Welcome to the Blog Tour for Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Mistletoe and Malice
Series: Guarded Hearts Series #1
Author: Lori DeJong
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: October 21, 2025
Genre: Romantic Suspense
He’s sworn to protect her life … but guarding his heart may be his biggest challenge.
After barely escaping an attempted abduction, Houston attorney Riley Hudson is forced to accept her wealthy father's demand for private security. The last thing she wants is a bodyguard—especially one as maddeningly arrogant, bossy … and handsome as Colton Blankenship. Yet as the threat against her escalates, she begins to rely not only on his skills, but his steadfast presence.
Colton isn’t thrilled about giving up his hard-earned holiday vacation to protect a spoiled heiress. But he soon learns Riley is nothing like he expected. Fierce, independent, and unwavering in her faith, she’s everything he thought he’d left behind after tragedy shattered his own beliefs. As the unknown threat circles closer, the tension between them ignites into something deeper ... and far more perilous.
When a second attempt on Riley’s life nearly succeeds, Colton faces a terrifying truth. Protecting her means risking more than just his life. Haunted by a past he can't outrun, and a faith he’s all but lost, he must decide if he can trust God again ... before he loses Riley—and his heart—for good.
EXCERPT:
"Bodyguards? Daddy, you know how I feel about bodyguards. I can’t stand having somebody on me constantly. I know I’m a people person, but bodyguards aren’t people. They’re … they’re … tactical gear. And just as cumbersome." She glanced over her shoulder. "No offense."
"None taken," Mack answered.
"Tactical gear," Trevor mumbled under his breath. "That was good."
Colton barely suppressed a chuckle. Daddy’s little princess wasn’t happy. And he’d been called a lot worse than tactical gear.
"It’s all so unnecessary. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
He gestured toward her with his chin."Let me see if I understand what happened today. You were out shopping. Meeting friends for lunch. Walking in a parking garage. Were you able to get to your pepper spray? Did you have the opportunity to run? And even if you had, what kind of shoes were you wearing? Low heel? High heel?"
"Well … no, my pepper spray was in my bag, and I was wearing boots."
"Flat boots? High-heeled boots?"
"Three-inch heels. Which actually came in handy, if you’d check the report. It all happened pretty quickly, but I think he’ll be limping for a while."
"And if I’d been with you, it wouldn’t have happened at all."
REVIEW:
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
An excellent combination of well-developed characters, a sophisticated plot, an unusual villain, and a strong faith thread work in harmony to make this first book in the author's 'Guarded Hearts' Series exceptional . . .
I can't remember when I have admired and respected a heroine as much as I do Riley Hudson from this book! She is a young woman I would treasure having as my friend. She's kind, compassionate, thoughtful, hard-working, and inspiring. Her circle of friends stick together through thick and thin, and they work in concert to get things done.
Colton Blankenship, her bodyguard and the lead man on her personal security team, is keeping his own secrets from the past and he holds his true feelings for Riley close to the vest. He is a consummate professional in his job, but he can be prickly when anyone tries to get close to him on a personal level.
The villain who is trying to murder Riley is devious and a master of disguise. This person keeps Colton and his team on their toes and Riley remains in a constant state of high alert.
Throughout the story we learn of many ways that Riley works to make the lives of others better whether it be in feeding the hungry or acting as a pro bono lawyer. Her wealthy family is supportive of her efforts, and they are there for her in every way possible.
I found this inspirational story to be meaningful on several levels. It is a story with several important messages that will stay with me for a long time.
The book is completely clean in language and content. As mentioned earlier, the faith thread is strong and the themes of compassion and kindness echo throughout the story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
I will look forward to reading the other stories which are forthcoming in this series.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub
Also Available
About the Author
Lori DeJong is a contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith. She resides in Georgetown, Texas, with her husband and two fur-babies, with a daughter and son-in-love in DFW. Lori's debut novel, Love's True Calling, was the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance, a double finalist in the 2024 Selah Awards, and was named the 2023 Scrivenings Press Contemporary Book of the Year. Love’s True Home, Book 2 of the True Calling Series, was a 2025 Selah finalist. Love’s True Measure released in June. Lori's Christmas novella, Jingle Bell Matchmakers, a part of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection, was named a 2025 ACFW Carol Award finalist.
Connect with Lori by visiting loridejongwrites.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of Mistletoe and Malice, and a signed copy of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection (released in Oct 2024)!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 3, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 10, 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.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
