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Martin's Crossing #5

Her Rancher Bodyguard

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Her Texas Protector

Bodyguard Boone Wilder isn't keen on his latest mission: watching over a pretty politician's daughter. Boone is from quiet Texas Hill Country, and Kayla is a showy city gal. But once safely settled at the Wilder Ranch, Boone watches Kayla enjoy cooking with his family, caring for his relatives and bottle-feeding calves. There's more to her than he ever knew. Still, the former soldier's wounds are way too deep to let Kayla close. But when he discovers that someone wants to hurt Kayla, Boone must risk his heart to protect what he cares about most.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2016

36 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Brenda Minton

114 books214 followers
Brenda Minton lives, procrastinates, writes, drinks coffee, raises her kids and is wife to her husband, in the Ozarks.

Okay, now to first person because a third person bio sounds like someone else wrote it about me, and is just license to create flowery prose about myself.

I grew up on a farm in the Ozarks. It was long ago and far away, in a land before cable TV, video games and the internet. To pass the time we read books, watched (gasp) network TV that rarely came in clear, and had friends over on weekends to play music on the front porch, or card games in the dining room.

The result of growing up 'country' was an active imagination. For fun I wrote stories to entertain myself and I dreamed of being an author. Oh, but first, before writing, I wanted to be a jockey.

Writing won out over being a jockey. In the spring of 2006 I got the call that made those dreams come true: the call that welcomed me into the Steeple Hill family of authors.

The moral of this story, never stop dreaming.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,157 reviews703 followers
June 2, 2016
It started out good - I love the whole bodyguard troupe. Kayla's father is running for Senator (I think) and he hires Boone to be her bodyguard. For the past few months and more recently Kayla has been getting stalked and the threat is getting worse. Her father is no longer able to pass it off as Kayla just acting out.

I liked Kayla, she had been through a lot and didn't really know who she was. I did like that she finally wanted to make some positive changes and was getting a fresh start in life. (Since I haven't read the past books, I felt like I was missing a lot of her backstory, at least I assumed she was in past books. What was up with her mom? When did they reunite? Did she just meet her half-brothers a year ago? Did they know her secret? Just lots of gaps I had to fill in on my own.) I liked Boone, he wasn't the typical bodyguard and I did like his sense of humor and how he was protective and genuinely wanted to help Kayla. They had good chemistry, which is always a plus.

I kept wondering why a professional bodyguard would bring a client to live with his family. Putting his family and client at risk since he was off doing chores around the farm a lot of the time and bringing his family to the attention of an unknown stalker. I mean, it works in a way so that Kayla can experience what a "real" family is like and find peace, closure and healing that she really needs. At the same time, it make Boone seem more like a buddy then a bodyguard, he wasn't doing something her own brothers could have done. Just seemed too convenient to the story and not realistic. Also, considering the situation she was in, Kayla made some boneheaded decisions sometimes.

The mystery was a bit of a disappointment and wrapped up too quickly. Very anti-climatic. And how did the stalker/blackmailer know her secret? I don't think that was ever explained and since it was the type of secret that only a very few people knew, I was dying to know how they found out.

Once they got to the ranch and all the many, many other characters enter the scene they kind of took over. So, overall I did like the book, I just wish the story had focused more on Boone and Kayla, her blackmailer and not so much focus on everything else. I did like the characters and if I don't analyze it too much, I enjoyed the story too. It's a good fit if you just need a quick escape.


Content
Romance: Clean
Violence: Mild - talk of past abuse which was extremely vague and glossed over
Language: None
Religious: Very Mild

Source: Review copy


For example, for some reason (I don't believe it was every really explained), Kayla's mother didn't want her any more and left her with her dad. When she was five he remarried and they started growing apart. Someone took advantage of the situation and her and it became this big family secret.
Profile Image for Clare O'Beara.
Author 25 books371 followers
July 19, 2016
This is an enjoyable romance about a returned soldier who is hired to guard a rich young lady without her knowledge. Just as well, because she has a stalker. Having seen the man off once, the bodyguard Boone decides to take the young woman Kayla to her family in the small town of Martin's Crossing, Texas. A stranger would be noticed. The time here helps Kayla clear her head and decide what she wants from life. But the stalker is still out there and it may be only a matter of time before he reappears.

