Nadene's Satin Sheet Romance Review of Sworn to Protect by Kathryn Loch

TITLE: SWORN TO PROTECT
AUTHOR: KATHRYN LOCH
AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: http://kathrynloch.com
GENRE: ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
LENGTH: 274 PAGES
BUY LINK:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009QM8M5I


BLURB

In Los Angeles, Bethany Kress has been forced to work for international arms dealer and drug lord, Jose Cordova, as a professional thief, stealing cars and running drug shipments. Cordova holds her ailing father and if she does not comply, Cordova will kill him. But the DEA has infiltrated Cordova's operation in Los Angeles and the undercover agent, Aaron, befriends Bethany. 

Bethany hates being forced into a life of crime and willingly works with Aaron to bring Cordova down.. Due to an innocent mistake on Bethany's part, Cordova learns of Aaron's true identity and kills him. The DEA manages to rescue Bethany as a protected witness but as they pull her out, she sees Aaron's ghost, enraged at her for betraying him. Cordova escapes L.A. and flees to New York.

For two years Ethan Lancaster has worked undercover in New York for the ATF trying to gather evidence against Cordova for arms dealing. But days before Ethan is supposed to get his informant out, his cover is blown. Ethan's team fights to save Ethan but he is nearly killed and two team members die in the assault. Fortunately, Cordova is arrested and will stand trial.

Ethan survives but has been on medical leave while the doctors try to determine if the injuries he suffered will end his career. Then he learns Cordova has escaped. His Captain orders him into protective custody with the US Marshals. Ethan is one of the few people still alive who can testify, the other being Bethany who is also being transferred to the Marshals.

But Bethany is guilt ridden over Aaron's murder and is plagued with constant nightmares of his ghost hunting her. While waiting for Ethan to be delivered into protective custody at the motel, Bethany sees Aaron's ghost. Terrified she runs from the room just as two US Marshals try to kill her.

Ethan, furious with being forced into protective custody, arrives right as Bethany escapes by jumping through a motel window. Suddenly involved in a major shootout, Ethan discovers himself standing alone as Bethany's protector. 

Cordova isolates Ethan and Bethany by involving Ethan in an elaborate frame-up. On the run from both Cordova and honest law enforcement, Ethan quickly learns Bethany's ability as a professional thief is his best asset. She can boost almost any type of car and out-drive even the best cops. But she has an uncanny and disturbing ability to run, absolutely terrified, from danger before it actually happens. 

Ethan discovers himself powerfully attracted to Bethany but what hope do they have when either one of them could be killed at any moment? If by some miracle they did survive, what sort of future would an ATF agent and a thief possibly have? 

Then Ethan learns the truth about Aaron and that Bethany believes his ghost is trying to kill her. She blames herself for Aaron's death and Cordova learning Ethan's identity. Even though he is on medical leave, Ethan is still an ATF agent and he is sworn to protect Bethany no matter the circumstance. But how can he defend her against something he cannot shoot? All the while he has a target painted on his own back not only from Cordova but his own agency.



NADENE'S REVIEW

OMG! WOW! This was an absolute treat. I can’s stop talking about it.  Sworn to Protect took me on heck of a ride which I am yet to recover from. It totally blew my mind. This was an exceptional read and just could not get enough of it. This is the first book in a series that from the looks of it is going to be a great series. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.

The story grabbed me from the very first word and it held my attention to the very end. It’s filled with action, suspense and romance. It brought an array of emotions.  It had me laughing at times.  I had moments where I actually cringed, moments where I was scared for the characters and moments where I felt the pain and sorrow they had to endure. 

Character development was excellent.  I loved how the main and supporting characters were portrayed.  My favourite character was Bethany who also happens to be one of the main characters. Bethany was forced to become a part of a crime syndicate of a notorious drug and weapons smuggler named Cordova.  Circumstances led to her becoming a witness which led to her being in need of protection.  Ethan is an ATF agent who was on medical leave due to injuries he had suffered while working undercover in a bid to gather evidence on Cordova.  Based on the evidence that had been collected Cordova was captured. He however managed to escape custody which now led to Ethan becoming a reluctant witness.  Circumstances led to the agents responsible for both protection being eliminated and Ethan found himself being responsible for both his and Bethany’s safety.

The romance between Ethan and Bethany grew out of them being thrown together under explosive circumstances. It was not easy given the circumstances, but they both fought to hold to their love for each other.

The plot was believable. There were quite a few nail biting and edge of your seats moments. This story has quite a few twists and turns. I like the fact that it was not easy to predict who the corrupt law enforcement officers were. 

This is my first time reading Ms. Loch’s work and I must say she has turned me into a fan. She has done an excellent job and I can’t wait to read more of her work.

If you are a fan of action, romance and suspense, then this book is definitely for you. So stop dawdling and go and get a copy. It is worth every cent.

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