A review by roksyreads
Guarded by the Marshal by Kennedy L. Mitchell

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

US Marshal Max Williams is eager to wrap up his last assignment. Rachel Smith’s testimony is harrowing, but he knows that he just has to get through the day; after that, he can escort her to a new life and then focus on putting his back together. When an unforeseen twist in the trial halts all his carefully laid plans, Max is forced to react swiftly to keep Rachel out of the hands of the cult she just testified against. There’s only one place Max knows is safe—home—and in the cosy, small town of Grandger, the attraction between Max and Rachel quickly ignites into a sizzling romance. For the first time in months, Rachel begins to feel safe, but all it takes is a single phone call to drag her back into danger. Max knows that they have a fight ahead of them—one he intends to win or die trying—so he can get Rachel back where she belongs: with him.

Guarded by the Marshal is an intense, at times harrowing story, which combines aspects of romance, suspense, and forbidden love. It certainly kept me entertained and engaged, but it did require significant suspension of belief at times. Whilst I admit that I have limited knowledge of the US witness protection program, there are numerous moments that were at best unrealistic, if not blatantly absurd. FMC Rachel was a highlight of the novel; sweet, resilient, and kind-hearted—despite the traumatic baggage she carries into the story — I appreciated her emotional journey and seeing her thrive through the latter half of the novel. On the flip side, MMC Max was unfortunately a miss for me. I enjoy a rugged, possessive, and even tortured hero, the playful, almost boyish side to him often came across as merely childish, and his characterisation felt otherwise inconsistent. Max’s personality and some actions, combined with the backstory set for Rachel and her immediate circumstances, did put something of a damper on the insta-love narrative.
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