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Tempt Me #2

Her Enemy Protector

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By-the-book secret agent Lucas Bendtsen will do anything to keep his country safe—even if that means blackmailing the stepdaughter of a notorious mobster who is about to sell guns to a group of terrorists. The plan? He'll pose as her fiancé in order to access her stepfather's guarded compound and find out the location of the arms deal. The problem? Despite her reputation as a heartless femme fatale, Ruby Macintosh is not at all what she seems. Only a fool would double-cross the Organization, but Ruby doesn't have any choice—not if she's going to save her brother and mother from her stepfather. So she places her life in the hands of a man who turns her on as much as he ticks her off… The fake engagement may be the beginning of a high-stakes game of subterfuge, but when their hearts get involved, Lucas has to decide whether to break the rules or break Ruby's heart.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2016

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724 people want to read

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Avery Flynn

67 books5,474 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,884 reviews136 followers
November 13, 2016
This is the second book in the Tempt Me series by this author, the first one being ‘His Undercover Princess’ which I’ve also enjoyed reading and reviewed. I actually think it is beneficial to have read the books in sequence as many of the characters are in both stories and the events from the first story impinge on this one. In this story, the secret service of Elskovia, the Silver Knights, have uncovered a plot to bring in munitions for an armed uprising against the newly re-installed monarchy. Lucas Bendtsen is the leader of the Silver Knights and he kidnaps Ruby Macintosh, the stepdaughter of the mobster who is about to sell the guns to the terrorists. Luc convinces her to pose as his fiancé (you’ll need to read it to discover how!) so he can visit her stepfather’s stronghold and find out more and prevent the insurgents getting the weapons. The problem is that he has misinterpreted information about Ruby and he finds her too alluring to resist and when both of their hearts get involved there’s going to be extra angst, turmoil and danger as they work to thwart the plot and protect their hearts.

Initially these two characters seem to be the antithesis of each other but revelations as the plot progresses reveal similarities and the two definitely work well together. Ruby’s stepfather is a bullying, stubborn and goal orientated crimelord who will happily sacrifice anyone and anything to ensure he achieves his aims. The interactions between the family members are great as hidden agendas and secret activities are discovered. This is a suspense filled romantic novel involving enemies to lovers, somewhat instant-love and plenty of emotional turmoil and danger. It is a great sequel and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I requested and received an ARC of this novel via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,402 reviews622 followers
June 8, 2019
Well, this was fun and entertaining. However, it didn't really captivate me or wow me at any point. Even the suspenseful portion of the story was just kinda there and happening, but I had no hmmmmmmmm moments.

These are the hardest stories to review. Because even tho the couple is thoroughly enjoyable and their romance is entertaining, the back-drop to their story really is not. So I always end up with mixed feeling on how to review. I'm very much middle of the road with this book. Nothing really exceptional stands out but I can also say that it wasn't boring or uninteresting....I know, weird! lol

I can say this ... the sexy was definitely sexy, so that's a major plus and our leads played well off of each other and truly stole the show with this book. The mystery suspense portion didn't really do it for me but Lucas and Ruby made up for it in their romance.

Copy provided via NetGalley for blog tour review
Profile Image for WhiskeyintheJar.
1,523 reviews695 followers
January 10, 2018
2.5 stars

Was a bit jumbled beginning with some confusion because I didn't read the first in the series and I couldn't quit place the fictional country and the who and what of their MI-6 like organization.
This is a little bit of a wham-bam, thank you, ma'ma with some insta-lust and a suspense storyline that you maybe don't want to examine too closely.
Profile Image for Dísir.
1,738 reviews188 followers
October 5, 2016
This started out very...odd. Jarring to say the least because of the strange fictional place it’s set in—somewhere in the Atlantic, nearer Scandinavia than North America that’s a monarchy—which I couldn’t get my head around at all because it sort of straddles some alternate universe that’s still supposed to be contemporary enough that I should be able to relate to it.

