Protecting the Princess by Lucinda Whitney {Review}

 Protecting the Princess by Lucinda Whitney

280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2021
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given. 

 

 

She's a princess doubting the rules of royalty. He's the bodyguard tasked with keeping her in line. Will a relationship destroy both of their goals?


Princess Emma Somerset struggles to find purpose and fulfillment in her life. With her brother and cousins all married and in their new roles, she’s the only one left at the palace. When Queen Nicolette, her aunt, asks Emma to undertake a trip to the north as a good-will ambassador, she agrees, despite her lack of experience.

Ryan Sterling is a new protection officer for the royal house of Durham. He has aspirations for a high-profile assignment, but when Princess Emma’s long-time female bodyguard is injured a week before departure, he’s called to replace her. Now he’s stuck babysitting a spoiled princess instead of proving his worth to advance his career.

After floods strand Emma and Ryan in the remote countryside during the trip, their fledgling friendship slowly turns into something more. But is a new relationship between them doomed to fail when they return to the palace?  

   

My Review: 4 Stars

I've always had a fascination with all things royal and it was fun to get a small taste of the royal life with this story. Although most of it takes place outside the palace walls and the princess is very down-to-earth, the elegance that surrounds Emma, and her awesome new bodyguard, Ryan, was delightful. 

This book reminded me of Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn. Emma is always trying to escape her protection, much to Ryan's amusement, until the day there is nowhere to escape to. That's when the fun begins with a tentative friendship and a fake relationship.

Ryan is a very uptight character and it was a joy to watch him soften through events out of his control. I loved Emma's carefree and spirited ways and I liked seeing her mellow just a bit and I especially loved her desire to be normal, to help others, and to work hard, not fearing a little dirt on her hands.

Whitney does a good job of incorporating both the fun and the real aspects of being royal and delivers a charmingly sweet romance.

Content: mild romance

The Honorable Warrior (A Navy SEAL Romance) by Kimberly Krey {Review}

The Honorable Warrior (A Navy SEAL Romance)
by Kimberly Krey

Kindle Edition

Published March 31st 2018 

 

When Blayze falls in love with the woman he's protecting, his desperation to keep her safe just might blur his view.

Blayze Brockton's been working in the private protection industry since he retired his position as a Navy SEAL. So when he takes a job to protect Sophia Vasco, daughter of San Bernardino's district attorney, Blayze is confident he can keep her safe. Yet after spending a day with the beautiful, intriguing woman, he discovers the undeniable chemistry between them. Spending night and day by Sophia's side might prove more difficult than he thought.

Sophia Vasco is determined to speak at her father's campaign rallies despite the threats she's received. She has a vision of how the next two weeks will go, and with protection agent, Blayze Brockton, by her side things should run according to plan. But developing feelings for the handsome protector wasn't part of the deal. Just as the two give into a moment of passion, the threats start up anew, sending them into hiding for a time. When Sophia puts her foot down and insists on speaking at the campaign's largest event, will the hostile make good on his threats?

   

My Review: 4 Stars

A story of a bodyguard and a woman in need of protection is always an intriguing premise. Blayze is strong and fiercely committed to his protecting job, but he is very quick to fall for the beautiful and independent Sophia. There are some really sparks that ignite almost from the start, but there is always a bit of a tug-of-war going on.


Sophia has been receiving threats, but she's so determined to avoid being protected, which makes Blayze's job hard. I like a strong woman, but it's okay to rely on help when it's needed. That conflict of interest is magnified when Blayze falls hard and fast and the relationship seems to be constantly jerking from a complete stop to a super hot go. I kind of expected him to act on his feelings more gradually, since he is so committed to his job, but it was fun to see the sparks ignite.

I loved the suspense and would have loved more of that angle. This elements added some depth to the story and kept me guessing, and overall, this was a really fun book.

