The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series, Book 2)

By: Cat Treadgold
Publication Date: August 15, 2023
ISBN: 979-8987736302
Reviewed By: Kathy Stickles
Review Date: November 2, 2023

The Guardsman is the second book in The Olympic Peninsula series by author Cat Treadgold and it is an excellent addition to the series. As with the first book in the series, The Silent Woodsman, this second story is well-developed and an excellent novel. I will say that, while the second book can be read as a stand-alone story, it would be more beneficial to have read the first in the series so that you are familiar with the characters, as there is so much backstory in the first book.

In The Guardsman, we meet Liam Ryan. Liam is Ali’s brother and a man whom most believed had been killed in a terrorist attack a few years ago. When Ali and her husband Joe hire a private detective to look into that, as Ali never believed her brother was dead, Liam is quickly located working in Jerusalem. While the detective is sure it is Liam he suggests sending someone from the family there to confirm. Since Ali is pregnant with twins, she is not able to make the trip and bring Liam home so Joe’s sister Teresa volunteers to go. It is the perfect excuse for Teresa to do some traveling and get away from the problems that her life currently involves.

When she finds Liam, Teresa finds a man who is very confused, scared, and unsure of what to do next. He agrees to go back with Teresa and they both return to the states to stay with Joe and Ali and help them as they prepare for the birth of their twins. Ali is overjoyed to have her brother back and everyone tries to help Liam deal with what has happened. Then the accidents begin…not for Liam but for Teresa, who Liam is beginning to care for. Is Teresa just accident prone or is there someone after her? What really happened to Liam during the years he was thought to be dead? What will happen to them next? And there are so many more questions. For the answers, however, you will just have to read the book.

The Guardsman is another riveting read from author Cat Treadgold. As with the first book, the plot of the story is not just another romance novel. It is filled with suspense and mystery that really keeps the reader, not to mention the characters, on their toes at all times. Thrown into the mystery are many moments of joy, sadness, and romance which, when all combined, make it a great read for anyone. The best part of this story is the character development that the author gives to the reader. Every character in the story is so interesting and well-written and you really feel for them as you read each page. The best part of the entire story is that we get to watch as Liam changes and learns to live again. He is truly a mesmerizing character that is written perfectly.

I would highly recommend The Guardsman to everyone who likes a good romance story that is not just a sappy story but one that has substance and keeps you riveted to the pages to find out what is going to happen. It is one that will be enjoyed by many and will leave you desperately wishing for the next book in the series. I for one cannot wait to see what the future holds for these characters.

Quill Says: The Guardsman is another stellar example of this author’s ability to give readers a romance novel that has a creative and interesting plot and holds your attention. This is not just another silly story from the romance genre but one that will grab a reader quickly and never let go. Cat Treadgold has become a new favorite author for me and I’m sure she will quickly become the same for many of you.

For more information on The Guardsman, please visit the author's website at: cattreadgold.com