Tanner Crawford thought he would be a career Ranger. When that did not pan out, he needed something to keep him busy and his mind sharp. Little did he know it would land him on security detail with the one girl who had his heart.

Mia is the one that got away, so to speak. They met in college where Mia was Tanner's tutor. They broke up and went their separate ways, only to meet again years later. Mia has to bring a prized fertility statue to the next exhibit but since there has been numerous attempts to steal the statue, Tanner is brought in to keep her and the statue safe. Along the way several mishaps occur.

The situations are funny, and the dialogue is witty. Nelson does a very good job of quickly getting into the characters personalities. We know from the start that Mia is extremely smart and goes after what she wants. Even if what she wants may put her in danger. Tanner is ambitious and highly intuitive. He does his job well, and with great skill.

While reading THE RENEGADE, I felt like the story came from my own fantasy. I would love to go on long car trip with a hot guy and see what trouble we could get into. I really enjoyed this book because it had two of my favorite romantic themes-- second chance at love, and the soldier turned civilian bodyguard. It was a quick and easy read with erotic sex scenes that left me wanting more. I was a tad bit jealous of Mia because of the way Tanner loved her. His attentiveness and all around adoration of her made him the perfect hero in my eyes. I love to read books in which the hero has a deep love for the heroine. Rhonda Nelson is a definite must read from now on.