Content:  mild romance; mild violence/moments of peril

How to Kiss a Billionaire by Cami Checketts {Review}

How to Kiss a Billionaire (Billionaire Beach Romance)
by Cami Checketts

Kindle Edition, 118 pages

Published November 16th 2017 by Birch River Publishing

Sassy meets swoon-worthy in this fast-paced contemporary romance.

Miriam Salisbury escapes to Oregon to avoid a boyfriend who won't take no for an answer, killing her beloved cat to prove it. When her father sends Clay Browning to protect her, she's certain he's lost his mind. As far as she's concerned Clay's experience is limited to posing for the camera, charming women, and making fun of her. He's been teasing her since they were children and she's never gotten over the way he threw crawdads at her at church picnics.
Clay retired from the military and entered the world of private security. When he gets the call to protect Miriam he's excited to be around his lifelong crush. As expected, he teases her nonstop and the only thing he takes seriously is her security. He knows she'd never give him a chance and he can't help but give her a hard time.
After Miriam is dumped in the freezing ocean on a crabbing expedition and Clay saves her from drowning and freezing to death, she takes a second look at her hired gun. But opening up to him is more terrifying than facing her stalker.
As events escalate to a frenzied climax, Miriam and Clay must put aside past grudges in the hope of finding a lasting love for their future.

Don't miss the rest of the Billionaire Beach Romances:
Shadows in the Curtain
Caribbean Rescue
Cozumel Escape
Cancun Getaway
Trusting the Billionaire
How to Kiss a Billionaire
Thanks for reading!

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My Review: 4.5 Stars

I love a romance that stems from a childhood crush, and through a series of misunderstandings and assumptions, Clay and Miriam are never more than friends until he's employed to be her bodyguard. Clay is a huge tease, but the banter they share because of her sassiness results in a delightful relationship. My brothers and dad are big teases, so I get how that's one way to show affection, and it really does warm my heart at how easy and fun their interactions are.

I love the swoony and sass, but it's especially great because Clay isn't the perfect hero--he's got some physical limitations that keep him human. Miriam is loveable, but I love that streak of snark.

Cami Checketts really is a master at incorporating some steamy clean romance with crazy suspense and this story isn't any different. The tension, oh the tension, is very present and I wanted to scream, "Just kiss already!" because it's so thick. But I loved it!

This has everything a reader could want to have a great escape and the humorous moments are the icing on the cake. I guess I just wanted a few more teensy, tiny details. Why is Clay a billionaire exactly? And I wasn't ready to let this couple go yet, but it is a really great read.

Content: mild+ romance (some innuendo and implied intimate moments); mild violence

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Romancing the Clone by Heather Horrocks {Review}

Romancing the Clone (Chick Flick Clique Romantic Comedy #6) by Heather Horrocks

Kindle Edition, 131 pages

Published September 30th 2017

            

LOVE, HONOR, AND CHERISH ARE OKAY, BUT OBEY? NOT ON HER LIFE!
Feisty wedding photographer Sonnet Cassidy is not about to let anybody else tell her what to do — especially not her bossy governor father. He takes the choice from her, however, after receiving a threat on her life, and overreacts by arranging round-the-clock, in-home protection — to replace the two security agents who have discretely been tailing her since he took office.
Agent Derek Strong is no more thrilled with his babysitting assignment than she is, and the resulting attraction is extremely inconvenient for them both.
Will they work out their differences before they kill each other — or will someone else beat them to it?

Contents: Laughs, sweet romance, no swearing, flirty fun.

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My Review: 4 Stars

Sonnet is one of the most independent, feisty, and stubborn characters ever. Her father is the governor and when a threat is made towards her, he makes sure that her security guards are replaced with two more competent men. I totally understand how she wants to be free and "normal," especially since she is building up an up-and-coming photography business, but I'm a scaredy-cat. I think I would do whatever it takes to stay safe, unlike Sonnet.

Her new agents are a lot of fun, especially Derek, because there is an insane amount of attraction floating around their interactions. They each try their best to deny it, because it's not what they want or need right now, but it's there and causes some pretty funny moments to result because of it.

A lot of the story is spent with Sonnet trying to escape her detail or pitching a fit over it. Her claws are out and prickles are up, which didn't make me want to get too close to her. Her attitude and actions make it hard for Derek and his partner to do their jobs. I get that she's tired of living her life in the spotlight, but it makes her come across as selfish and childish. 

I really liked the moments of suspense and danger, especially as they came to a peak. Those moments are what put chinks in Sonnet's armor and help to gradually soften her, making her more likable. I totally agree with the content comment in the synopsis and thought this was a fun story.

Content: mild romance

*I received a copy, which didn't influence my opinion in any way.*

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Arms of Promise by Crystal Walton {Review}

Arms of Promise by Crystal Walton

Kindle Edition, 314 pages

Published August 24th 2016 by Impact Editions, LLC 

 

 

A dancer who won’t back down. A soldier indebted to a promise. The only thing more dangerous than the threat pitting them together is the secret keeping them apart.

Contemporary dancer Anna Madison is determined to honor her mom’s memory. With the life she’s built in downtown Chicago hinging on an upcoming audition, now’s the worst time for her childhood best friend—and the only man she’s ever loved—to reenter her world. Her dad’s current DA case instigates enough danger without adding on the risk of losing her heart. Again.

Army Ranger Evan O’Riley has always known his place in Anna’s life. Letting his feelings compromise her safety simply isn't an option. Especially when his promise to protect her drives him off the sidelines and into the one place even his special ops training can't save him from. Anna's arms.

Keeping her from uncovering the real reason Evan returns is one thing. Trying to hide the reason he left to begin with could destroy them both. But when the past they’ve both tried to outrun launches them down a heart-pounding road of threats, secrets, and attraction, resisting love may turn into the greatest risk they face.

If you like emotional romances mixed with humor, depth, and characters who come alive on the page, then you'll love Crystal Walton's moving story of love and forgiveness.

Read Arms of Promise today and be swept into a moving tale of romance and suspense that'll have you turning pages until the end.

 

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 My Review: 5 Stars

 

Anna and Evan have a past and when he suddenly comes back to town after years away, she is ecstatic. Each have an experience from their joined past that they have internalized in a different way, which has shaped who they are today. Anna's dream of being independent, along with her desire to dance professionally, overshadow everything else. Evan is now an Army Ranger and tougher than ever, yet she still has a sweet spot for Anna and will protect her at all costs.

 

I found this book to be well-written. The way this author portrays tangible emotions, nail-biting suspense, and wonderfully melt-your-heart romance is spectacular! The characters came alive and their sparky chemistry made me swoon. I believe that timing is key in relationships and love it when a couple gets a second shot at love. Sometimes I got frustrated when they acted a little gun-shy, but I would probably be the exact same way. Their reactions felt real.

 

Anna is a little clueless, but she is determined and selfless, and that combination makes her a daring, putting her into dangerous and scary situations. Evan is a protector, sacrificing many things for the sake of safety. There were times when he sacrificed a little too much, in my opinion. But wowza--that guy is loyal. The peak of the suspense and the resulting conclusion were perfect and satisfying. I think that Crystal Walton's books just keep getting better and better and I'm looking forward to her next release. 

 

Content: mild, swoony romance (clean); mild violence. 

 

*I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own--I received no compensation.*

 

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About the Author:

 

Amidst multiple moves up and down the east coast, Crystal received her bachelor of arts from Messiah College in PA, married her exact opposite in upstate NY, and earned her master of arts from Regent University in VA, where she currently resides with her husband. Crystal writes contemporary clean romance fueled by venti green teas from Starbucks.

When not working her accounting day job, she's delving into the wonder of words, supporting her Starbucks habit, or laughing over movie quotes & singing eighties songs with her husband.

