Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Guarding Her Secret

Rate this book
Until he meets the right woman at the wrong time.

It’s not easy having unexpected feelings for a stranger who stumbles into his life. Gavin never wanted a girlfriend, let alone one with a toddler in tow. As he gets to know the guarded blonde, he can’t help but want to protect her and the secret about her son.

Felicia Patterson is on the run from her abusive mafia ex-husband. When her car breaks down outside Faith Valley over the holiday weekend, a handsome detective gives her a ride into town. She tries to ignore the attraction and the complication it creates while she waits for her car to get fixed. But when her ex tracks them down, she hopes Gavin cares enough to keep them safe.

You'll love this suspenseful romance from award-winning and bestselling author, Jenna Brandt, because everyone loves to see a struggling hero find his way to a happily ever after.

Get this full-length seasoned detective, opposites attract, family drama novel now.

★★★★★Fall in love with a small Texas town filled with heroes willing to put their lives on the line for others. Brothers wearing the same badge, cousins fighting the same fire, paramedics saving citizens, all while trying to find their way to the perfect soulmate.★★★★★

242 pages, Paperback

Published October 19, 2022

35 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Jenna Brandt

128 books629 followers
Jenna Brandt is an international bestselling and award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance. Her historical books span from Victorian to Western eras and all her books have elements of romance, suspense and faith. She has her own best-selling historical series, Window to the Heart Saga and Civil War Brides, as well as contemporary series, Billionaires of Manhattan and Second Chance Islands. Additionally, she has created two best-selling multi-author series, The Lawkeepers and Disaster City Search and Rescue based off the life of her husband in law enforcement as well as Border Brides and Playing for Keeps. Both of her books, Waiting on the Billionaire and Lawfully Treasured, were voted into the Top 50 Indie Books of 2018 on Readfreely.com.


She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. She has been published in several newspapers as well as edited for multiple papers. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bethany College and was the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper while there. Her first blog was published on The Mighty website, Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News, CNN Health, and Good Morning America websites. She’s also a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) association.

Writing is her passion, but Jenna also enjoys date nights with her hubby, cooking from scratch, watching movies on Netflix, reading books by her author friends, and engaging in social media with her readers. Jenna’s three young daughters keep her busy with Girl Scout activities, going to the mall, and playing at the park where they live in the Central Valley of California. Jenna summers on the Golden Central Coast where she finds endless inspiration for her romance books. She is also active in her local church where she volunteers on their first impressions team.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
139 (72%)
4 stars
35 (18%)
3 stars
14 (7%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
1,795 reviews34 followers
October 23, 2022
I'm loving this series! I have to say that I love the West siblings, but I do not love their parents! It's hard to believe that the siblings are all pretty "normal" and turned out pretty well considering how their parents are - well, except Clayton, and he's getting better in each book! HA! Anyway, Gavin is another first responder in the family (detective this time) and the oldest. He really wants to have a family but has been burned in the past so doesn't see it in the cards for him. Felicia is running from an abusive ex-spouse and has car trouble that lands her in the small town of Faith Valley. Thankfully, Gavin is the one who finds her! I really enjoyed the dynamic between Gavin and Felicia (and her son). Gavin is protective but not overly so (which happens all too often in these types of stories!). Felicia is a strong female character and not too wishy washy, which I liked! A great story with just enough action to keep things interesting!
119 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2023
Gavin West is happy being a confirmed bachelor...Until he meets the right woman at the wrong time.
It's not easy having unexpected feelings for a stranger who stumbles into his life. Gavin never wanted a girlfriend, let alone one with a toddler in tow. As he gets to know the guarded blonde, he can't help but want to protect her and the secret about her son.

Felicia Patterson is on the run from her abusive mafia ex-husband. When her car breaks down outside Faith Valley over the holiday weekend, a handsome detective gives her a ride into town. She tries to ignore the attraction and the complication it creates while she waits for her car to get fixed. But when her ex tracks them down, she hopes Gavin cares enough to keep them safe. I received an advanced copy of the book from the author so these are my thoughts on the book.this was a quick read for me that had me staying up too late to finish cause I couldn't put it down.
110 reviews
January 5, 2026
Shhh

I like this book because the characters had logical responses to the problems presented (for the most part). I find the dysfunctional family interactions juvenile. The book was predictable for the most part, but the characters had a little more personality.

There is a common theme about women in abusive relationships in almost every book so far. At the end, for once, the West’s dysfunctional but extremely strong familial bond was useful as they played hero to the damsel in distress. No one messes with the Wests.

These books are very, very light, diversions from the monotonous daily grind. This one entertained me for a short time.

I like when Brandt adds a sermon that gives a moral / religious theme. She doesn’t do this in every book, but I like when she does it.
402 reviews6 followers
October 25, 2022
Faith is running from an abusing, gangster ex-husband. She has her almost 3-year old son with her. She meets Detective Gavin when she has car trouble in his small town. She is supposed to only be in town for two days while her car is repaired, but Gavin wants more, a lot more. Can Gavin protect Faith and her son from the ex-husband who wants to kill her and take her son?

