Honest Intentions

Safeguard #5

by Kennedy Layne

USA Today Bestselling Author Kennedy Layne continues the Safeguard Series with this fast-paced romantic suspense novel that leads the SSI team on the trail of a serial killer who continually seems to be one step ahead…

Coen Flynn has always done the right thing, even it meant siding against his own family. His sense of justice was what led him to take a job in law enforcement, though his choice of agency was a bit unorthodox. His current assignment was believed to be a simple protection detail. He was never supposed to be identified by his charge, but a murder took priority and changed the course of his mission.

Brettany Lambert’s life is suddenly rocked when she finds the body of a dead friend on the eve of what was supposed to be a special wedding. Now Brettany and Coen are trapped in the middle of a blizzard and their attraction will fuel the heat of temptation. Good intentions always have a way of backfiring, but his desired intent won’t matter if a notorious serial killer can finish what he started.

Series Safeguard Security & Investigations (SSI) is owned and operated by Townes Calvert, a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant who returned home to the States a bit more damaged than he'd care to admit. Not that anyone could tell outside of a very select group of former active duty buddies. It had taken Townes quite a while to acclimate to civilian life and he'd kept himself busy in the interim working in treacherous situations with even more dangerous friends. The final result is a close-knit unit of highly trained former military men who have the experience to protect the innocent, investigate crimes on the gritty edge, and aid local law enforcement when justice has taken a back seat to political correctness. Follow along as Kennedy Layne conveys each of their gripping stories as they work together on investigations that lead them down perilous paths of passion, intrigue, and suspense...

Genres: Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Contemporary, Thriller, Mystery

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2017

About the author

Kennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.

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Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/1/2019)! 🎁

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ice cold stars for HONEST INTENTIONS!

After finding her friend's dead body during a Colorado snowstorm, Brettany Lambert is completely devastated. She's so glad that state police investigator Coen Flynn is on the case. Coen hates lying to Brett, but she can't know that he's part of Safeguard Security and Investigations, the group tasked with locating and apprehending serial killer Shepherd Moss, the man he's certain had everything to do with her friend's death. Coen is sure that Brett could be Moss's next target, and if he needs to be a little circumspect about his true job to keep her safe, it's what he'll do. He doesn't anticipate developing feelings for the sexy schoolteacher, or just how much he wants a future with her. But he'll have to make sure he's able to keep her alive first.

HONEST INTENTIONS, book 5 in The Safeguard Series, featured MC's with names that my auto correct constantly fixed. It was super annoying. Anyway, I love this series. Ms. Layne has a real talent for fleshing out a suspenseful and sexy storyline that is irresistible. You could cut Brett's fear with a knife, but it was tempered by her curiosity and backbone. Coen was super standoffish and really unwilling to get involved with Brett, and I was bummed that we only got one yummy sex scene in the book. The ending made up for it though, since it was CRA-ZY! I didn't see any of it coming and it was soooo good! I can not wait for the next book in The Safeguard Series, Deadly Premonitions!!!

Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; some violence, lots of murder.

[Behind Closed Doors Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amount of sex 1 / 5
How explicit 3 / 5
Story 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4.5 / 5
Review: When it's cold and you're trapped having a hot guy protect you is pretty cool! The book is set first at a mountain retreat for the wedding of Brittany's friends. Something bad then happens (I don't want to spoil it because what makes the book great is its surprises and shocks). Brittany meets Coen who is set to protect her. Cupcakes and tea bring this couple closer with a lot of thrilling twist in turns.

I read Honest Intentions as a standalone book. While the book talks about other characters, the focus is on the one couple rather than the whole team. I felt as if I could follow the story and characters with ease as the writer does a great job keeping you up-to-date with the action. The writing is well-done and moves the story well. The characters are interesting as it engaged this reader to want to know more and makes me want to dive into the other books. It is quick moving and while not a super-short read, I read it pretty quickly.

Brittany and Coen are fun to watch as they dance around each other without wanting to say how they really feel. Perhaps because of the dance and the more action-oriented story, there isn't much hot and heavy action (but there is a little and it is written in a spicy manner). I enjoyed the book - definitely a read when the weather is cold in front of the fire!
** Voluntarily reviewed from an advanced copy **

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Kennedy Layne while probably not the smartest idea to jump in mid series I think I caught up ok though I don't know the nitty gritty of the ongoing investigation. It runs on a bigger scope the search for a serial killer on the loose. This particular installment may or not be separate yet to be determined if it has an effect on the whole picture. It ticks all the things I like about romantic suspense, story, action and the banter. In this case a strong silent hero and a outgoing heroine.

The chemistry is there and do play off one another. While that's a risky thing what with everything going on. Coen and Brettany have this pull that is heightened by events they're in. While I personally found it fast I can understand it happens, I didn't actually feel what connects them other than the case at hand.

I liked guessing who done it and how all the puzzle pieces fits. Maybe all the new details and new stuff is hard for new readers, the author did give the pertinent details that were important to the current case. So far I would say I liked this one and how it ended but I wished it was longer and more rounded out but I think that's how this series is. Note it ends in a HFN as the series ending is next.

Looks like the conclusion will be a big one and a good time to read the other books and catch up!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam is the photographer who will take any risk to get the perfect picture and that is how his latest escapade has landed him in the hospital under the care of Alex his sexy nurse.

Alex has everything money can buy however due to a tragic incident ten years ago she has spent every day since then trying to make amends to her mother for something that wasn’t her fault.

From the moment he met Alex his feelings for her were something he had never felt before and he knew that they belonged together. Alex has spent years trying to please her parents and she knows that Adam is not what they had planned for her but the draw to him is too strong to deny. When they are torn apart Adam will do whatever is necessary to prove to Alex that they are soulmates but will she agree?

I loved how protective and loyal Adam was and the connection and chemistry between them was intense! If you like a story about insta-love then this is the one for you. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series

I’m really enjoying this series. It’s full of suspense and intrigue. When each of the SSI agents find love it’s because of a serial killer who’s targeting innocent victims. This book was no exception. I can’t wait for the conclusion to this story

[Johnaka- Amity Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest Intentions by Kennedy Layne
“protector turned lover, 5 stars”

This is my second read of Layne’s and once again I highly enjoyed it. I was taken on this murder suspense mystery and in the end got some answers. If you’ve read any of this series before you know they are on the hunt for a serial killer who escaped from prison. Well that still stands even by the end of this story, but you do meet a new murderer. I honestly didn’t see what happened happening before it did.
Coen is ex-military and is all about the life. He is one of those guys who doesn’t think he deserves the American dream for what he’s seen and done, his job is to make sure others get to live it. When Coen is put on Brettany’s tail he didn’t know what he was getting himself into. He thought it was a clean-cut case, watch her to make sure she’s safe, but Brettany has a way of finding herself in trouble it seems. What Coen doesn’t expect is the interest he has in her after getting to know her.
Brettany wants the white picket fence with the kids and happy husband in her future, but she doesn’t want it now. When she stumbles upon her friends murdered body she is at a loss, when she finds out there may be more to it and that her new neighbor has been watching her to keep herself she finds her strength. Coen gives Brettany the silent kind of strength. She decides to make a play at a onetime tryst, but what happens if the sparks go much deeper than that?
These two worked for me. He is the strong silent type, where she is the loud and unwavering. They would be one of those couples who apart seems like a weird fit until you see them together. I have two complaints about this story and they basically boil down to one thing, I wanted more. I wasn’t ready for it to end and I wanted more of a HEA then a happily right now, but at the same time I get that there wont be any until Moss is caught.
Plot- 5/5
Characters- 5/5
Heat- 5/5
Writing style- 5/5
Overall- 5/5
**SBR Review**

[Davia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I was not sure I was going to like Coen. But as it turned out I liked him a lot. He is kind of uptight and rigid until finally he losens up as he lets Brett in a little. The search for Moss continues and becomes closer to SSI. I am so excited to see what happens next Loved Kaylea! Write on.

[KnottyGirl Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest Intentions is the fifth book in Kennedy’s sexy and suspenseful Safeguard series, about a group of ex-military men who have been brought together by Townes Calvert. For those of you who haven’t been following along in this incredible series, this is the series description…


“ Safeguard Security & Investigations (SSI) is owned and operated by Townes Calvert, a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant who returned home to the States a bit more damaged than he'd care to admit. Not that anyone could tell outside of a very select group of former active duty buddies. It had taken Townes quite a while to acclimate to civilian life and he'd kept himself busy in the interim working in treacherous situations with even more dangerous friends. The final result is a close-knit unit of highly trained former military men who have the experience to protect the innocent, investigate crimes on the gritty edge, and aid local law enforcement when justice has taken a back seat to political correctness’

Our story in book number five has operative and retired marine Coen Flynn braving the cold climate of Colorado to protect school teacher Brettany Lambert. Brettany finds the body of her friend one night in a cabin while she’s at another friend’s wedding location. But Coen has been watching out for Brett since she’s a potential target for a serial killer that SSI has been looking for.

There are lots of twists and turns in this story as Coen gets to know Brett, even though he swears he won’t go down the same route that some of his other friends at SSI have gone down and gotten involved. But there’s a killer on the loose, and he wants Brett dead. Can Coen keep her safe?

As usual, Kennedy Layne does a smashing job at not only making us fall for the main characters, but turning the story into a nail biter that you just can’t put down. I actually have done my usual and picked this series up at close to the end, but you can bet I’m grabbing books 1-4 and catching up! I became a huge fan of Ms. Layne’s with her CSA case Files series, and she just keeps getting better!

[Leila Mota · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trata-se de uma série da autora, sobre a agência investigativa Safeguard. O fio da meada que vai do primeiro ao sexto livro é a caça a um serial killer tenebroso, que é um inimigo pessoal do dono da agência. O último livro dá o desfecho da caçada, e só me faltava ler o quinto, que é este. Tenho opinião mista sobre a autora, seus hábitos e suas histórias. Ela desenvolve bem as histórias, embora os desfechos nem sempre sejam os melhores, do ponto de vista da narrativa. Mas me interessa o suficiente para continuar a ler. Não gosto do hábito que ela tem de descrever certos itens como se estivesse copiando o manual do item (arma, carro, barco, etc.). Acho desnecessário. Naturalmente, em se tratando de suspenses que têm um vilão, é usual que a "heroína" faça a besteira que provavelmente na vida real a gente nunca faria. Também fico na dúvida se uma agência investigativa tão top dê algumas mancadas estranhas. A parte de romance costuma ser atraente. Havia mais alguma coisa que queria comentar mas esqueci. Paciência. Lembrei. Me parece que o endeusamento dos marines estadunidenses anda um pouco exagerado, talvez não por causa da corporação em si, mas pelo uso político que se faz deles. E há uma menção no livro ao papel do ICE, que é a corporação que se encarrega de, dentre outras coisas que não conheço, localizar imigrantes ilegais e dar-lhes o destino que a lei prevê. Até aí, ok, todos devemos respeitar a lei. Mas ultimamente o ICE não está me parecendo uma corporação digna de elogios. Verdade que a menção é breve, e não detalhada, mas como no caso dos marines (os agentes fizeram parte dessa corporação), há aquela menção sutil de "defensores da liberdade" que é bem discutível. É isso.

[Lindsey (Linz Readz) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first venture into Kennedy Layne’s writing and I’m kicking myself for not diving in sooner. Without knowing the back history from the other books, it took me a few chapters to get completely invested. Once I was though, I was all in!

Safeguard Security & Investigations (SSI) are hunting a serial killer who escaped from federal prison. When Brettany’s friend ends up dead, it is unclear whether she was another victim of the serial killer or if there’s another killer to watch out for. Coen is in charge of keeping Brettany safe regardless of the situation.

However, chemistry starts to fly and they must be on their toes to not only stay safe but be careful of their feelings for each other. Their relationship was so fun and sweet. These two have personalities that compliment each other in the best ways and it is so entertaining to watch them try to stay away from each other. Can Coen stay strong and not fall for Brett, a sweet yet strong grade school teacher?

I love books that keep me guessing. Most of the time, I can figure out the twists and turns before they happen. However, this was book was different. It was perfect not knowing how all of the pieces come together until the end. I was a bit in shock with the way this story ended! It sets up the final book perfectly!

If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on your toes, wanting to double check that all the doors and windows are locked, grab this one up.

I can’t wait to see how Layne finishes this series with the last installment, Deadly Premonitions. I’m off to read the rest of this story to prepare for the end!

Grateful to have received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley Jasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

What rock have I been living under? I mean how is Honest Intentions the first book I've ever ready from Kennedy Layne?!? Especially since romantic suspense is my absolute favorite type of book to read. I will say that since this is the first book in the series I read, it was a hair confusing at first to keep all the players and terms straight. But once I got into the guts of the book, it all flowed together and made sense. Holy chilling intensity! I was guessing whodunit from page one.

When what was supposed to be a happy occasion turns to tragedy, Brettany's world is turned upside down. But it didn't dim her kind and inquisitive spirit. She was good down to her soul and the potential target of an escaped serial killer! Which is why Coen, a member of the SSI team is watching over her, protecting her from.

There was no denying the instant spark of attraction between the two but Coen is there to do a job, nothing else. However, it didn't take long for that to change. Circumstances of the case quickly took a turn and these two found themselves in close quarters. Cue the protectiveness and sexiness. Amid the fling of sorts, there was still a threat looming so Brett and Coen were constantly on guard.

Fast paced, full of unexpected twists and with more than enough heat to chill those bitter cold Colorado nights, Kennedy Layne had me hanging on every word. I was utterly and completely absorbed in how the story line for Honest Intentions overlapped and played right into the ongoing manhunt for Shepard Moss from (I'm guessing) the earlier books in the series- which I will for sure be going back and reading soon!

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kennedy Layne wrote another great book! Honest Intentions keeps following the story of the psychotic serial killer, Shepherd Moss, and the awesome alpha men of the private investigations company SSI. Honest Intentions is Coen's story, and he meets his match in Brettany Lambert. I love watching the strong female characters take on the men, and there are lots of serious and funny moments in the book. The other investigators pop in to help and harass each other. Coen and Brettany get their happily ever after, but the story ends on a much darker note. My mouth was hanging open with the gory last act, but the scene was necessary for the set-up of the final book in the series, Deadly Premonitions. I was on the edge of my seat until the end trying to figure out who did it, and there is a hot love story nestled in there too. I truly believe that Kennedy Layne is one of the best romantic suspense writers around. I never figure out all of the pieces of the puzzle until the end of the book. I received an ARC of this book, and I voluntarily reviewed it. I can't wait for the next book!!

[Leah Keys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book five of the Safeguard Series. Coen is on the hunt for an escaped serial killer and he is watching over Brettany in case she is the next target. When Brettany’s friend ends up dead they don’t know if she was mistaken for Brettany or if there another killer on the loose. Brettany is not looking for a relationship but when she lets Coen close to protect her will she be able to protect her heart? Will tough ex-military Coen fall for this sweet, All American teacher? Full of twists and turns, you will never guess what is going to happen next. It is the first book I have read in this series so while it took me a while to feel invested in the storyline but once I was I was hooked. This ending will have you locking your doors and afraid to fall asleep. I cannot wait until the next book!

[Pamela Greving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coen has been put on detail to protect Brettany Lambert after her named popped up on a list of possible victims of Shepard Moss. After a murder at a wedding Brettany was attending, Coen's cover gets blown. When it is believed that one of Brettany's friends murdered Heidi, Coen insists on not leaving her side. This puts them in close quarters which makes their feeling heat right up.

I really liked Honest Intentions. I have read other books in the Safeguard Series and enjoyed those as well. I like the little snippets from the killer's POV, that makes the book a bit more sinister. I will say I am kind of ready for Moss to stop being a secondary villain in the book and for them to catch him already. That's just me being impatient ;)

[Allena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suspenseful, page turning 5 Star read with wonderful characters and a few twists and turns. An amazing addition to the SSI series that any suspense lover will enjoy.

Coen Flynn, operative for SSI, has been tasked with keeping Brettany Lambert safe from serial killer Shepherd Moss.For the last month he has been discreetly keeping tabs on her while keeping an eye out for the sadistic killer.

While the other members of his team think the serial killer is nowhere near Coen’s gut is telling him something is off. Following his gut he refuses to head back to sunny Florida and approaches Brett telling her what is going on. What follows is one hell of a ride.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honesty is the best policy!

Coen is given an assignment to look out for a woman, Brettany, who had a close friendship with the only woman to survive the brutal torture of Moss (convicted serial killer who escaped from prison). After a murder occurs, Coen needs to get closer to Brettany in an attempt to find out whether the murder of her friend is in any way related to Moss. Due to less than honest intentions, Brettany finds herself in danger and an unexpected ending. This book is riveting and I'm looking forward to the conclusion, even though it will sadden me when it ends due to the caliber of the characters in this series!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brettany Lambert is a small town teacher whose live is turned upside down when her friend is murdered...

Coen Flynn works for the SSI team, and has been protecting Brettany from a serial killer, but is it the right killer?

A great book with intrigue and thrills galore. Brettany seems like a perfect person, and Coen is her dark side.

I loved the book, it perhaps isn't a full blown romance but there is definitely a romance element.

Not a sizzler but a great read and a change from the average romance.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense Galore.

Honest Intentions like the previous books in The Safeguard Series continues to bring intrigue, action and the chance to find love at the most unlikely of times. Coen Flynn’s job is to keep Brettany Lambert safe from the likes of a psychopath that his boss Calvert had helped put away years before. While keeping tabs on Brettany, a friend of hers is murdered, was it Moss, had he killed Heidi by mistake or was there another killer on the loose. The twist and turns keep coming, holding you in suspense till the end.

[Ellen White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brettany was going to the wedding as a guest, being held up the mountains. A scheduled place, even more so when she stumbles upon a woman that was murdered. Because of the snow it hampers there investigation. Who they though and who it is, it is like a cat and mouse game. With the snow storm halting much progress. This one seemed to drag and couldn’t get into as like I have her other book. Didn’t like the.shorten name of Brett keep thinking it was a guy, but knew the killer was after another woman.
Over all I have enjoyed the series.

[Poppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen of Security delivers again.

Coen is up and I wasn't disappointed in he and Brett's Turk. Coen is the alpha male all wrapped up.

As Moss's twisted,evil game ups it's ante there's another two deaths and they are well constructed.

I could gush and gush but won't give anything away.

CAN'T wait for Towne's book

[Toi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

This book brings us Coen and Brettany who he's been assigned to protect and/or watch out for from a distance - what happens when a line gets crossed and he has to step out of the shadow.

[Trish-Sunshine Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are getting closer to the serial killer. Seems he is always one step ahead of our team. What we think is the serial killer's MO is actually a farce. Not only are we surprised to find out who this killer is and why we are also surprised by the guy that is so much worse sneaking in.

[Nancy L Brockman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kennedy writes a good mystery. Can't wait until the next book comes out.

[Shey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing series!

From the first book to the 5th, this series keeps you on the edge of your seat. Reading all 5 books in under 3 days now waiting anxiously for book 6!!!!!

[Beverly NURBIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

I wanted to put the book down. Too gruesome....but I couldn't. Very well written. Loved the main characters. They didn't want to get involved.

[Jennifer O’Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest Intentions

It kept me going from beginning to end. A good read. I would recommend this book. A good reading series .

[Deedra Dail-whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!! Once again Ms. Layne delivers another thriller with some hot steamy...you get the picture right??? I truly enjoy these books! Ms Layne is an amazing writer & has definitely delivered some heart racing moments to me!!
I love the series, love the book & I'm already on chapter 3 of book 6c coz what are you waiting for???

[Susan Jordens · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness what an incredible and nail biting story. Such suspense,action and intriguing build up as the story unfolds. It was interesting reading of the developing attraction between the two main characters . I highly recommend this to you.y

[Debra Johnson]

Purch Amz July 16, 2021