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NY State Trooper #5
To Protect His Own
New York State Trooper Jake Prichard turned his back on the family farm, the family fortune, and his lying, manipulative father. But when someone tries to kill his dad, Jake reluctantly returns home to investigate. Only, his father isn’t the real target. It’s the farm's manager and Jake's first love.
Kenzie Chorley has worked at The Cavanaugh Equestrian Center since she was sixteen. It’s all she’s ever known, and all she’s ever wanted…other than Jake. But when he walked away from the farm, he walked away from her, too. In an attempt to heal old wounds, they rekindle their passion, but the pain of the past is too strong, leaving Kenzie alone, bereft, and pregnant.
Now someone is threatening not only the farm she cherishes, but her unborn child’s heritage. If Kenzie wants to hold onto the only man she’s ever loved, she’s going to have to dig up the darkest betrayal of all. A secret she’s kept from Jake since a childhood.
A lie so damming it holds the power to destroy the very thing she’s trying to save…
Kenzie Chorley has worked at The Cavanaugh Equestrian Center since she was sixteen. It’s all she’s ever known, and all she’s ever wanted…other than Jake. But when he walked away from the farm, he walked away from her, too. In an attempt to heal old wounds, they rekindle their passion, but the pain of the past is too strong, leaving Kenzie alone, bereft, and pregnant.
Now someone is threatening not only the farm she cherishes, but her unborn child’s heritage. If Kenzie wants to hold onto the only man she’s ever loved, she’s going to have to dig up the darkest betrayal of all. A secret she’s kept from Jake since a childhood.
A lie so damming it holds the power to destroy the very thing she’s trying to save…
225 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2017
122 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Jen Talty
232 books516 followersJen Talty is the USA Today Bestselling Author of Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. In the fall of 2020, her short story was selected and featured in a 1001 Dark Nights Anthology. She is currently contracted to write in the With Me in Seattle series by Kristen Proby with Lady Boss Press, as well as Susan Stoker’s Special Forces: Operation Alpha and Elle James’s Brotherhood Protectors.
Regardless of the genre, her goal is to take you on a ride that will leave you floating under the sun with warmth in your heart. She writes stories about broken heroes and heroines who aren’t necessarily looking for romance, but in the end, they find the kind of love books are written about :).
She first started writing while carting her kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. Her first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 she helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where she ran the technical side of the business through 2016.
Jen is currently enjoying the next phase of her life…the empty nester! She and her husband reside in Jupiter, Florida.
Grab a glass of vino, kick back, relax, and let the romance roll in…
Regardless of the genre, her goal is to take you on a ride that will leave you floating under the sun with warmth in your heart. She writes stories about broken heroes and heroines who aren’t necessarily looking for romance, but in the end, they find the kind of love books are written about :).
She first started writing while carting her kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. Her first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 she helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where she ran the technical side of the business through 2016.
Jen is currently enjoying the next phase of her life…the empty nester! She and her husband reside in Jupiter, Florida.
Grab a glass of vino, kick back, relax, and let the romance roll in…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 23, 2017
It is a great book to read
April 18, 2017
This review is from: To Protect His Own (New York State Trooper Series Book 5) (Kindle Edition)
Kenzie Chorley and Sargent Jake Pritchard are star-crossed lovers in "To Protect His Own" by Jen Talty.
This is the fifth book in her NY State Trooper series. Kenzie and Jake dated for 5 years until a family secret tore them apart. Jake never got over the betrayal and hasn't been home in 10 years. Kenzie works for Jake's father on his horse farm, and when tragedy strikes, Kenzie reaches out to Jake because she and his father desperately need him.
I love the way Jen weaves romance and mystery, which sets her apart from other authors. I thoroughly enjoyed "To Protect His Own" and I am looking forward to the next book in the series, "Deadly Seduction."
I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review!!
Kenzie Chorley and Sargent Jake Pritchard are star-crossed lovers in "To Protect His Own" by Jen Talty.
This is the fifth book in her NY State Trooper series. Kenzie and Jake dated for 5 years until a family secret tore them apart. Jake never got over the betrayal and hasn't been home in 10 years. Kenzie works for Jake's father on his horse farm, and when tragedy strikes, Kenzie reaches out to Jake because she and his father desperately need him.
I love the way Jen weaves romance and mystery, which sets her apart from other authors. I thoroughly enjoyed "To Protect His Own" and I am looking forward to the next book in the series, "Deadly Seduction."
I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review!!
March 28, 2017
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
Kenzie Chorley has worked at The Cavanaugh Equestrian Centre for years, she once was in a relationship with the owner’s son Jake Prichard, and they split up when he gave her a choice leave with him or remain at the centre. With a poisoning, a one night stand that leads to a pregnancy and Jake’s father dying of cancer can they get to the bottom of everything and get their HEA?
Kenzie Chorley has worked at The Cavanaugh Equestrian Centre for years, she once was in a relationship with the owner’s son Jake Prichard, and they split up when he gave her a choice leave with him or remain at the centre. With a poisoning, a one night stand that leads to a pregnancy and Jake’s father dying of cancer can they get to the bottom of everything and get their HEA?
June 9, 2017
Enjoyed this book very much it's a good read
June 24, 2019
Jake's family was mired with secrets and betrayal. He could not live like that any longer, so at 25, he left town and created a new life for himself. Ten years later he is a NY State Trooper, a job that allowed him to be both distant and in charge. A perfect fit for this loner.
As fate would have it, he had just been assigned to the satellite Troop G office in Lake George when Kenzie Chorley marched into his office, "her long hair pulled up into a ponytail and covered with her standard baseball cap. Sexy and rugged. A dangerous combination." So much for avoidance! And now the real story begins.
It may be a small town but it is filled with mystery, intrigue and the possibility of so much more. Is he up to the challenge? Let's hope so because this one is a real thriller, lots of mystery and a fair measure of heat. I wanted to find out what the heck was going on, and at the same time, didn't want it to end. For me, that's a perfect combination and in this case a real winner for the reader.
Love this series! Thankfully, Talty knows how to weave some powerful romance into a dangerous situation. This one is a five star, page flipper.
As fate would have it, he had just been assigned to the satellite Troop G office in Lake George when Kenzie Chorley marched into his office, "her long hair pulled up into a ponytail and covered with her standard baseball cap. Sexy and rugged. A dangerous combination." So much for avoidance! And now the real story begins.
It may be a small town but it is filled with mystery, intrigue and the possibility of so much more. Is he up to the challenge? Let's hope so because this one is a real thriller, lots of mystery and a fair measure of heat. I wanted to find out what the heck was going on, and at the same time, didn't want it to end. For me, that's a perfect combination and in this case a real winner for the reader.
Love this series! Thankfully, Talty knows how to weave some powerful romance into a dangerous situation. This one is a five star, page flipper.
March 20, 2017
******I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Review Copy of this book******
Sergeant Jake Prichard lived a quiet private life to outsiders, one would say he's a loner keeping all of his acquaintances at arm length. His past is anything but quiet filled with family secrets, misconceptions and betrayals. Jake's life turned into a upside down dysfunctional soap-opera with the visit of the very person he walked away from after his one-night stand/lover months ago (Kenzie Chorley).
Kenzie Charley's has been working the farm every since she was a child but now she is the Chief Operation Manager and has nice little surprise for Jake upon his returning. Kenzie and Jake was extremely attractive to each other but was separated due to Jakes's ultimatum that seal the deal for the relationship.
The storyline was very well presented with amazing characters and the gang from the old story added a special touch to it. The words flowed very well with so many twist within a twist yet it was a great challenge to read each and every nick and knack unfolding. There was danger lurking around every corner that it kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to know who the prep was and had a load of questions in my mind. Will Jake found the answers he needs to solve the difficult puzzle. Will Kenzie forgive him for leaving her several year ago. Can Jakes father, Ethan Prichard reveals his secrets?
It's a lot I would like to say about this amazing book but I don't want to give any plot points away, So this review isn't going to go into anymore than this. Get it, read it, its so good!
Sergeant Jake Prichard lived a quiet private life to outsiders, one would say he's a loner keeping all of his acquaintances at arm length. His past is anything but quiet filled with family secrets, misconceptions and betrayals. Jake's life turned into a upside down dysfunctional soap-opera with the visit of the very person he walked away from after his one-night stand/lover months ago (Kenzie Chorley).
Kenzie Charley's has been working the farm every since she was a child but now she is the Chief Operation Manager and has nice little surprise for Jake upon his returning. Kenzie and Jake was extremely attractive to each other but was separated due to Jakes's ultimatum that seal the deal for the relationship.
The storyline was very well presented with amazing characters and the gang from the old story added a special touch to it. The words flowed very well with so many twist within a twist yet it was a great challenge to read each and every nick and knack unfolding. There was danger lurking around every corner that it kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to know who the prep was and had a load of questions in my mind. Will Jake found the answers he needs to solve the difficult puzzle. Will Kenzie forgive him for leaving her several year ago. Can Jakes father, Ethan Prichard reveals his secrets?
It's a lot I would like to say about this amazing book but I don't want to give any plot points away, So this review isn't going to go into anymore than this. Get it, read it, its so good!
November 24, 2018
Wow-loyalty, secrets & lies all for 💘. This is a moving book on secrets to protect can destroy many & forgiveness can heal the soul!
Jake torn with loss of his mother & what he Theo but was betrayal his father didn't touch the survive of the devastation of the woman he loved not walking away & leaving everything behind to be with him & a future. He carved out a life & career no family because admitting or not only one true love n& she didn't choose him. Jessie independent, loyal and a horse whisper has dedicated he life to this farm, horse and a future of possibilities. Only one not in her grasp, he always would through her fingers but she can't ever let go. Then twist, turns and dark secrets reviews Alex it high pace n intriguing...romance, betrayl, death and struggles all play a part in this tradgey.
More opinions or book reviews please checkout my blog: my2centsbookreviews.com Thank you
Jake torn with loss of his mother & what he Theo but was betrayal his father didn't touch the survive of the devastation of the woman he loved not walking away & leaving everything behind to be with him & a future. He carved out a life & career no family because admitting or not only one true love n& she didn't choose him. Jessie independent, loyal and a horse whisper has dedicated he life to this farm, horse and a future of possibilities. Only one not in her grasp, he always would through her fingers but she can't ever let go. Then twist, turns and dark secrets reviews Alex it high pace n intriguing...romance, betrayl, death and struggles all play a part in this tradgey.
More opinions or book reviews please checkout my blog: my2centsbookreviews.com Thank you
June 1, 2017
To Protect His Own by Jen Talty is a fantastic read. Ms Talty has gifted us with a well-written book and loaded it with phenomenal characters. Kenzie and Jake's story is loaded with suspense, drama, action, humor and spice. This book has it all. I totally enjoyed reading To Protect His Own and look forward to reading more from Jen Talty in the future. To Protect His Own is book 5 of the New York State Trooper Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
July 13, 2020
This was an enjoyable read with lots of suspense and plenty of angst. I wasn’t very far into the book when I was pretty sure I’d uncovered the identity of the villain, though there are some big family secrets that get revealed in the end that caught me totally unprepared. I loved everything about Kenzie with my whole heart. Jake, on the other hand, left me with some reservations in the beginning. I loved seeing him step up and open his heart to his father and the girl he’d loved and left so long ago.
March 26, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed this free ARC book. Good story with a twist at the end. Kenzie has been put in a difficult position for part of her life. Having to lie by omission she lost her love to anger and resentment. But the story did not stop there. Keeping in touch with Jake, they both spend a night together that created a new life, but can it also bring back an old love? Or will family secrets and old resentments lead them to ruin?
May 8, 2017
Good continuation of the series!
I have recently read the books in this series and this is a good addition to the series. I liked the characters and found the plot interesting with its twists and turns. Yet, one issue that makes this more of 3.5 than a full 4 star rating is there were a lot of grammar errors. Plus there were other errors that distracted from the story because I had to try to figure out what the author meant to say.
I have recently read the books in this series and this is a good addition to the series. I liked the characters and found the plot interesting with its twists and turns. Yet, one issue that makes this more of 3.5 than a full 4 star rating is there were a lot of grammar errors. Plus there were other errors that distracted from the story because I had to try to figure out what the author meant to say.
December 29, 2020
Twisty and turny, a mystery with a romance thrown in.
State Trooper Jake Pritchard never wanted to return to the farm he was raised on, until the woman he left there ten years ago showed up again, to tell him his father had been poisoned, and she thought it was meant for her. Two more attempts on her life showed him that if he really loved her, he needed to be there to protect her.
State Trooper Jake Pritchard never wanted to return to the farm he was raised on, until the woman he left there ten years ago showed up again, to tell him his father had been poisoned, and she thought it was meant for her. Two more attempts on her life showed him that if he really loved her, he needed to be there to protect her.
May 14, 2017
I won To Protect His Own by Jen Talty from Goodreads. I found it a good book with twists and turns and a second chance at romance. This is the fifth book in the New York State Trooper series. Sergeant Jake Pritchard has to return home to the farm when someone tried to kill his father. There he meets with his former love.
May 20, 2017
I received this e-book free from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing an honest review. This book probably would have had a better rating had there not been so many incomplete sentences, misspelled words or words used out of context. Investing in a spell check app and an editor would improve the quality of this book.
May 20, 2017
loved the story line and main characters but i felt the ending was a bit rushed..waited all that time to find out who did it and when we do we never hear his side of the story, still worth reading cause i just love Jake
July 15, 2019
To Protect His Own
- one star for very, very poor editing, it became annoying. Such a shame as I like the characters in this series and I'm enjoying the story lines. I loved the twists in this one.
- one star for very, very poor editing, it became annoying. Such a shame as I like the characters in this series and I'm enjoying the story lines. I loved the twists in this one.
July 14, 2025
Another great read by Jen Talty
The story contained constant deadly dangers and extremely passionate love scenes! Two main characters trying to recapture the love they had lost.