Very good story with Christian aspects.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
4,609 reviews33 followers
October 25, 2022
Jenna Brandt has kept me up many times and this series with the West family first responders definitely fits that pattern. I love how close they are and how no matter how much they might squabble amongst themselves they will quickly close ranks if they perceive a fellow family member is in trouble. It isn’t an easy family to be a part of and newcomers and outsiders have their work cut out for them. Gavin is one of the good guys and would totally deny being a sweetie but Felicia and Georgie quickly have him entranced. I really enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Bonny Rambarran.
1,521 reviews21 followers
October 27, 2022
A prize winning goat goes missing - again!
When the sheriff goes looking for him he sees a car with hazard lights on . . . and stops to help. A woman is having trouble and he gets the car towed to a garage for her. Takes her and her baby to a hotel — even though she is not sure about it. THIS book — full of twists and turns as she hides from her ex . . . . . Totally loved it! God works in wondrous ways!! received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
4,638 reviews38 followers
October 26, 2022
Guarding Her Secret is a clean, heartwarming, inspirational romance with some serious suspense. I really enjoyed getting to know Felicia and Gavin. Felicia is fleeing from a serious situation when her car breaks down in a tiny Texas town. Gavin did not expect to be attracted to a woman with a toddler in tow. This well written book is their story as Gavin befriends the travelling pair. The book has a seriously exciting showdown! I could not put the book down!
4,720 reviews41 followers
October 30, 2022
Texas will deal with the scumbag.
You just know reading the book description that it will have some intense and dangerous moments. Let me tell you it did not let me down. Felicia has one very serious problem it s a good thing her car decided to die in Faith Hill. Gavin is a first rate characters and the book had a very dramatic ending it was so good! This is an excellent addition to this wonderful series. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Kathy Anderson.
149 reviews35 followers
October 31, 2022
Jenna Brandt has done it again! What an engrossing, page-turning read! A sitting on the edge of your seat ending will leave you cheering for Felicia Patterson and Gavin West. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quiet afternoons reading escape.

I was given an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I am under no obligation to post a review. I was not compensated. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Carol.
865 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2024
Guarding Her Secret

When Detective West stops to help a stranded motorist he hadn't an inkling what is in store for him. Between the beautiful woman who is also a mother to a 3 year old, to part of his family helping her and part of his family trying to chase her off, to her crazy ex husband and his mafia ties trying to kill part of the town will Gavin reach it all through to a good conclusion?
Profile Image for Ann.
2,658 reviews3 followers
October 20, 2022
Felicia and Gavin's story is a great read! It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's full of family drama, suspense and a sweet romance.
If you are a fan of suspenseful romance, you don't want to miss this book.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
2,333 reviews13 followers
October 26, 2022
Guarding Her Secret

A great addition to the First responder series of Faith Valley. Gavin stops to help a person in a disabled vehicle and meets, Felicia. She has taken her son and run away from her abusive ex husband who happens to be a mob boss. Will Gavin be able to save her from her ex?
155 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2022
I have very mixed reviews about this book. I found it gripping, and couldn't put it down.

On the other hand I wasn't hooked. I would like to read Ethan and Nicole's story but other than that, I don't think I'd read again.

Wonderful story, about a police officer helping a woman and her son in need, becoming inseparable, family having different views.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,998 reviews6 followers
October 25, 2022
Really Great Series

I'm totally enjoying this series and getting to know all the characters. I loved Gavin and Felicia's story. Add little Georgie to the story and you've got a captivating read that I read straight through. I look forward to the next book in the series.
810 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2022
How a car breaking down turned out to be the love of their lives.

Boy Jenna, this is one very enjoyable book. It was a fantastic read. It was a page turner. The storyline was incredible and very interesting along with intriguing characters
753 reviews4 followers
October 28, 2022
Running

Running from abad marriage, her car troubles just compounded her life. Detective West stopped by to see if he could help. The story has drama, romance and a little mystery. Great read!
5,000 reviews32 followers
November 6, 2022
Felicia is running from her abusive ex who wants her dead and wants their child. When her car breaks down it is Gavin who has it towed and takes her to a hotel but he really wants to protect her and her child with the hopes of having much more with her.
1,941 reviews5 followers
June 4, 2024
Guarding her Secret

This is the story of a young woman who runs away from her abusive husband and ends up in a small town with her son and a broken down car and meets a young man who ends up with her and her son. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Profile Image for Barbara Tobey.
3,073 reviews89 followers
October 24, 2022
A sweet small-town romance. A little boy adds to the charm. A nice meet cute. Serious back story for the female. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
234 reviews
October 28, 2022
Great storyline with a couple of great characters. This book keeps you guessing what Felicia is going to do....stay or go? Keeps you guessing right up until the end.
366 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2022
Such an interesting story! There were definitely parts that made me anxious about what was going to happen next... Still, it was a very enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,492 reviews10 followers
November 8, 2022
Great book

Loved this book. Battered women deserve having attention drawn to what they go through. The fact that their children are drawn into it to..
124 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2022
Good story

The fact that the storyline took less than a week is the only drawback for me. But the storyline was good.
1,287 reviews10 followers
December 8, 2022
This is one of the best books in this series. Action-packed throughout the whole book.
The West family still working for everybody!
Great job, Jenna.
310 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2022
I enjoy this series

I love these clean books. This series is really good. Make sure you start at the beginning with book one.
151 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2024
Mafia and Secrets

I liked the suspense, humor, romance and faith shared. However, another attempted kidnapping is too similar to two other books.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
3,014 reviews32 followers
December 29, 2022
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
Good story!

Felicia is a bit of a frazzled mom, just just in town until her car is fixed. Nope, not even gonna consider her attraction to the attentive Detective West.
He isn't gonna think about his attraction to the secretive single mom and her boy.
Yeah, so one of my favorite tropes—unwillingly falling in love. It was done well. The plot and dialogue flowed naturally.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews