★ When your past refuses to stay buried, love becomes your strongest weapon. ★
Aubrey Richardson survived a killer's vengeance once. She won't get a second chance.
After twenty years of hiding, Aubrey finally has everything she's dreamed of—a job she loves with the US Marshals, a reunion with her estranged family, and most importantly, the love of Deputy Ethan Butler. But when a federal prisoner transport plane crashes outside of Renegade, Aubrey realizes her nightmare isn't over. Someone from her past has found her, and this time, they're not just coming for her—they're targeting everyone she loves.
The past never forgets. And it never forgives.
Ethan Butler has faced down killers, survived ambushes, and protected countless witnesses, but nothing has prepared him for this. When the woman he loves becomes the target of a methodical killer with a twenty-year grudge, Ethan must navigate a deadly game where every move could be their last. The attacks are personal, calculated, and designed to destroy not just Aubrey's life, but her faith, her sanity, and everyone she holds dear.
As bodies pile up and the killer's true identity emerges from the shadows, Aubrey faces an impossible continue running and let innocent people die, or stand and fight against an enemy who knows her every fear, her every weakness, her every secret.
When love means risking everything, how far will you go?
From deadly snipers to midnight chases through Colorado's mountain wilderness, Aubrey and Ethan race against a killer who's had two decades to perfect their revenge. But when the final confrontation forces Aubrey to choose between her own survival and saving the lives of everyone in Renegade, she'll discover that sometimes the greatest guardian isn't the man with the badge—it's the God who's been protecting her all along.
Perfect for fans High-stakes romantic suspenseFaith-tested-by-fire storylinesAlpha protective heroesStrong heroines overcoming traumaSmall-town secrets with deadly consequencesUS Marshal romanceFound family bonds tested by fire Trauma and Healing Faith Under Fire Protective Love Trust and Betrayal Divine Protection Courage in Crisis Second Chances Found Family Love Worth Fighting For
Book 4 in the Renegade County series by Jennifer Chastain, created by Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips. Complete story where danger meets desire and love conquers all!
Get ready for the most dangerous—and romantic—installment yet in the series readers can't stop talking about.
“Grace doesn’t erase the worst day; it meets you in it.”
Once I came to the point in the book where God’s grace meets Aubrey and Ethan, I was hooked.
I was looking forward to getting back to Renegade and the US Marshals team with a new-to-me author and was excited for the second half of Jennifer Chastain’s installment in the series because it was pacey, full of the emotion, tension and adventure that I love, and it was sprinkled lightly with spiritual encouragement.
I was very aware of how Aubrey Richardson’s emotional trauma 20 years ago had affected how she sees the world and how she makes decisions. I can’t imagine being in WITSEC without family support, so I was glad Ethan Butler was watching out for Aubrey. Jennifer Chastain explored mercy, revenge, and regret and reminds readers that “no one is too far from God’s love.” The ticking clock trope was well developed; I felt the pressure and was unsure when the ‘bad guy’ would pop up. I felt Aubrey’s anger as she realized that Renegade is no longer a safe place and that her safety net is in tatters.
I’ll remember this book for the examination of regrets and the reminder that God doesn’t bring us through an experience “just to watch [us] drown in blame", but mostly for the reminder that doing the right thing is ALWAYS THE RIGHT THING, even if it’s costly.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I did enjoy this, but I struggled to really "get" the characters. Had a hard time figuring them out, understanding their feelings and what kind of person they were. Plot was good though!
If you love romantic suspense, protective heroes, second-chance romance, and high-stakes danger, Guardian delivers all of it and so much more.
Jennifer Chastain crafts a compelling story that pulls readers in from the very first page. The chemistry between the characters feels authentic, while the suspense keeps the tension high throughout the entire book.
The U.S. Marshal hero is everything I didn’t know I needed. Ethan is strong, dependable, and willing to risk everything to protect Aubrey, who’s in danger. As secrets from the past resurface, the stakes become even higher. GUARDIAN has both emotion and action-packed.
What I loved: 🖤 Protective hero 🖤 Witness-in-danger storyline 🖤 Second-chance romance 🖤 Fast-paced suspense 🖤 Emotional depth 🖤 Strong character development
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.
Aubrey Richardson is afraid. She is hurt. Evil is close. Evil is grabbing her. In that moment, Scripture rises up from all those childhood memory verses: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.” I loved that. I loved that the Word of God was already hidden in her heart before she knew how badly she would need it.
Then this simple prayer: “I trust You, Lord.” Even if it was going to be her last breath on earth, she knew she would be with Jesus … and never be alone again.
That is not easy faith. That is faith with fear breathing against it. That is faith when the future is still hidden. That is faith when trusting God means surrendering the outcome, even if the outcome is Jesus bringing her safely home to Himself.
Ethan’s part of the story mattered deeply because he knew human protection had limits, and God’s did not. He is a protector, but he knows he is not the Protector. I loved his reminder that God is our refuge, shield, strong tower, and the One we run to. His words about learning to lean on God in every part of his life felt honest and real.
Jennifer Chastain gave me danger, tenderness, second-chance ache, and faith that actually had to stand up under pressure.
This story illustrates how God’s people may face real danger, real fear, and real evil, yet they are never beyond the reach of our Savior’s arms.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
‘The Lord is my shield and buckler, my strong tower.’ That’s who God is. He’s our refuge when times get tough. He wants us to come to Him, to rest and find strength in His presence.”
Guardian takes us right back in the middle of the action where the US Marshalls are trying to protect their witness from danger and attacks, while trying to figure out who is behind it all and how it links back to the Shadow Syndicate.
The author did not hold back on the true danger of being in witness protection, with having to say goodbye to loved ones, always feeling like you have to look over your shoulder and where loss is experienced.
The connection between the characters felt honest and flowed naturally and we get to fill in more of the holes with regards to the Shadow Syndicate plot which links right back to book one in the series.
I experienced some heart pounding moments, hoping that things will end up good, sad when things didn’t and overall enjoyed my time back with the Heroes of Renegade.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*
I really enjoyed this no spice Christian romantic suspense. Ethan is a US Marshall and Aubrey works in the Marshall’s office. She was once part of WITSEC and lives with fear and guilt from her past simmering in the background. When danger hits too close to home and then assaults their community, she’s put under protection, but the danger follows her at every turn. With a grumpy/sunshine vibe, this coworkers romance was sweet and the suspense was on point. There is definitely trauma from the past and present that needs to be worked through with faith, friends, and found family. I guessed a major twist (yay!) and am interested to see where this series will take us. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 1. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
TW: Murder, Injuries, Assault
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
“This was the hard part. When things were going well, it was so easy to trust God and His provision and protection. But now? This was where her faith would be tested.”
Suspense lovers, this book is for you! I was propelled through the pages with action and uncertainty. Guardian brings you that feeling of anticipation and excitement as you push toward the end. You’ve got a missing judge, a murder, a downed plane, a killer on the loose, a sniper… and that’s just the first half!
I really liked Aubrey. I was actually suspicious of her in the previous book because I thought she was hiding something. Well, she is, but it’s the fact that she was in WITSEC herself. She’s been through it, but she still has earned the office nickname of Sunshine because of her attitude. She’s helpful and caring and has a great outlook. Doesn’t mean that things in this book won’t try to break her. But I especially loved how the hardship she faces pushes her back into the arms of God.
Ethan is such a caretaker hero. He’s been fighting his attraction to Aubrey for a while, and when everything goes down he has to come face to face with his feelings. I loved how he struggled turning things over to God, but he does. This is a faith-forward story/series and I truly appreciate that!
Liam from Protector is in this one a lot, but only mentions of other characters from the series. You wouldn’t be lost just reading this one, though more-so than Protector, this one does dive back in to the Syndicate hunt, which is a storyline across this series.