I had nightmares about snakes, I hate snakes!
The story contained constant deadly dangers and extremely passionate love scenes! Two main characters trying to recapture the love they had lost.
I had nightmares about snakes, I hate snakes!
December 1, 2025
To Protect His Own
I am really enjoying this series. Each story is unique and interesting. The different twists hold my attention. Very creative writing. I can't wait for the next story in this series.
I am really enjoying this series. Each story is unique and interesting. The different twists hold my attention. Very creative writing. I can't wait for the next story in this series.
May 7, 2017
Won this book in a giveaway on Library Thing. Good read. Some romance, some mystery. It was slow to start, but got better as it went along. Wrapped things up nicely.
May 19, 2017
Wow
Really,Really good read.Lots and lots of action.I never guessed who the bad guy was and when I thought I had it figured out I was wrong.
Really,Really good read.Lots and lots of action.I never guessed who the bad guy was and when I thought I had it figured out I was wrong.
May 19, 2017
Lovers that it was about NY
I especially liked that this was set in my area of NY. I also IED how previous characters showed up in later books
I especially liked that this was set in my area of NY. I also IED how previous characters showed up in later books
May 22, 2017
This was a great story, but the errors where so bad that it distracted me. I can usually skip over them, but there were just so many.
August 2, 2017
Suspenseful and Romantic
A really good story. Full of twists, turns, heartache, second chances, redemption and love. It's a story about understanding what is truly important in life.
I recommend this book.
A really good story. Full of twists, turns, heartache, second chances, redemption and love. It's a story about understanding what is truly important in life.
I recommend this book.
May 26, 2017
Good read for a summer afternoon
Okay read. The best part was about the horses. The ending was a foregone conclusion. There were a few red herrings as well.
Okay read. The best part was about the horses. The ending was a foregone conclusion. There were a few red herrings as well.
June 21, 2017
Enjoyable romantic suspense!
June 27, 2017
I figured out who the bad guy was within the first few chapters. However, the twist at the end threw a new dimension into the climax that I wasn't expecting.
June 18, 2018
Liked the story, but the author really needs to learn the difference between "your" and "you're." That's basic grammar.
March 21, 2017
A fast paced well written plot with mysterious twists and turns, danger, action and romance.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
October 2, 2025
Can time heal all wounds?
Secrets will eat at you and the longer you keep them, the more they fester and the deeper the wound...but they can also turn deadly.
Jake finds himself in the last place he ever expected, back home on the family farm, he is torn, he vowed never to return but when lives are threatened he realises who and what is really important.....but is it too late?
Initially Jake is a little difficult to like, he is abrupt, moody and resentful, but he very quickly wins your heart with his response to Kenzie's announcement and the way he admits his own mistakes in past actions, shows the true man under the defensive shell. When more secrets threaten not only his dad and Kenzie, but the family business too he is done running, stands firm and is determined to claim his future.
Kenzie has only ever wanted two things, Jake and to work the farm, so far she has only ever been able to have one or the other, last time she picked the farm...if she has to pick again will she make the same choice? When her life is in danger she sees a new side of Jake...but can she survive long enough to fight for both Jake and the farm?
The secrets that are uncovered are heartbreaking and this is probably the most emotional book of the series, it also has more intrigue and suspense than romance....but Jake and Kenzie have known each other for so long that this feels right. There are some typos and mistakes in this book but it is still one of my favourites of the series, as a standalone you have to buy this book but I read it as part of the NY State Troopers Boxset which is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Secrets will eat at you and the longer you keep them, the more they fester and the deeper the wound...but they can also turn deadly.
Jake finds himself in the last place he ever expected, back home on the family farm, he is torn, he vowed never to return but when lives are threatened he realises who and what is really important.....but is it too late?
Initially Jake is a little difficult to like, he is abrupt, moody and resentful, but he very quickly wins your heart with his response to Kenzie's announcement and the way he admits his own mistakes in past actions, shows the true man under the defensive shell. When more secrets threaten not only his dad and Kenzie, but the family business too he is done running, stands firm and is determined to claim his future.
Kenzie has only ever wanted two things, Jake and to work the farm, so far she has only ever been able to have one or the other, last time she picked the farm...if she has to pick again will she make the same choice? When her life is in danger she sees a new side of Jake...but can she survive long enough to fight for both Jake and the farm?
The secrets that are uncovered are heartbreaking and this is probably the most emotional book of the series, it also has more intrigue and suspense than romance....but Jake and Kenzie have known each other for so long that this feels right. There are some typos and mistakes in this book but it is still one of my favourites of the series, as a standalone you have to buy this book but I read it as part of the NY State Troopers Boxset which is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews