What do you think?
Rate this book
CSA Case Files #3
Renewed Faith
Genre: An Erotic Romantic Suspense Novel
Series: CSA Case Files
Is it possible to renew one’s faith in love?
Injury ended former Marine Kevin Dreier’s enlistment much too soon, leaving him with unwanted pins and screws in his right leg to serve as a constant reminder of what he’d lost. Being a team member of Crest Security Agency, however, gives him a sense of purpose and accomplishment. The determination that makes him good at his job is the same drive he’ll need to win over the woman he wants in his life.
Taking charge of her destiny, Elle Reyes has spent the last year working hard to make something of herself. She’s found a reputable place to live, saved a little money, and even secured a managing position at a club. She’s finally safe, content, and in need of nothing more, but she knows she wouldn’t have been able to turn her life around without Kevin’s assistance.
When Kevin loses a family member, Elle is convinced this is her chance of returning a favor and repaying a debt. Accompanying him to visit his family and offer support, she is faced with the reality that warm and loving homes are real. She’s torn between what she knows to be the truth and the tempting hope that something more exists.
Upon their return, Kevin’s current case crosses paths with Elle’s past. Secrets and lies encircle them as a killer ups the stakes in a cat and mouse game meant for only one winner. When time runs out, Kevin intends to be the last man standing — in life and love.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable (anal play, strong BDSM theme and elements, violence). Not intended for those under the age of 18.
Series Description:
Crest Security Agency (CSA) is run by Gavin Crest, a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He has personally selected his own former military team members, both men and women, to configure a seamless Special Operations Capable (SOC) unit. Working together on investigations, domestically and abroad, each team member will find their niche in life and love. Follow along as Kennedy Layne conveys each of their stories as they work together on investigations that lead them down perilous paths of passion, intrigue and suspense…
Series: CSA Case Files
Is it possible to renew one’s faith in love?
Injury ended former Marine Kevin Dreier’s enlistment much too soon, leaving him with unwanted pins and screws in his right leg to serve as a constant reminder of what he’d lost. Being a team member of Crest Security Agency, however, gives him a sense of purpose and accomplishment. The determination that makes him good at his job is the same drive he’ll need to win over the woman he wants in his life.
Taking charge of her destiny, Elle Reyes has spent the last year working hard to make something of herself. She’s found a reputable place to live, saved a little money, and even secured a managing position at a club. She’s finally safe, content, and in need of nothing more, but she knows she wouldn’t have been able to turn her life around without Kevin’s assistance.
When Kevin loses a family member, Elle is convinced this is her chance of returning a favor and repaying a debt. Accompanying him to visit his family and offer support, she is faced with the reality that warm and loving homes are real. She’s torn between what she knows to be the truth and the tempting hope that something more exists.
Upon their return, Kevin’s current case crosses paths with Elle’s past. Secrets and lies encircle them as a killer ups the stakes in a cat and mouse game meant for only one winner. When time runs out, Kevin intends to be the last man standing — in life and love.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable (anal play, strong BDSM theme and elements, violence). Not intended for those under the age of 18.
Series Description:
Crest Security Agency (CSA) is run by Gavin Crest, a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He has personally selected his own former military team members, both men and women, to configure a seamless Special Operations Capable (SOC) unit. Working together on investigations, domestically and abroad, each team member will find their niche in life and love. Follow along as Kennedy Layne conveys each of their stories as they work together on investigations that lead them down perilous paths of passion, intrigue and suspense…
First published March 1, 2013
71 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Kennedy Layne
153 books645 followersKennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/3qrizgV
Facebook: http://bit.ly/3qwLzUz
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3ceSHQ9
Amazon: http://amzn.to/3qrizgV
Facebook: http://bit.ly/3qwLzUz
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3ceSHQ9
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 15, 2025
Finished Reading November 20, 2015
Renewed Faith by Kennedy Layne
Genres: Adult, Crime, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
3.5 Stars
Even though I truly enjoy the CSA series, I had trouble with this one.
It was the constant repetitive thoughts of Elle, the female lead in the story that gave me so much trouble. To read the same thoughts over & over again was monotonous. One of my pet peeves is when the words in a story seem to be more about the count of them, then the importance they have on a story.
I call them 'Filler Words'.
Kevin & Elle were both interesting characters, the romance scenes were steamy.
More could have been done on the crime investigation, the personalities of the 'bad guys' and other supporting characters.
I loved the previous books in the series & have already purchased books 4-6. I plan to devour each one of them with pleasure & delight!
That said, I believe this book is more of a 3.5 star's.
Purchased from Amazon October 31, 2015
Renewed Faith by Kennedy Layne
Genres: Adult, Crime, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
3.5 Stars
Even though I truly enjoy the CSA series, I had trouble with this one.
It was the constant repetitive thoughts of Elle, the female lead in the story that gave me so much trouble. To read the same thoughts over & over again was monotonous. One of my pet peeves is when the words in a story seem to be more about the count of them, then the importance they have on a story.
I call them 'Filler Words'.
Kevin & Elle were both interesting characters, the romance scenes were steamy.
More could have been done on the crime investigation, the personalities of the 'bad guys' and other supporting characters.
I loved the previous books in the series & have already purchased books 4-6. I plan to devour each one of them with pleasure & delight!
That said, I believe this book is more of a 3.5 star's.
Purchased from Amazon October 31, 2015
April 4, 2018
Reason I kept reading about these demented people, was to find out how the so called main storyline ends. Well, it did not end, just more of man whipping tied up women. Sick. I will not read next book to find out how it ends. Had enough. Do not waste your money.
April 7, 2014
Well the books in this series are certainly getting better and better. Enjoyed Kevin and Elle's story very much. This book actually focused more on the ongoing investigation with Ryland and Kevin's current case but interwoven in between was the budding relationship between Elle and Kevin, which was very sweet with some very naughty added to the mix. Unlike Connor and Jax, Kevin was a complete sweetheart, country boy to the fullest and always treated Elle with nothing but respect. Heck he respected her more than she respected herself.
There were some major surprises in this book, especially how Elle got introduced into the prostituting life and eventually who the rapist/killer is, did not see that coming. The tension between Crest and Jessie is so interesting to read, I'm wondering if he will eventually get his head out of his ass and claim what's his or just let her live her life...hmmmm...so many questions....guess we'll have to wait until the next book.
(Once again the BDSM elements were written very tastefully and not in a crass or crude manner, everything was consensual and done with love, caring, safety and precision)
There were some major surprises in this book, especially how Elle got introduced into the prostituting life and eventually who the rapist/killer is, did not see that coming. The tension between Crest and Jessie is so interesting to read, I'm wondering if he will eventually get his head out of his ass and claim what's his or just let her live her life...hmmmm...so many questions....guess we'll have to wait until the next book.
(Once again the BDSM elements were written very tastefully and not in a crass or crude manner, everything was consensual and done with love, caring, safety and precision)
August 16, 2014
The tension that KL creates in this story is too thick to be cut. But you need it that way to understand the story and characters. It's perfect.
The entire team of CSA is on alert and waiting to see what Ryland, the man that attempted to kill Emily in book 2, will do next, because they know he will turn up. Kevin and Elle are very aware of each other, but they have both been walking on eggshells. Kevin is done with that. He knows what he wants and he's waited a year for time with Elle. Elle doesn't know her time is up. With her work with the prostitutes around town, and time spent at Reformation, and managing the club she doesn't have time for a relationship. Right? With the serial rapist/murderer still on the loose Kevin, and the team, are all working towards one goal to protect the women on the streets. When sorrow hits Kevin and his family, Elle gets hijacked into helping him through his grief, and realizes that this was one turn in her life she wasn't expecting. Continuing to keep the tension high, Kennedy Layne keeps you pacing and wondering what comes next for Kevin and Elle.
The entire team of CSA is on alert and waiting to see what Ryland, the man that attempted to kill Emily in book 2, will do next, because they know he will turn up. Kevin and Elle are very aware of each other, but they have both been walking on eggshells. Kevin is done with that. He knows what he wants and he's waited a year for time with Elle. Elle doesn't know her time is up. With her work with the prostitutes around town, and time spent at Reformation, and managing the club she doesn't have time for a relationship. Right? With the serial rapist/murderer still on the loose Kevin, and the team, are all working towards one goal to protect the women on the streets. When sorrow hits Kevin and his family, Elle gets hijacked into helping him through his grief, and realizes that this was one turn in her life she wasn't expecting. Continuing to keep the tension high, Kennedy Layne keeps you pacing and wondering what comes next for Kevin and Elle.
May 14, 2014
This is Kevin's & Elle story. I just love these CSA cases and so looking forward to Crest & Jesse's story. Each book has delivered better than the last and it just keeps getting better.
October 8, 2018
This was a wonderful story of change. Elle chose to change the direction her life was headed. Through strong courage she was able to realize she was worthy of love. Kevin was patient and determined. He loved Elle without a doubt regardless of her past.
August 30, 2020
Another great book
I had several hours of enjoyable reading. This was an unusual love story, but great nonetheless. This series has been great! It’s very entertaining and each book incorporates the characters from the other books. I’m looking forward to reading the next one.
I had several hours of enjoyable reading. This was an unusual love story, but great nonetheless. This series has been great! It’s very entertaining and each book incorporates the characters from the other books. I’m looking forward to reading the next one.
freebie-owned-to-read
March 3, 2021Own in CSA Case Files - Volume 1
July 26, 2024
I read book 1 and 2 and I was so done with this series that I quit reading after the first page.
Same story different names.
To me there is no suspense and no erotic romance.
The bdms is written so poorly.
There is just no connection between the two characters and no growth between them.
Same story different names.
To me there is no suspense and no erotic romance.
The bdms is written so poorly.
There is just no connection between the two characters and no growth between them.
June 22, 2017
TogetherRomance and suspense
I enjoyed this book. Will Crest and Jessica get together? Will they ever capture Ryland? Turkey suspenseful. I am looking forward to her next book.
I enjoyed this book. Will Crest and Jessica get together? Will they ever capture Ryland? Turkey suspenseful. I am looking forward to her next book.
November 14, 2016
Just adored it!!
July 30, 2015
Romance and suspense: a heady combination
This is a re-read for me, having read this book and the others in the series some time back. Time has not diminished the simple joy of reading a book the is a work of art in and of itself much less a story that grabs the emotions as well as the imagination of those of us who truly prize an excellent mystery. The main characters will be familiar to anyone who has been already reading the series. But the heat between Kevin and Elle wafts off the pages of a love story that is intense while fraught with emotional speed bumps caused by Elle and her obsession with the past. It is so hard for her to believe that a good man could love her. This novel is a standalone but is best read in conjunction with the others that come before it. The entire series has been around awhile but the impact of any really good book is never diminished by time. It is one that can stand being read more than once. For me, that is the acid test that many novels can't pass. Simply stated, it's one terrific read.
This is a re-read for me, having read this book and the others in the series some time back. Time has not diminished the simple joy of reading a book the is a work of art in and of itself much less a story that grabs the emotions as well as the imagination of those of us who truly prize an excellent mystery. The main characters will be familiar to anyone who has been already reading the series. But the heat between Kevin and Elle wafts off the pages of a love story that is intense while fraught with emotional speed bumps caused by Elle and her obsession with the past. It is so hard for her to believe that a good man could love her. This novel is a standalone but is best read in conjunction with the others that come before it. The entire series has been around awhile but the impact of any really good book is never diminished by time. It is one that can stand being read more than once. For me, that is the acid test that many novels can't pass. Simply stated, it's one terrific read.
March 14, 2015
Elle Reyes is a survivor-she survived a neglectful parent, life on the streets and working as a prostitute when she had no other options to survive. Kevin Dreier is a retired soldier that sees Elle's strength and potential. He falls in love with her along the way, but her self-esteem is so damaged that she cannot open herself to any relationship beyond friendship. Kevin slowly chips away at Elle's defenses and she begins to see a future with him, just as it is almost snatched away by a serial rapist that has escalated his crime spree to include murder. Kevin and Elle's journey is a difficult one, which makes their love al that much sweeter. Kennedy Layne has woven another wonderful, sexy love story around a mystery that keeps you riveted. I love the CSA series and I can't wait for Lach's book!
October 4, 2014
I think this is my favorite of the CSA series! Elle has such strength and heart and has overcome her past and created a new life for herself. I want a Kevin of my own! He has wanted Elle for over a year and knows she's the one. He grew up in a loving home and he knows he wants the same thing with Elle. I loved watching her defenses fall as she finally puts her trust in Kevin. They built a strong relationship. Of course there is the case Kevin is working on that hits close to home with Elle that adds the suspense and intrigue that KL is known for in this series. Nothing was predictable about the case and the added tension of knowing Ryland is still out there along with his mysterious connection to Taryn keeps the reader sucked in and wanting more. It seems each book gets better and better and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
January 30, 2016
This series is good. I've followed all the stories about the agents in CSA, an investigative private agency, and I had fun with the romances and suspense involving the characters as a background plot. I have my favorites and even though I liked this book, this is not one of them. I didn't find the main characters that much catchy, but they are ok.
