Book Review of 'Watch Your Back' by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

Hello Bookworms!

Hello and welcome back to another post! I have been loving suspense lately and there's nothing like a midweek pick-me-up than reading a story that will get your heart pounding.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Christian Romantic Suspense and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Watch Your Back by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Watch Your Back
Series: Crossroads Suspense #3
Author: Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

You can’t watch your own back.

Private Investigator Avery Reynolds leads the charge to expose Tampa's supposedly “extinct” mob. The crime boss responsible for her foster brother’s death is within her grasp—until she hits a wall in the form of Ethan Bridger, a Coast Guard veteran who unknowingly derails her sting operation. When the elusive “Big Eddie” comes out of hiding, he targets their mutual friends about to tie the knot.

Avery sets aside her angst toward Ethan to focus on ending the crime boss’s reign of terror. But working together exposes her trust issues and his PTSD stemming from a comrade's tragedy. When Avery goes solo into a prisoner exchange operation, she discovers her vulnerability too late—and must lean on Ethan and the God she thought had abandoned her. But will that help reach her in time?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

My Review

Finding redemption in the most difficult of circumstances adds such beauty to the intense and suspenseful plot of Watch Your Back.

Ethan and Avery are two flawed characters that are easy to get behind. We see personal struggles with trust issues, PTSD, and the seemingly impossible fight to take down a drug lord. It’s clear that Avery is intense and seems to have a big chip on her shoulder. She seems to take her frustrations out on Ethan, which did become burdensome after a while, though I could understand and empathize with her reasoning.

Though quite suspenseful, there were a few moments that did bog down the overall pace, and I would’ve loved a little more action, but what I felt was lacking from the narrative was made up for by moments that were truly touching. The friendships that are highlighted in this novel show what strength, encouragement, and love should look like, and I enjoyed these moments most of all.

While part of a series, this novel can easily be read as a standalone, as I never once felt lost and easily adapted to this world. The ending was hands down the best part of this novel, with a beautiful celebration that was truly deserved and very satisfying. I do plan on going back and reading the rest of the series, as there is something special here, and I recommend this series for anyone who is needing a good Christian suspense fix.

My Rating: ★★★★

About the Author

Kristen Hogrefe Parnell writes suspenseful fiction from a faith perspective for women and young adults. A former English teacher, she now designs curriculum for a Christian academy and spends most of her time at her favorite assignment to date: being a mom to her toddler. Her books have won the Selah Award and the Grace Award, among others. She lives in the Tampa, Florida area with her husband and son.

Connect with Kristen by visiting kristenhogrefeparnell.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Watch Your Back & a $25 Amazon e-gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 5, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 12, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!