She'd love to connect with you at http://crystal-walton.com and http://facebook.com/crystalwaltonwrites

The Protective Groom (Billionaire Marriage Broker #5) by Lucy McConnell {Review}

The Protective Groom (Billionaire Marriage Broker series #5) by Lucy McConnell

Kindle Edition, 216 pages

Published March 4th 2016 by Pepin Publishing Company 

 

 

Noah Baker is about to meet the toughest woman in Texas—right before he marries her. 

Harley Wilson, of the Texas Wilsons, is being stalked by an unscrupulous creeper who is intent on doing her harm. In order to protect herself, Harley asks Pamela Jones to find her a groom. She needs someone who can hold his own in a firefight and happily sign annulment papers when this nightmare is over. 

Noah Baker thinks he’s hit the jackpot as a Billionaire Marriage Brokers’ groom. The position is the perfect opportunity to move forward and put the past behind him once and for all. However, Noah must dig into his training as a police officer and doing so brings up demons he buried two years ago when he left the force. 

Time runs short for Noah as his list of suspects grows to include an almost fiancé, a twisted cousin, and Harley’s step-brother. With Harley’s father breathing down his neck, Noah finds himself falling for Harley in a way that makes this assignment as personal as—well, marriage.

 

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My Review: 5 Stars

 

It's interesting how a story can draw me right in from the first page and keep a smile on my face until the end. I love a marriage of convenience and this one has a lot of swoony chemistry as an added bonus. Harley is from a very well-know and wealthy family. When a stalker threatens her, it's decided that a round-the-clock bodyguard can best protect her and Noah is hired to marry and protect her. 

 

For all her fame and fortune, Harley is genuine and sweet. She has a spunky streak, as Noah learns from the start, which gives the story a little spice. These characters become very comfortable and let their guards down with the reader, which allows for some vulnerability and I love that. Noah is amazingly human in all aspects of his life and that really drew me in even more. 

 

I love the chemistry and passion that arises from this couple's interactions. I would have loved to see the characters developed even more, but I was completely satisfied. The element of mystery and suspense really added to the story and I loved the twists that kept me guessing and engaged to the very end.

 

Content: mild, swoony romance; very mild violence. Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Link

 

 

Oh, Come On -- Be Faithful by Cami Checketts {Review}

Oh, Come On -- Be Faithful by Cami Checketts

Kindle Edition

Published December 16th 2015 by Trifecta Books 

Source: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 5 Stars

 

 

Former Army security expert Matt Degan is in desperate need of a Christmas miracle. His ex-wife cleaned out his savings account and abandoned their son. Sadly, he has no presents stashed.

When he finds a job as a bodyguard for Mikayla Lambert, a billionaire heiress who has been tormented by a stalker for four years, he’s caught up in family drama that threatens this beautiful woman he’s becoming enamored with and might also endanger his son. Can Matt protect everyone and save Christmas for his son, or will the stalker succeed at kidnapping Mikayla and destroying any chance at love between them? 

 

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Why are so many Christmas books so heartwarming? My heart always feels like it will just melt. I love it and I loved this one! Matt is a former Army security guy and is looking for a job to help get him and his son back on their feet after a divorce. Becoming a bodyguard for Mik, a wealthy heiress isn't exactly what he had in mind, but the job seems to be exactly what he and his son need. Mik has been stalked for four years now and no one has had any luck finding the guy. 

 

I love the way Cami Checketts always adds a great suspense angle in with her swoony romances. The characters are always great and strong, the setting is vivid in my imagination, and the elements are executed well. I honestly couldn't help but to fall in love with each of the characters, from Grams, to the boys, to Mik, and to Matt. I love how down-to-earth the relationship is, even though it's fast-paced, and how realistic the situations are.

 

This is another great book by an author I've come to love and adore!

 

Content: mild romance (kissing); mild suspense (moments of peril, but nothing over-the-top); no language. Clean!

 

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Buy Link:

 

About the Author:

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She teaches strength training at her local rec and shares health and fitness articles at http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com.

Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.

http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.com
www.camichecketts.com