, abuse, navy-seals, human-trafficking, protection

A Promise to Protect by Liz Johnson #1 Men of Valor series
Genre: Suspense, Christian Romance,
Format: Kindle
Timeframe: More or less current day
Location: Charity Way, northern California
Characters:
Ashley Sawyer: Single woman in charge of battered women’s shelter
Matt Waterstone: Navy Seal, best friend of Ashley’s brother, Tristan
Tristan Sawyer: Navy Seal, on a mission in the Middle East

Because of an injury he sustained saving his best friend Tristan's life, Matt Waterstone is in physical therapy ...more

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