Review – Protection for Hire

Back Cover: Tessa Lancaster’s skills first earned her a position as an enforcer in her Uncle Teruo’s Japanese Mafia gang. Then they landed her in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. Now, three months after her release, Tessa’s abilities have gained her a job as bodyguard for wealthy socialite Elizabeth St. Amant and her three-year-old son. But there’s a problem or two … or three …. There’s Elizabeth’s abusive husband whose relentless pursuit goes deeper than mere vengeance. There’s Uncle Teruo, who doesn’t understand why Tessa’s new faith as a Christian prevents her from returning to the yakuza. And then there’s Elizabeth’s lawyer, Charles Britton, who Tessa doesn’t know is the one who ensured that she did maximum time behind bars. Now Tessa and Charles must work together in order to protect their client, while new truths emerge and circumstances spiral to a deadly fever pitch. Factor in both Tessa’s and Charles’s families and you’ve got some wild dynamics—and an action-packed, romantic read as Tessa and Charles discover the reality of being made new in Christ.

Review: I received a review copy of this book which reminded me of a Jackie Chan movie made overseas. Jackie Chan movies have a tradition and code that is clear. The action is fast and the audience knows who the good and bad guys are. Jackie Chan is usually trying to do the right and honorable thing; even when it seems impossible for him to do so.

The author quickly plunges the reader into a murder cover-up plot that is messy, ends with a few surprises and questions left in readers mind. So much happens in the prologue before readers gets a chance to know any of the characters. Chapter one starts and seven years have passed. Tessa (who reminds me of a female Jackie Chan) is released from prison and finds it very difficult to get a job that’s legitimate. She didn’t want to go back to the work she did before; the job that landed her in prison in the first place.

Tessa Lancaster’s ability and talent had landed her a job as an enforcer in her Uncle Teruo’s Japanese mafia gang in San Francisco. While climbing the ladder in her Uncles’ organization she soon developed a reputation and the mention of her name brought fear to many. Her life changed in prison. Would people believe the change was real now that she was out on the street?

After months of job hunting, Tessa has an opportunity to become Elizabeth St. Amant’s body guard. Tessa meets with Elizabeth’s lawyer to learn what her client’s situation is what to watch out for and how to protect her. She meets lawyer Charles Britton, who knows more about her and her prison record than Tessa realizes.

Just like in a Jackie Chan movie this book is filled with action, adventure and a little romance. If you like rooting for the underdog, learning about the Japanese culture and watching a former Japanese enforcer for the mafia learn to surrender her heart and life to Jesus and His will for her new life, you’ll love this story!