I did guess the twist in this one fairly early, but I enjoyed the fact that I felt like I knew what was going on behind the scenes and was waiting for the characters to catch up and discover the culprit. I’m not often deterred by guessing such things because it’s fun to find out if I’m right. But if that bugs you, now you know.
I really enjoyed this story, and I probably rank it my number 2 favorite of the series so far, just edging out Renegade, but not quite as high as Protector.
I received a complementary copy of this book from Sunrise Publishing. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are my own.
Aubrey Richardson did the right thing 20 years ago and a man went to prison, but her honesty came with a hefty price. Fast forward to the present, she finally feels safe in Renegade, until she isn’t anymore.
Deputy Marshal Ethan Butler is carrying a lot of guilt on his shoulders from a painful time in his work life. His coworkers think he is emotionally cold and distant. Aubrey is intrigued and determined to break through his hard shell exterior. As soon she is in harms way, he is the first one to show up and protect her.
This was fast paced, adrenaline laced and full of suspense, but the faith message came through loud and clear, as both Ethan and Aubrey had their own set of struggles. Ethan needed to forgive himself and Aubrey needed to renew her faith and relationship with God.
Finally, some of my favorite passages came when faith was addressed. Some of my favorite quotes- “He’s our refuge when times get tough. He wants us to come to Him, to rest and find strength in His presence.” The second was when Aubrey comes to the realization that she has set her faith aside and only prayed at desperate times. “I have to remember that grace doesn’t erase the worst day; it meets you in it and God’s mercy is big enough to hold us both.”
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Guardian is book four in the Heroes of Renegade series, and each book has been amazing. This is a multiauthor series, but each story flows together perfectly. This is the first book I have read written by Jennifer Chastain. Each story can be read as a standalone without missing too much. There are some crossover characters that we get to touch base with, and 22 has been fun to catch up with those characters. This book had me on the edge of my seat and staying up way too late to finish it.
Ethan Butler is a US Marshall. He just got back from being on leave, while also being on a secret mission to try to figure out some things. Aubrey works in the Marshall office, and as a former person in witness protection, she knows some things, and her past always seems to be lurking behind her.
When a downed US Marshals prisoner transport plane shows up in the forest near Renegade, strange things start to happen. And that is when Aubrey seems to be the target. Ethan is there to help her out. Aubrey has a lot to unpack from her past trauma.
This co-worker's romance was kisses only.
Jennifer Chastain did a great job intertwining faith elements throughout.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Guardian by Jennifer Chastain is a fast pace WICSEC type of story. Plenty of movement, action, and a little bit of romance thrown in for a change of pace from all the action. Readers do not have to read the first books in the series to understand this story, but they may want to go back and read the other books in order to understand an overarching mystery that has been “hidden” in the pages. The heroine has a deep, dark secret, but I did feel like she gave it away too soon to a man that said he would protect her. She hasn’t told anyone for twenty plus years, and within a couple of days of being protected by him, she is spilling her guts to him. I like how Chastain made her a flawed character who was not afraid to admit that she needed to spend more time with God, and she has fallen away from his love in the past couple of years. Made her feel more realistic and relatable. As for the hero, he had back issues too, but they were glossed over when the heroine shared her story. Overall, The Guardian by Jennifer Chastain fit nicely into this series and definitely held my attention.
I received a complimentary copy of Guardian by Jennifer Chastain from Sunrise Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I really enjoyed this grumpy/sunshine romantic suspense! It didn’t take long before the suspense kicked in and I was hooked! It became an impossible to put down thrill ride.
I really liked Aubrey and Ethan. She works for the US Marshals as an administrative assistant. She’s a stress baker with a sunshiny attitude. I was really worried for her when the killer she put in jail years ago came after her. Ethan’s a Deputy Marshal with a strong protective instinct and a secret sweet tooth. He was a bit of a grump, but the more I got to know him, the more I liked him.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be my last. I look forward to reading more from her. I recommend reading this multi-author series in order because there’s an overarching mystery surrounding the Shadow Syndicate. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense with a strong thread of faith, you’ll love it!
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Guardian By Jennifer Chastain Book 4 in the Heroes of Renegade series Rating: 4/5
This series continues to provide nonstop action that will keep you reading till the end. I am a huge fan of Christian romantic suspense and the stories from Sunrise just keep coming and do NOT disappoint. The chemistry between the main characters is swoon worthy but still clean. The action is believable and the clues are ever present trying to help you uncover the truth. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and this series! It’s a standalone but you should definitely check out the first 3 books which are equally as awesome.
Highly recommend this clean Christian romantic suspense the blends bravery with vulnerability and heart.
My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
Austere Ethan and Sunshiney Aubrey add an exciting new chapter to the Heroes of Renegade series with Guardian! The hidden past angle is a fun one to explore as they figure out how to deal with their ghosts coming back to life.
I was surprised by how many lines I found myself highlighting. I don't do that often or lightly, but there were many lines I want to revisit from this story.
Guardian reads a bit differently to me than the others in the story; while I enjoyed it, some events felt a bit abrupt while others seemed obvious and long in coming.
Still, it was fun to visit the town of Renegade and the leading characters were really tough. They took beating after beating as the hits kept coming, so if intense action is your jam, this could be the book for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I couldn't put it down!! Guardian by Jennifer Castain grabbed me from page one and didn't let me go! This romantic suspense is SO good. The reader is off to a fast paced adventure with plenty of suspense, danger, corruption, overcoming the past and a sweet romance. Aubrey Richardson escaped a killer twenty years ago and her life has never been the same. She's lived with fear and without her family ever since. Her US Marshalls at work and her best friend have become her family. When a transport plane crashes near Renegade, she realizes her nightmare is not over. US Marshall Ethan Butler is still reeling from losing his team and has put up walls for relationships, only "Sunshine" the nickname for Aubrey around the office, has broken through his defenses. Both Ethan and Aubrey learn to rely on God in life and death situations. You don't want to miss Guardian!
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
I'm so glad that Renegade is a fictional town because the city has been a hot bed of criminal activity!
I was excited to see that this story featured Aubrey, the receptionist and the glue that holds together the marshal's office. I'd like to be friends with her not only for her as sunny disposition but also for her phenomenal baking.
The other main character is Ethan and in previous books he has been portrayed as elusive and standoffish. It was endearing to see his compassionate side shine in this book.
The book continues to follow the syndicate as the marshals search for who is involved. Lots of twists and turns await the reader!
Thanks to Sunrise Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Guilt doesn’t get to rewrite God’s truth - He didn’t save you to watch you drown in blame. Aubrey testified against the man who killed her sister years earlier. Fearing for the lives of her parents and younger sister, she leaves them in WITSEC and moves to Renegade after the assurance from Judge Stephen that nothing bad would happen.
A plane crash, a missing prisoner, a mole in the Marshal’s office and more and somehow things were not as safe as they seemed. The danger does not let up as the Shadow Syndicate becomes more visible and brazen. Will Aubrey and the marshals survive this onslaught of evil?
An early copy of Heroes of the Renegade Book 4 was received through Sunrise Publishing and BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.
I am enjoying this summer series in Renegade. Though I feel like we aren't getting any closer to knowing who the shadow syndicate is! I am anxious to solve the overarching mystery!
Aubrey is a bubbly, cheerful, sunshiny character that loves to bake and make everyone smile. She left WITSEC to protect her family and has been hiding and working in the US Marshall's office. Except danger is still finding her.
Deputy Ethan Butler is carrying the weight of the world and holds tightly to his responsibility. He just needs some sunshine to loosen his tight edges.
I enjoyed this read and how the characters admitted to their flaws and need for God, even when they've strayed.
I have really been enjoying the Heroes of Renegade series. In this fourth installment, we have the story of Ethan and Aubrey. I loved how Chastain created these characters' personalities and expertly placed them within a plot that made them shine. Through danger, discovery, and heartbreak, our hero and heroine not only find love, but healing from the past.
Chastain has created a story that kept me guessing, turning page after page, and absolutely enjoying the tale before me. I could not ask for more, and I am anxiously awaiting the next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This next book in the Heroes of Renegade series was very good. It took me awhile to get into the story at first, but once I did, the tension and action picked up and kept me reading. I felt so badly for the way Aubrey was treated at times throughout the story, but I was glad that she had Jenna, Ethan, and some colleagues to be there for her. I appreciated that faith in God was mentioned more than once, and that twist at the end caught me by surprise! I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the publisher. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Aubrey has been living in Renegade for the past few years after leaving the WITSEC program to protect her family. She has been working at the US Marshall's office, perfect place to hide EXCEPT she's falling for US Marshall Ethan Butler and when a Marshall's plan mysteriously crashes and the passenger being transported disappears her life is on the line. This story is full of action, past traumas, faith based, and humorous. There is more about the Shadow Syndicate in this one too from previous books.
I feel like the intensity has ramped up with each book in this series! Aubrey and Ethan kept me on the edge of my seat as they tried to stop this latest move by the shadow syndicate!
The two of them seemed like an unlikely couple but as they opened their hearts to each other and shared their stories, I could see it and instantly loved them together!
As always, I loved seeing the faith journeys of both of these characters as well! Jennifer did a beautiful job weaving Christ's strength and mercy into this story.
This gripping, faith-filled suspense read will literally have you hooked from start to finish, and you won't be able to put it down. Guardian has a mole in the US Marshals office, a prison transport plane that crashed, a syndicate, danger, and a fugitive out for revenge. Ethan and Aubrey's story was fast-paced and well-crafted. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is another thrilling addition to the Heros of Renegade series. Ethan and Aubrey are two characters that I was rooting for from the beginning of the story. They both have events in their past that make their lives hard. Aubrey is hiding from an evil man and Ethan is worried about making a bad decision again. With each others help and God’s grace they can get through anything, If you love action, romance and a story with a message, I highly recommend this book.
This book hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's full of action, drama, suspense and has just enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Great read!
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Looking at your past and wanting to go forward with God
Marshal Butler had a past of being arrogant and letting his team down. Aubrey separated from her family to protect them from something she was a witness to and had to testify in court to. How one knows the Lord and reminds the other one that they are not alone and the past is not their fault and that person can pray to God.
had quite an adventure. So scary, so possible. Ethan is a tough marshal, so glued to his job, he doesn’t take time to look around him. Follow him as he finds there’s more to life than his desk. Aubrey also has a lot to learn. Fear is a dangerous thing in and of itself.
Aaah! While we still haven't unveiled the answer to the mystery crawling its way through this series we are getting closer. I hope! The mystery of the shadow syndicate is a great thread through this series. But I also enjoyed the storyline of this book. The whole theme of a guardian. I have already told friends to be sure to read. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ethan and Aubrey’s story of rescue and love kept me up reading late at night. Oops, but I can’t wait to read the next story. Jennifer did an amazing job of keeping me at the edge of my seat, and wanting more.
The story of Aubrey Richardson who is hiding from a cold-blooded killer in the town of Renegade while being protected by the local U.S. Marshals with whom she works is absolutely compelling and unputdownable. My heart ached for Aubrey and her very understandable fear of being found and killed by murdered Finn Donovan since she testified against him. But my heart was filled with happiness for her when she begins to trust Marshal Ethan Butler, which is a good thing because she is in constant danger for most of the novel. The plot is fast like a bullet train and it’s hard to see some of the surprise twists coming until they hit you right between the eyes. The Shadow Syndicate, a common thread on all of the Renegade books, is active and deadly in this book, too, and it’s unfortunate that mild-mannered and petite Aubrey is on their radar. The action starts from the first page and continues to the very satisfying conclusion. This book was unputdownable for me and one of the best of the series that I have read. It can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, but I higher recommend that you enjoy the entire series. They are heart-pounding and clean suspense at its best. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.