Shielded by the Cowboy by Connie Queen

Shielded by the Cowboy
by Connie Queen

ISBN-13: 9781335957498
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: December 30, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Pregnant widow Holly Myers just wants a fresh start for her and her unborn child, but when she witnesses a double murder, she becomes a target. On the run, she finds refuge with former deputy Clive Cantrell, who is determined to keep her safe. But with killers on their trail who’ll stop at nothing to silence Holly, staying alive might just be impossible. Especially when clues link the murders to a drug trafficking operation hidden on Clive’s family’s ranch. And stopping the criminals could prove lethal for them both.


My Review:
Shielded by the Cowboy is a romantic suspense. Holly's husband died in a car accident and her mother-in-law wants her baby when it's born. She's got money and influence and Holly doesn't even have family support, so Holly moved to a small town to get some distance from her influence and make her own life. Clive's wife was shot while standing next to him, and she lost their baby and divorced him. He feels like a failure as a protector. Protecting Holly and her unborn baby will prove to everyone (including himself) that he can do it.

I loved Holly. She's learning to stand up for herself, quick thinking, determined, and willing to accept protection because she needs help. Clive was very sweet to her and protective, which she liked, and he came with a supportive family (unlike her own). I think she was hooked early on.

Clive got along well with Holly. He didn't trust his judgment because he was so far wrong with his ex-wife (with an affair uncovered during the story), yet he proposed marriage within 3 days of meeting Holly. Um, I can see your judgment problem comes from rushing things, Clive... They married after 11 weeks, 2 weeks before the baby's due. While they seemed a good match and I enjoyed the story, it felt to me like he was trying to slip back into the life he lost (with a pregnant wife) now that he successfully saved her from harm.

The suspense came from non-stop danger to Holly because the bad guys wanted to prevent her from becoming a witness against them. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this suspenseful novel with enjoyable characters.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.