A very good touch is that Boone has lost a limb in combat but has accepted this and gets on with life. He's a well-rounded person and deserves some romance. If you have read any of the Martin's Crossing series you might like it more because there are some recurring characters. This is suitable for any reader from teens upwards and may be a little slow for those who are used to more ominous romantic suspense stories. I enjoyed the read.

I downloaded from Net Galley for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Tima.
1,678 reviews128 followers
June 7, 2016
Kayla buried her hurt with partying and acting out. She's now on the correct path and has cleaned herself up, but has gotten a stalker of sorts. So her father, a politician, has hired a bodyguard to keep her safe until he can find out who is trying to harm his daughter. Boone owns his own body guard business and isn't thrilled that his next job is to babysit a spoiled rich girl. He takes her home to Martin's Crossing where both of their families live. He's hoping that surrounded by family so far out in the country will make his job easier. What he doesn't count on is how different Kayla is from what he expected.

This is a book in a series about the town of Martin's Crossing. So there were quite a few times that I felt a little lost. I would recommend finding the previous book(s) and reading them first. It really took me a while to get into the story and I think this was why. Otherwise it was a sweet, clean story with a little bit of mystery/suspense mixed in with the romance. There wasn't as much faith as I expected considering the genre so readers who appreciate more secular books will probably enjoy this book. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and think it would make a great beach read.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Anita.
253 reviews4 followers
May 4, 2016
I really liked this book. It was an easy read, believable, and drew me into the story. I liked that the plot was different than most 'bodyguard' stories. I was glad that even though I haven't read any of the other books in the series, I was distracted by the references to previous characters. The author did a nice job of bring them into the story.
I like a heroine who is a little more complex. A love a lady with a little sass. I felt that her character was well rounded.
Boone was a great combination of country boy and ex military man. I love how the author tied his service back into the story without overwhelming the current story. He and Kayla had witty and intelligent banter. I loved their relationship. Well done.

Rating 4.5
Content: clean, very mild violence, kissing
Source: Netgalley
Profile Image for Lisa Malmquist.
771 reviews23 followers
February 3, 2022
Bodyguard Boone Wilder has the job of protecting a politician's daughter.
She is a city girl and has her own problems. Boone is a family oriented cowboy from Texas.
He starts to see that she has had her own troubles and is not just a soiled right girl.
As she gets to know Boone, she sees a good hearted man who takes care of family and has his own troubles from being a soldier in Afghanistan.
The two start to realize that maybe they can help each other get over the past.
However, in the meantime, Boone realizes that someone is stalking Kayla and it is no longer just a lark of a job.
Some suspense and romance and glimpse at family life on a ranch. Nice story.
934 reviews4 followers
August 11, 2016
Her Rancher Bodyguard by Brenda Minton. Boone Wilder is a bodyguard assigned to protect a politician's daughter, Kayla. Kayla has a past that she can't remember all she did when she rebelled against her father who is running for a high office, and she went to Mexico. Her father is also a lawyer and his partner is really a bad guy. To protect Kayla, Boone takes her to his family ranch to protect her. Kayla is a city girl but loves being in the country and she gets attached to Boone's family. Romance happens. A very good cowboy/city girl romance.
2,277 reviews7 followers
July 16, 2018
For this genre, this book is fairly well done. I haven't quite figured out Boone. Apparently he grew up on a ranch, but then went into the military (for reasons that didn't seem to be explained in this book), was injured, and is now back at the ranch helping to keep it going now that his father has slowed down due to chronic disease--but also working as a bodyguard through a company he set up with two friends, something he's apparently doing for the money it brings in to help the family and ranch.

I do love Boone's family though. They seem close and loving, though they do give each other grief sometimes.

Kayla surprised me. She seemed to have been a bit of a spoiled rich kid but is now rethinking her choices and trying to figure out what she wants out of life. Other than a propensity to want to run away rather than face things--she seems to have some good ideas about what to do with her life--becoming a teacher.

I never figured out exactly who Blane was or how he knew Kayla. I'm guessing he's referring to events that happened in Mexico--perhaps those events were covered in a previous book in the series--but if you haven't read those, it does leave you a bit lost.

Boone and Kayla are likable characters with good hearts.
Profile Image for Candy.
184 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2016
Her Rancher Bodyguard
Brenda Minton
Martin’s Crossing Series
Christian Romance
Adult

Review: Boone Wilder became a bodyguard to help save his family's ranch from going under, but during some missions he wonders if it is really worth it. That’s how he feels as he follows rich girl, Kayla Stanford, under the orders of her father, a popular political figure who was up for re-election. Of course, to Boone it feels like he is just babysitting her until she does something controversial, that is until she is attacked one night. Then he realizes there is much more going on here than her father let on. Of course neither Kayla or her father want him or anyone else to know what is really going on, but each has their own reasons why.
As Boone gets to know Kayla while is protecting her he realizes just how much he admires her and is starting to feel for her. In return Kayla is also falling for Boone. Will their love be strong enough to survive some crazy person out to hurt Kayla and her dad and also to get past the fact that she is his client?
I really liked this story. The romance grew gradually instead of being instant which I prefer. It felt like they fell in love because they got to know each other and not because of how each looked. I also enjoyed watching them try to fight their feelings for their personal reasons. Boone does not want to get too close to a client and Kayla is afraid of getting hurt, but of course you can’t fight love.
I also loved the secondary characters in this book. Both Boone’s family and half of Kayla’s family were so supportive. Each character had a personality and life of their own that made them more than just fill-in characters, which was nice. My favorite was probably Boone’s mom. She is the type of woman to take on everyone else’s problems. She cannot see anyone getting hurt even if she barely knows them and as such she does all she can to fix the problem. The Martins, one side of Kayla’s family is also very kind, generous and would do anything to protect her from herself and those who would help her. It was nice to see that at least her mom’s side of the family cared about her even when her father and his new family only seem to think of themselves and her father’s career.
I have to admit though that what I enjoyed the best was the Christian aspect. It was not so overdone that a person who is not religious could not read it. Instead it was mostly shown through the acts God would have us live by. Yes there was mentions of God and they did attend church at one part, but it was not all they talked about and all that mattered. Don’t get me wrong as a Christian this would not have affected my reading of this book, but it was nice because anyone can read this no matter their beliefs.
I recommend this to readers who enjoy a romance without the bedroom scenes. I also recommend that those who read this book be tolerant of Christianity.

I received a free ecopy of this book from Netgalley for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews221 followers
September 10, 2019
Reviewed by Tammy
Book provided by NetGalley

Boone Wilder and Kayla Stanford are as opposite as can be. One is all country, the other is all city. They are brought together when Boone is assigned as Kayla's bodyguard. Things start to get complicated for them when personal and professional lines are crossed.

I really liked this story. The descriptions of a Boone's close knit family and life on the ranch made it enjoyable for me. This sweet romance kept me reading to the end. It has quite a cast of family members that I got to know. I wouldn't mind reading more about them in the series other books. I don't think you have to be a fan of cowboy stories to pick up this novel and want love and happiness to prevail in the end.
Profile Image for Marilyn Upright.
197 reviews
July 20, 2017
A very good romance with a woman who has been hurt and made bad decisions and a bodyguard who lost his leg in Afghanistan. When Boone becomes her bodyguard at first Kayla dosent like him or having bodyguards. But as the stalking text messages mount up she starts feeling safe in Boones care. When the criminals are arrested they realize what they had.
465 reviews
October 14, 2024
another finished

The 5 one in this series. This author. Knows how to tell a great story. There is a message in every one with thing that happens in every day and gives us a happy end. On to the last story in this series.
428 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2018
Another good book by Brenda!! I enjoyed the series, but I’m disappointed that I’ve read all of them!!
Profile Image for Sherry.
94 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2016
3 1/2
Kayla Stanford needed protection so her father hired Boone Wilder. Boone is not real excited about looking after the politician’s flashy daughter who seems to have a penchant toward trouble. When a threat occurs on her life, Boone takes Kayla back to the Wilder Ranch where he, his partner, Daron McKay, and his family can keep a close watch on her. Kayla is a city girl and doesn’t want to be at the ranch but she soon finds herself enjoying Boone’s family and even the ranch activities. As she helps out, Boone begins to see another side of her. Although they are very drawn to each other, past experience causes each of them to guard their heart. Will they learn that sometimes there is something more important than guarding ones heart?

This was a great addition to the Martin’s Crossing Series. I enjoyed returning to the familiar place and seeing, again, folks I’ve come to know. The Wilder family was fun and very protective of one another. Boone has known the Martin’s all his life and you see his interaction with Brody Martin, Kayla’s half brother. That was fun. Boone deals with guilt as well as a wound left behind from his Military service. I thought that was well done. Kayla also deals with hurt from the past that makes her bitter. It was interesting watching these two deal with each other. Boone’s mom is a sweet, wise woman and it was sweet to see how she handled and influenced both Boone and Kayla. There was a bit of a danger which I thought was a good addition to the story. The verse listed in the beginning fit very well. Romans 8:35 - Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? This could be read as a standalone and you wouldn’t feel lost but reading them in order gives great continuity to the series. I enjoyed my time in Martin’s Crossing and think you will too!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Some Favorite Quotes:

“You have a dog.” He laughed. “Yeah, I have a dog. And I have Daron McKay. Both of them shed, smell and leave messes.”

“She stepped into the circle of his embrace and he pulled her close. It was a brotherly, comforting hug, but it included his strength, his scent, his warmth. Before he let her go he kissed her near her temple. She drew in a breath at the gesture, so sweet. “You’re dangerous, Wilder.” “No, ma’am, I’m about as dangerous as a newborn puppy.” She laughed at that. “Yes, exactly. Everyone wants a puppy.”
Profile Image for Books and Spoons.
1,612 reviews32 followers
May 23, 2016
Engaging and gentle love story, with big meddling families, little danger and drama on the side, and one former military hero trying to hold onto a promise made to a fallen friend.
This book is part of a series, and the previous characters are involved in this story as well, also there are hints and mentions of the past events in the series. I believe reader could get much more out of the story if the previous books were read before this one.
The writing style is very light in this book, it nearly seems that the events are just 'let to happen' as they unfold, without plotting, or planning beforehand. I got this expression because of the rambling kind of progression of the tale.
Often in Love Inspired stories, the faith of the characters are at the center of the book, and a faith based message presented to the readers. In this story, it was assumed fact, nearly as an afterthought, and presumed from the actions of the characters, like going to the church on Sundays and blessing your food before eating, that many people do just as a habit.
Boone and Kayla have great energy between them. The banter is light and entertaining, and even though they have lived such opposite types of lives, they seem to understand each other, and enjoy each other's company.
The bodyguard business Boone is running with his friends seems unorganized, and I was surprised that a professional bodyguard would take his client to his parents' house to hide.
The big families on the both sides were entertaining. With so many references to them, and the past of the characters, I missed an organized, well thought out history of where Boone and Kayla were coming from. I hope this was more clear to the ones who have read the whole series so far.
Sweet and clean romance between the rich girl and her bodyguard, that takes time to develop, while on the run from her stalkers. Lots of family interference, cowboy references, and a dog that saves the day
~ Three Spoons
Profile Image for Pam Graber.
1,127 reviews39 followers
July 7, 2016
I felt this was the most poignant of the Martin's Creek series books. All anyone ever saw when they looked at Kayla Stanford was an out of control little rich girl who was an embarrassment to her politician father. Even though she's cleaned up her act, no one seems to believe she has changed. As her father runs for Texas state senator, Kayla and her father begin receiving threats prompting her father to hire Boone Wilder's security company as a bodyguard for his daughter.

Boone is not happy to be "babysitting", especially when the woman he's protecting "thinks she can take care of herself." One mugging and home invasion later and Boone is hauling Kayla to his family's ranch in Martin's Crossing. As he puts himself between Kayla and danger, he begins to see the hurting, betrayed woman behind her party-girl facade and he likes the humor and strength that keep peeking out of her personality.

Can Boone keep Kayla safe from the people who are out to harm her? Will she be strong enough to stand against yet another assault on her character?