As always, there's the main couple, the attraction between them, the hurdles in their way and a villain, besides the bigger villain that keeps haunting the agents. They dabble in BDSM, and even though sometimes it seems the scenes are described a little bit like a manual, they are nicely done.
But for the villain, all the characters are nice enough, the story is interesting and we can have a good time, which is the main reason we read.
As always, there's the main couple, the attraction between them, the hurdles in their way and a villain, besides the bigger villain that keeps haunting the agents. They dabble in BDSM, and even though sometimes it seems the scenes are described a little bit like a manual, they are nicely done.
But for the villain, all the characters are nice enough, the story is interesting and we can have a good time, which is the main reason we read.
June 30, 2015
Book three and here are my thoughts....
I LOVED this book! It really has grown into itself and Ioved Kevin and Elle!
Elle is a fighter a true little Warrior and her fiesty/stubborn personality is what I like in my female MC's.
Kevin I just found all kinds of dreamy and he's really a man to keep! He sees past the past and looks at the here and now and the future, he doesn't judge a book by its cover.
I loved (yes I loved this book) the other characters in this book also , i warmed more to Emily and Lauren in this one.
The BDSM elements were written perfectly. And again they don't over shadow that there is an actual story going on here.
I LOVED this book! It really has grown into itself and Ioved Kevin and Elle!
Elle is a fighter a true little Warrior and her fiesty/stubborn personality is what I like in my female MC's.
Kevin I just found all kinds of dreamy and he's really a man to keep! He sees past the past and looks at the here and now and the future, he doesn't judge a book by its cover.
I loved (yes I loved this book) the other characters in this book also , i warmed more to Emily and Lauren in this one.
The BDSM elements were written perfectly. And again they don't over shadow that there is an actual story going on here.
February 6, 2017
Awe, so happy that Elle was able to let go of her past.
January 12, 2016
This is the third book I have read from Kennedy Layne, I and loved it as much as the first 2! The writing is very nicely detailed and the plot was easy to follow, moved along at a decent clip, and I didn’t find any inconsistencies. I enjoyed how Elle’s character was developed and learning more about Kevin’s background. Kevin and Elle together are a very sexy couple! Also, it was nice to catch up on the characters from past books! I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
Read
December 13, 2016I am hooked on this series of books and author!
March 18, 2015
I liked the story and the characters a lot. My main complaint is that it seemed as if the book had not been edited at all. There were so many grammar errors and word choice errors that it was distracting to read. And I've read all her books (again, compelling stories) but they could be so much better with just a bit of help from a good editor.
July 20, 2015
Crest's story better be good...
I love the intrigue. The added BDSM in this series and the continuing story of Ryland make the series flow. However each book can be read as a stand alone. I'm a series junkie, so I will keep following the CSA family to see where they end up.
I love the intrigue. The added BDSM in this series and the continuing story of Ryland make the series flow. However each book can be read as a stand alone. I'm a series junkie, so I will keep following the CSA family to see where they end up.
March 10, 2016
I think this one is the best so far in this series. Kevin is so sweet and so in love with Elle. He just wants to prove to her that she is worth saving. Elle had a hard life and doesn't think she needs anyone. Loved how they finally come together. Can't wait for Lach story next.
June 20, 2014
Just as great as one and two!!! Loved it and hope four is about Crest he needs his story told hope it's got a HEA....
August 6, 2014
Another fabulous story by the talented Kennedy Layne. I loved this story between Kevin and Elle and I am looking forward to the other stories in this series.
September 9, 2014
Another great addition to the series. Love the CSA guys and can't wait to get into the next one.
June 14, 2016
Based on the main character of this story, I felt it would be appropriate to share the following link. http://streetlightusa.org/
August 2, 2015
3.5 stars
Really liked Kevin, which is a first for me as I kinda didn't like Conner from CSA1 and really didn't like Jax from CSA2
Really liked Kevin, which is a first for me as I kinda didn't like Conner from CSA1 and really didn't like Jax from CSA2
August 16, 2015
intense. well drawn characters, deep plot with a twist
October 7, 2018
Loved Kevin and Elle's story. I liked how Kevin didn't judge Elle for the decisions she made in the past. Also the hunt for Ryland heats up. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews