Defender (Heroes of Renegade Book 6)

She’s his best friend’s little sister. He’s always been off-limits. Until their cases collide and everything changes.

Police Detective Michael Martinelli has spent five years hunting his mother’s killer. When a string of burglaries reopens the cold case, the last complication he needs is Dani Kim walking back into his life.

She came back to prove herself—then get out. She never expected him to make her want to stay.

FBI Special Agent Dani Kim’s “punishment” assignment in Renegade is temporary—keep her head down, prove she belongs in the big leagues, and escape back to her real career. But when her investigation into financial irregularities collides with Michael’s case—both leading to a criminal network that may have murdered his mother—everything changes. Michael’s always been off-limits—her brother’s best friend, nothing more. But working together ignites feelings neither expected.

When enemies strike and bodies pile up, can they survive long enough to explore what’s growing between them?

Sometimes justice requires faith, courage, and risking your heart on forbidden love.

Perfect For Fans Of:
✓ Best friend's little sister romance
✓ Forbidden attraction that can't be denied
✓ Cold case murder with personal stakes
✓ Police detective heroes seeking justice
✓ FBI agent heroines proving themselves
✓ He's always seen her as off-limits—until now
✓ Shadow syndicate conspiracies
✓ Small-town danger with deadly secrets
✓ Faith-tested-by-fire storylines

Themes:
Forbidden Love Best Friend's Little Sister Justice and Healing Off-Limits Romance Cold Case Investigation Faith and Courage Proving Yourself Shadow Conspiracies Unexpected Attraction Finding Home Divine Timing Love Worth Fighting For

Book 6 in the Renegade County series, written by Michelle Sass Aleckson, created by Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

Complete standalone story with gripping cold case mystery, forbidden best-friend's-little-sister romance, and a faith-filled happily ever after!