Wow! If you've read any of this series, you know that Kayla is a half sister to the Martin family of Martin's Crossing. While I enjoyed all the other stories of the various Martin siblings, Kayla's story was the best so far, in my opinion. With themes of forgiveness - both for others and for self - and standing for justice sprinkled with what it means to be family, Kayla and Boone's story is far from smooth sailing. However, it's the rocky places and how they get through them that make the story so good. Definitely pick this one up!
2,323 reviews38 followers
May 25, 2016

4 STARS

This is good by itself but a lot better if you have read the series in order. Which I did not do. But I am going to go buy the one book of the series that I have skipped reading somehow.
This has characters that have flaws and are working to be better. Lots of talk about prayer, forgiveness in a meaningful way. I really like the Wilder family and hope to see a lot more of them.

Boone Wilder is single. He is a bodyguard and a rancher. He is the oldest of his family. He is a very hard worker.

Kayla's father is running for office. He has hired Boone to protect her and keep her out of trouble. Supposed to be a easy job.

Kayla has been wild in the past because she was angry. She had no one to turn to. Now she is trying to get her life in order, Someone is trying to blackmail her. She has relatives in Martin's crossing.

This is charming, has plenty of drama, ranch life and keeps you entertained reading it. It is also a clean read.

I was given this ebook to read for free in exchange for a honest review from NetGalley and Harlequin.
Author 3 books25 followers
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September 7, 2016
What can I say; I am forever a BRENDA MINTON fan. What’s there not to love about her books. As soon as one goes on sale, I snatch it up. If I am in the middle of reading a book, I read faster so I can get to MS MINTON’S book. Even if I have my next read planned out, I set it aside to sneak in hers.

Boone Wilder has a job to do, and he doesn’t intent on messing it up. Not when it involves a pretty woman he is trying to deny being attracted too.

Kayla Stanford doesn’t need a bodyguard. Especially one as handsome and sweet as Boone Wilder. What she needs is a fresh start. To feel as though she is loved.

As I have stated in many reviews I’ve written on books I have read by BRENDA MINTON, she is a brilliant writer that creates amazing characters. She often blows me away with great lines. In THE RANCHER BODYGUARD there were a few amazing lines that I had to dog-ear in the book in two places. Page 78 and 217

Can’t wait for the next. Yes, that’ s me. Impatiently waiting.
Profile Image for Beca .
267 reviews
June 6, 2016
I've recently been on an apocalyptic book kick where the love is fast and quick, the relationships usually end in someone's death or something equally as sad. I don't normally gravitate towards books that are solely romantic based, but the minute I read the description, I felt an incredible urge to pick this one up. I was not disappointed. It was sweet, quick enough to hold my attention but the relationship was built slow enough to be believable. Also a good breathe of fresh air on reading a book that isn't sexually driven. My only gripe is

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC.
Profile Image for Pamela Tracy.
Author 41 books59 followers
June 15, 2016
I find Brenda's book to be well written and engaging.

I loved the characters in this one and the setting.

Probably what kept this from being a five is it needed to be longer (I know, I know, there's a certain number of pages). For one, I wanted to know exactly what happened to the hero's leg and a little emotional history. I loved his twin sisters and would have liked to see them more, especially to know if they got the horse.

I also wanted the bad guy to get his just dues.
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,809 followers
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June 13, 2016
"This is part of Minton’s Martin’s Crossing series. Learning to trust others and the damage caused by secrets are key themes in this heartfelt tale. The plot is easy to follow, and there are even a few surprises along the way" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).

Miniseries: Martin's Crossing
504 reviews1 follower
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June 11, 2016
I love Brenda Minton, She is one of the authors I regularly follow. This book was so good i couldn't put it down. Forget the housework. Kayla is not the spoiled rich girl everyone thinks she is, or maybe she is. Boone thinks he needs to take care of everyone.

This is a book you will not want to miss. It is a fast clean read and it will hold your attention for the whole book.
585 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2016
love this story n its handling of real issues with family, life choices n health, looking forward to reading lucy n devons story n the wilder families with lucas, jase, the twins n molly n her mother
Author 3 books91 followers
December 14, 2016
This was the first time I've read anything by this author.

Her Rancher Bodyguard was a quick, sweet read. It was unique and kept me glued to the pages until the end.
Profile Image for Sara.
426 reviews32 followers
April 25, 2016
This is an excellent book!!! I loved reading every minute of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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