Welcome to an author interview with …

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.

Award-winning author Lori DeJong enjoys penning contemporary stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance. She resides in Georgetown, Texas, with her husband and two fur-babies, with a daughter and son-in-law 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 tied for 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.

What does a day in the life of your characters look like?

Riley’s day starts early, when she spends some time alone with the Lord before getting ready for work, then breakfast. Twice a week, her day begins with some Bible study with her three best friends before a workout. She then heads into the office in downtown Houston, where she runs a practice devoted to championing the wrongfully convicted. Her days might consist of paperwork, court appearances, witness interviews, and so on. I see her usually having lunch at her desk or with her legal team and dinner with her parents at their Houston estate. She spends her evenings doing administrative work or fund-raising for the two charity organization she chairs.

Colton’s day will vary depending on where Riley has to be at any given time. As a protection specialist with a private international security agency, he leads the team of bodyguards assigned to her after an abduction attempt nearly succeeds. As team lead, he’s with her 24/7, staying at her parents’ estate where she’s moved from her home to be more secure. He’s on constant alert whenever she’s out and does reconnaissance work once she’s inside the estate gates to plan for the days ahead, depending on where she needs to be.

What was your favorite scene to write in this story? And why?

There were a few, which I think is the norm for any author. I enjoyed writing the scene where she meets the security detail her billionaire father insists she have, and she’s not happy about it. There’s also a scene where Riley has an epiphany that literally makes her sick and convinces her she’s in dire need of the protection Colton and his team provides her. It was riveting for me as that scene unfolded in a way I hadn’t expected. (I’m mostly a pantser, so sometimes things happen I didn’t see coming.)

What unique research was required to write this story?

I searched security companies to see what services they provide and found one that had an international presence that inspired Petersen Security International in the book. The real-life company and Petersen both provide protection services, security consulting, installation, and implementation, as well as work alongside law enforcement to provide support in investigation and special operations. I also had to research defense law, especially as it pertains to the appeals process (in Texas), as well as the prison system and how it deals with attorney visits, on-boarding of inmates, and so on. 

What did you learn while writing this story?

What I learned about security operatives was interesting, although I couldn’t obtain information about particular policies or tactics due to their classified nature. So, I took a bit of license with some of the protocols used in the book. From a faith standpoint, I always learn more about God as I study the Bible as if I were my character, looking for answers or encouragement pertinent to them. I find it’s usually pertinent to me, too, in some aspect. While my life isn’t at stake due to an unknown threat, I do need protection from an enemy who doesn’t want me to have a strong walk with the Lord or have success in my ministry as an author of Christian fiction.

What encouragement do you hope readers will take away from your story?

I hope, at the very least, they enjoy the story and finish it satisfied their time with Colton and Riley was well-spent. At the other end of the spectrum, I always hope a reader will take away something from any spiritual truths or references to scripture, as well as learn something authentic from the fictional road my characters have to travel to discover how much He loves them and is their ultimate protection. That’s He’s a God who can be trusted with every part of our lives.