Fictional geography and made-up countries aside, ‘Her Enemy Protector’ champions instant love, or at least, combustible lust where body parts either constantly leak fluids or tighten uncomfortably against clothes. But it also offers loads of James Bond-esque type of suspense where both leads jump straight into hard, fast action with an equally quick though not entirely believable resolution of a fairy-tale end after the conflict. It’s like reading a jumble of the Princess Dairies, Bond and Ethan Hunt who work together to stop an arms-deal while wedding planning—a ruse as it may be—goes on in the background. There are some inconsistencies, especially with appearance and Scandinavian-ish names and places, but if you can get past that, it does offer some good entertainment.

*ARC by netgalley
(grateful, as always)
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,077 reviews50 followers
November 16, 2016
A love story born out of necessity and strengthened by high stress situations. This is a good, quick read that you will enjoy. I have not read the first book, but the second one was fine as a stand alone to me. I will go back and read the first because I think I'll like it and I hope there are more to come.

Lucas is the head of a government agency and his asset is the daughter of a crime boss. They are thrown together over an arms deal and a little brother who is constantly in trouble.

Ruby is the step daughter to a major crime boss and while she couldn't do much about that as a child once she became an adult she became a jewelry designer. That is how she met Lucas.

Once they've gone home to announce their engagement everything starts going sideways and Lucas must choose between Ruby or the mission and secrets of all kinds are coming out.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,163 reviews23 followers
February 16, 2018
Received in exchange for a honest review.

This is a dangerously sexy read. Lucas is definitely delish and has the edge of danger to him. He had a past that is shady but he rose above it and is now the head of the Silver Knights. When first meeting him it seems he is tough as nails and only thinks of protecting his queen and country. As the story unfolds you see he has a heart and is conflicted. The ending really takes your heart and has it in limbo for awhile. He shows us what heartache and love is in the end and it does tear at you.

Ruby is a sweet girl who loves her family. Family being mom and brother. She does everything to protect them even if it harms herself. And when Lucas asks her to help she isn’t doing it because she feels its the right thing to do no it is for family. she knows her stepdad and knows the danger involved. But again her desire to protect her family rules out. ONly as she is being agreeable you see her plotting as well.

The two are now on a mission that is dangerous in many ways. They are working on the fly so anything can happen but they are also feeling for one another and fighting it. When together the interactions are sassy, sarcastic and entertaining. You see how smart Ruby is and how serious Lucas is. You also see the sizzle of attraction between them. As the danger increases and things go to heck in a handbasket with all that is revealed along the way, we see them grow closer and Lucas have an overwhelming desire to protect Ruby and keep her safe. He battles himself over his duty and his feelings.

The story is full of some reveals that knock you sideways, danger, sexy and sassy banter and a look at what family means to Ruby and you see Lucas see what that word means. We see them battle for good and each other and sacrifice for one another as well. We see love overwhelm and also save them in the end.

A fast paced entertaining tale full of danger, love and family that shows us what family is for Lucas and Ruby and how they are there no matter what
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,697 reviews49 followers
April 17, 2018
This is the second book in this series. The main characters from book one make appearances, so you would be more familiar with everyone if you read book one first, but it isn't necessary.

Lucas is in charge of the Silver Knights military and will do whatever is necessary to protect his country. He blackmails Ruby into pretending to be his fiance in order to gain information from her dangerous mobster stepfather. Neither Lucas nor Ruby are looking for a relationship, however the more time they spend together the easier it is to pretend to be engaged.

I liked both Lucas' and Ruby's characters. He's all bossy and in control, yet Ruby brings out feelings he never knew he had. Ruby is a spitfire and has never wanted a man more than she wants Lucas. The problem is neither of them believe they deserve the other. You don't see until the end how far they each will go.

Profile Image for Denise.
4,119 reviews12 followers
February 22, 2018
This one by this author has a ingredient I love a secret agent. This makes for thrilling reading and when it is mixed with romance oh boy. This one centers around Lucas and Ruby. Lucas will have his hands full with not just his mission. As the two go along he will get his heart full with her being the key. She too has a difficult mission of her own with combined giving us some danger and drama that pulls us to the edge. She will seep the heat in this causing them to go in a direction you have to follow to see where they end up.
Profile Image for Stephanie (Jump).
192 reviews28 followers
May 21, 2017
So I hopped onto my next Avery Flynm book, and sadly I enjoyed The Negotiator more. Spy novels are challenging to write, they have to be convincing, and this one was just not that believable.

This world class crime boss with his own island who is distrusting by nature, would let his step daugther (whom he had never bonded with) bring a fiancée he has never heard of with his daughter, and leave his room unbugged. This boss is supposedly attached to his phone 24/7 but then leave his phone unattended because of an argument with his wife.

They have a silly conflict about why they couldn't be together - because she is from a crime family, which is all of a sudden resolved too quickly in the end.

And the head of the spy organization having sex with his blackmailed heroine whom he had believed was an integral part of the crime family not more than a day ago.

All that aside, it wasn't a tough read, just not that good. I hope the next one in the series improves.

At a Glance
HEA
Love triangle
OW/OM drama
Any other safety concerns
Profile Image for Marika.
Author 29 books63 followers
January 20, 2024
It was nice. It felt too much like the first one to earn a 4 from me again but yet, it was a good time.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,794 reviews147 followers
November 14, 2016
**3.5 Stars**

Lucas has come a long way from being looked down upon as the son of an addict mother and an unknown father. Now he's not only living under a different name, but also the newly anointed Earl of Moad. He's also about to add blackmailer to that list. His target is the sexy stepdaughter of a mobster, Rolf, and Lucas is willing to do what he needs to in order to protect his country. The leverage to convince her will be her brother, Jasper.

Ruby, a jewelry designer, knows two things. One is that she'll do anything for her mother and brother and the second is that her stepfather prefers having her under his control, so much so that he even has a husband, Joey, picked out for her.  A decree that she is determined to ignore.  As she's meeting with her new client, feeling an attraction mixed in with a little apprehension, she quickly learns the true reason for her visit and who her "client" is.

Lucas's plan, of which Ruby has no say in altering, is to announce their engagement, therefore extending a wedding invitation to Ruby's mother and stepfather. But Ruby knows the flaws with Lucas's plans, the major one being that Rolf doesn't trust anyone. So is this all a test on Rolf's part in an effort to force her marriage to Joey? Or is Lucas who and what he says he is?

As Lucas and Ruby begin acting as an engaged couple blissfully in love, they get glimpses of the real person behind the mask they each show everyone else. Their attraction for each other becomes harder to deny, as does their growing connection.

"The dark brooding look disappeared as soon as he looked over at her and something clanked into place in her chest. No one ever looked at her like that -- except for Lucas." - Ruby

"He'd been ready for the woman he'd thought Ruby was, he hadn't been prepared for the woman she'd turned out to be." - Lucas

What happens when Lucas learns Ruby, and her life, isn't what he thought it was? How will Lucas react when Jasper reveals the truth behind his actions? How will Ruby upon finding out her brother has been keeping secrets for years? Can Lucas and Ruby contain the passion that burns between them? Or will they act on it, blurring the lines between reality and the mission? How will Ruby handle the conflicting emotions she feels for Lucas? Can she separate them from the show they're putting on? Will Lucas and his team stop the weapons exchange in time? Is Ruby safe? What is Lucas willing to sacrifice to complete his mission? His life? The woman who's stolen his heart? Will they get a HEA? Or will Lucas let her go, allowing her the freedom she's always craved from her stepfather's influence? Maybe Ruby will walk away, knowing the Silver Knights will never accept their leader being with a crime boss's stepdaughter.

"She was the woman he never thought he'd find-the one he didn't want to be without." - Lucas

One-click now and follow the journey of two people, both guarding their hearts, discovering a love that won't be denied. While this is the second book in the Tempt Me series, I feel this book can easily be read as a standalone.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Profile Image for Linda.
1,128 reviews54 followers
November 29, 2016
A fast-paced steamy romance teeming with high-stakes action!

“I’m not the kind of girl who ends up with the good guy. I’m the crime boss’s daughter.”

Her Enemy Protector is the second book in the Tempt Me series and takes place after the events of His Undercover Princess. We are back in the world of Elskov and I couldn’t be more excited. Eloise is now sitting upon the throne as the rightful heir. Major Lucas Bendtsen, aka the Earl of Moad, is the leader of the Silver Knights who have sworn to serve the Queen and Elskov. Lucas’ current mission is to prevent Henriksen, the son of the late dictator, from buying the arms that would allow him to attack Elskov. Unfortunately, Lucas needs to blackmail ‘femme fatale’ Ruby Macintosh to thwart Henriksen’s plans.

To that end, Lucas, as the Earl of Moad, has requested Ruby’s jewelry designing services. Once she arrives for their appointment, she quickly discovers that her potential lucrative commission is a ruse. In truth, Lucas requires her cooperation to conspire against Rolf, her gun-smuggling mobster stepfather, in exchange for her brother’s life. To do that, Ruby must accompany Lucas, as Luc Svendsen, to her family’s private island as his fiancé. Neither Lucas nor Ruby planned on their hot attraction.

I liked both Lucas and Ruby. Both had experienced difficult upbringings. Their attraction was instantaneous, which was a bit surprising. Let’s just say that a lot happens in their relationship quickly. As the story evolved, I forgot about their insta-chemistry and just rolled with the flow.

I really enjoyed catching up with Elle and Dominick from Her Undercover Princess again. Their new roles as Queen and King Consort certainly fit them!

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Her Enemy Protector:

“I’d have to be dead not to want you.”
---
God, she was killing him, and he’d never been so happy about the possibility of death.
---
“I need you,” she said…
“Lucky for you…. I’m here to serve.”

Even though Her Enemy Protector is the second book in Avery’s Tempt Me series, it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. However, I would read the series in order, if possible, as many of the characters are in both stories and the events from the first story bear upon this one. His Undercover Princess was an exciting and sexy read with great characterization.

Is it possible that Ruby’s brother and Agent Talia, the Elskov operative who accompanied Jasper on this mission, will get their own story soon? Regardless, I’m looking forward to the next installment!

Her Enemy Protector is a fast-paced steamy romance teeming with high-stakes action. The ending is a delight! I would recommend Her Enemy Protector to anyone who enjoys sizzling romantic thrillers with plenty of twists and turns.

Suggested Reading Order:
Tempt Me series
His Undercover Princess (Book #1)
Her Enemy Protector (Book #2)

My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
Profile Image for Landslide.
344 reviews71 followers
November 15, 2016
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Her Enemy Protector is the second book in the Tempt Me series and takes place after the events of His Undercover. Elskov is again being reigned by the rightful heir to the throne, but her loyal Silver Knights continue to protect her at all costs, especially because the throne usurpers are still plotting behind the scenes and claim revenge on the queen and those who support her. Major Lucas Bendtsen, now bestowed with the title of Earl of Moad, is the head of the Silver Knights and his latest mission is to prevent the son of the late dictator, Gregers Henriksen, from buying the arms that would allow him to strike Elskov. And this involves blackmailing Ruby Macintosh...

Ruby is a successful jewelry designer and it’s in that capacity that she goes to the mansion of the Earl of Moad. But contrary to what she thought, his purpose is not to have her draw his family crest but rather to provide him with a pretext for infiltrating the private island of her stepfather, a well-known gun smugler, drug dealer, and all around bad guy ... The last thing Ruby wants is to go home, but when Lucas threatens to arrest her brother Jasper for his involvement in their stepfather's business, she has no other choice.

And this is how she finds herself on her way back home accompanied by her "fiance", Luc Svendsen. That is Luke’s false identity to which is associated a rather dubious reputation and a series of illegal activities. In fact, it is not a fake identity, but rather his true identity, and a part of the past he left behind for Elskov, but the one he resorts to whenever is necessary.

Lucas only wants to prevent Henriksen from buying the guns, and Ruby only wants to escape the clutches of her stepfather and of the law with her brother, but the false engagement and the closeness to which it obliges only exacerbates the attraction they feel for each other. And as they realize what each other is hiding behind the facade they show the world, they realize that they are more alike than they thought.

But Lucas's loyalty is to Elskov and his queen, and Ruby knows that she will never really be free to choose who she wants to stay with, not mentioning the danger she faces if her stepfather discovers the truth. Is there a happy ending for them? And will they be able to avoid the attack on Elskov and the royal family?

I really enjoyed returning to Elskov and especially seeing Elle and Dominick again, so cute in their new roles as Queen and King Consort. And I also really liked Lucas and Ruby, who seem so different but who are, after all, so alike and with an equally difficult and tragic past. I'm rooting for them and I hope to see them again in the next books. Oh, and I really hope the author is planning to join Jasper with Talia, the sergeant responsible for him during the mission. They have potencial...
Profile Image for J.
270 reviews
October 4, 2016
3.5 stars

"Her Enemy Protector" is the first book by Avery Flynn I have read. There is another book "His Undercover Princess" that comes before this one and contains many of the same characters. Not having read that one I was a little confused at the beginning of the book. From the blurb I was expecting something like an FBI guy and a mafia daughter of some sort. So when a fictional island with a queen and a secret "Silver Knight" society was thrown at me I had to reset my thinking. Once I figured out the players and setting etc it all clicked pretty quickly.

I have to say there was one part of the book right at the beginning that almost had me quitting it. Honestly if I hadn't been given the book in exchange for a review I would have dnf'd it. Let me preface this by saying I generally enjoy books with h's of all shapes and sizes but they are normally described gracefully. Curvy, or a little plump, statuesque or something. But out first description of our h is: 5'2 with "football player shoulders and an ass that could not be contained". Why??!!! Why would an author do that? All I could imagine is this dumpy women as wide as she was tall. Later though in more than one case it described her long long legs. She's 5'2". How long could they be?? Anyway, probably didn't bother anyone but me. Can't help it though. It bugged me. Blech.

That being said, I am really glad I pushed through that bit of nonsense as I really enjoyed the rest of the book. A bit of mystery, action, danger and of course romance. I loved the back and forth snarking between Lucas and Ruby and when they were both throwing attitude at each other. Love Ruby being a bit of a badass and not a wimpy "save me" kind of girl. The chemistry was there and there were some nice steamy scenes. The romance did move at lightening speed but if you can roll with that (I can) then you are good to go. Altogether I thought it was a nice, fun, and interesting read.

The side characters were well written and interesting. I am definitely picking up the first book, Dom and Elle's book, and am looking forward to Jasper and Talia's story.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for A Klue.
1,500 reviews326 followers
November 17, 2016
No lengthy review is required for this one, folks. Simply put, I enjoyed it, and if you like a cloak and dagger, enemies to lovers romantic read taking place in a criminal mob type setting where the hero will do whatever it takes to save his country from an impending attack, then you likely will, as well.

The majority of the story line revolves around the main couple playing fake fiance under the same roof as her controlling, mafioso stepdad. The writing flowed and kept me engaged the whole time. Mature readers only as this eventually turns into a graphic smexy read with lusty language, but not so much it hijacks the story line.

The main couple were great together, and I especially liked how some of the characters ended up being the opposite of how others thought of them. The big twist/turn at the end surprised me, as well.

Book 1, His Undercover Princess, sets the stage for this current predicament. However, the author did a good job explaining enough details that enables this book to be read as a stand-alone.

Romance Safety Gang:

Title: Her Enemy Protector, Series: Tempt Me (Book 2), Author: Avery Flynn, Pages: 156, Pub. Date: 11/14/16, stand-alone but part of a series, HEA, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama, romance safe, VERY graphically smexy with lusty language, good guy hero who is all about putting the job first, mob backdrop, unexpected twists and turns, clever cover up at the end I didn’t see coming, some violence.

Book 1 - His Undercover Princess, Pages: 190, 5/2/16, (Elle & Dominick)
Book 2 - Her Enemy Protector, Pages: 156, 11/14/16, (Lucas & Ruby)

(This review is based on free advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair review. No type of compensation was given to the reviewer. There is no relationship/affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)




Profile Image for Tiffany .
365 reviews36 followers
November 12, 2016
Her Enemy Protector is the latest Avery Flynn romance, and part of the Tempt Me series. The story centers around secret agent Lucas Bendtsen, who will do anything for his country. Including blackmailing a local mob bosses stepdaughter into a fake engagement so he can get the goods on dear old dad, and put him away once and for all. That's the plan, but when do plans ever go off without a hitch? Lucas Bendtsen is about to discover that even the best laid plans can go awry.

I thought this premise was cute, though far-fetched. Both Lucas and Ruby were fun characters, and I kept rooting for them to wind up together. I liked the undercover plan, but doubted it was foolproof. Watching these two character play cloak and dagger while fighting their attraction made for an easy read, and the high stakes added some tension to the story. Though the book wasn't chockfull of sexy times, the few scenes the novel did have were pretty streamy and graphic.

I feel Her Enemy Protector makes a great, quick read. It's light, fun, and full of heat. Not only that, but Flynn doesn't drag out anything unnecessarily. Having said that, this novel is a case of insta-love, but I found it to be cute and endearing. However, if I were to put a check in the minus column, it would be for the ending. The ending was too abrupt, and unrealistic to stop my eyes from nearly rolling out of their sockets. I could have done without that ending, even if the book was even shorter, as it almost ruined the book for me. Overall, though, the book was fun and still one I'd recommend for lovers of romance.This review was originally posted on I Was Angelized_1st
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
November 19, 2016
I just love a story where enemies can’t help themselves and fall in love it really gives me peace of mind that maybe there is still hope for this world. There isn’t anything that Lucas will not do for his county to keep it safe and his queen on the throne. With the threat of an over throw and guns being sold to terrorists his worst nightmare might come true. He comes up with a plan to fake an engagement he can get close to those who are selling and put a stop to it. He just has to get the mobs daughter to agree to his plan.

Luc convinces Ruby (the step daughter to the mob) to pose as his fiancé which was entertaining. Ruby has been looking for away to help her family break away from the mob. She hopes that Luc will be the one to keep them all save leaving a world behind her that she hates. Luc is lead to believe Ruby is one way but what he finds is a totally different girl. Not only does he have to fight the mob but his attraction to Ruby. This could be a very long assignment.

I loved how the chemistry plays out here there is no doubt that is a powerful attraction between the two. As the plot unfolds you find their beliefs are very close together which makes the sparks fly even more. These two works well together as they hope to bring down the mob keeping both side of their lives safe. The characters blend so well together at times it is hard to tell where one starts and the other ends. You can feel the heat and danger coming right off the pages. This is a very well written story that you get hooked on very early. This is the first book I have read by this author but do look forward to reading more of her work.


***********
Profile Image for Fizza.
Author 38 books40 followers
November 15, 2016
4.5 Stars
It was an interesting and fast read for me. I enjoyed the mystery and thrill of a life as spooks. And romance side of the story was no less entertaining. Lucas is a secret agent, right now he is on mission. He must apprehend the most notorious arms dealer and save his country from impending doom. Ruby is just a pawn for him. She doesn't matter, her only usefulness is that she is Lucas ticket to get access to her step-father. Plan is simple, pretend to be Ruby's fiance, find out when and where her step-father is making a deal with criminals and save his country. But as soon as they arrive at her step-father's island things become more complicated. Apparently it won't be easy to convince everyone that they are in fact engaged.

Ruby doesn't mind helping Lucas. She is not a fan of her step-father. He is cruel and ruthless and if Lucas can help her family to get rid of him the so be it. What she doesn't think about is falling in love with Lucas. Now she is in trouble. She knows that for him only the mission matters but for her that will not be enough. Anyhow for now they need to focus on staying alive. Later they will deal with their feelings for each other.

An interesting read. I loved it. I would also like to that the publisher for providing complimentary copy of this book.

http://www.mineofbooks.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Riki.
593 reviews41 followers
October 18, 2016
This latest from Avery Flynn has it all. Suspense, intrigue, some seriously sexy times (like, SERIOUSLY), and non-stop romantic tension. I loved Ruby and Lucas and every wild moment in this action-packed book. Plus, cameos from some beloved characters from HER UNDERCOVER PRINCESS! Loved it!
Profile Image for Lucia.
591 reviews6 followers
November 9, 2016
Drama packed romantic suspense that does have a HEA and can be read as a standalone

Her Enemy Protector was my first read by this author so I had no idea what to expect but overall I liked the book. The books is a suspenseful romance with plenty of drama and action between two people set in a fictional and rather unusual location.

The book is told from both Lucas’s and Ruby’s perspectives, giving a wider understanding of both characters and their thoughts. From the moment these two reasonably likeable characters are introduced, there is a chemistry between the pair, albeit a bit feisty with their strong opinions.

Her Enemy Protector has a good writing style and flow with a steady yet fast pace throughout. The book was full of action and plenty of suspense but the author also managed to get a good balance with the romance and the suspense, especially with moving along the relationship between the couple in a way that fit with the storyline. There are some predictable parts to the plot and some twists thrown in that I didn’t fully expect. There is a HEA to make this a standalone read.

Overall, if you enjoy a drama packed romantic suspense, I would recommend this book.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,076 reviews36 followers
November 6, 2016
This story started out sort of confusing for me but once I got it all figured out, it ended up being a good read. I always enjoy Avery Flynn's books so for me this was a no brainer if I was going to read it or not!

Lucas is a member of the Silver Knights that is a secret society in the fictional town of Elskov. They are in charge of protecting the King and Queen as well as the town. Lucas is determined to stop an illegal weapon sale by a famous mobster. His plan is to get to his stepdaughter, Ruby, in order to gain access to the mobster's home. Lucas plans a fake engagement with Ruby and soon finds out that he is not only trying to protect the King and Queen as well as the town, but Ruby as well.

Ruby is a woman that has her own problems but when she teams up with Lucas, they tend to have some other problems that she never dreamed of having. They have some steamy moments and then there are some moments that have her hating him. I loved the balance between these two that Avery Flynn has done so well.

If you are a lover of some secret espionage happenings as well as some steamy romance then this story is for you. Avery Flynn delivered on both of those accounts with this story and keeps you on your toes throughout the whole story. The characters are well developed and enjoyable. You will enjoy this one as well, just give it a chance!
Profile Image for Jess.
255 reviews32 followers
May 28, 2020
This is the latest in my Apocalypse-2020 Covid "Let's read everything Avery Flynn has ever written" tour!

Her Enemy Protector is the second book in her Tempt Me duo from the Entangled Indulgence line. I find myself torn with this one. There were definitely things I liked about the story, but at the same time it wasn't an OMG LOVE. Yet there wasn't anything awful about it to make it a one-star read.

Her Enemy Protector follows Lucas Bendsten, who we met in the first of the duo as Dominick Rasmussen's second-in-command and now newly-appointed head of the secret Silver Knights. He is definitely a "by the books" kind of person, while his love interest (and blackmail victim!) Ruby MacIntosh is definitely more of a "follow your passion" kind of person. When the two of them meet and the story unfolds, sparks fly as he's trying to save his country from a serious threat, while she's trying to survive a) being in the same vicinity as him without combusting and b) going back to the island and her crime boss step father's world without drowning. Throw in a fake engagement, and both Ruby and Lucas find themselves in over their heads and having to decide what's most important...duty, or passion?

I give this one 4 stars. It kept me engaged and wanting to keep reading more than the first of the duo, especially the ending, however it still wasn't as grabbing as it could have been.
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,379 reviews58 followers
July 5, 2021
Ruby Macintosh, stepdaughter of Northern Europe's biggest crime lord, is blackmailed by Lucas Bendtsen, head of Elskov's CIA equivalent, the Silver Knights, to get him into her stepfather's island and organization to stop a gun deal from going down. Their pretend engagement is to save her brother who the Silver Knights have in custody. When they get to the island, her stepfather suggests they get married on the island. They agree but Ruby has one request of Lucas--that her brother be brought to the island for the ceremony. Now Lucas is up the creek. Truths come out and Ruby and Lucas try to keep from falling in love. But it may be too late.

I loved this book. I loved Ruby and Lucas. She is feisty and strong. She won't take anyone's garbage. Lucas is stubborn but against Ruby he has no safety net. I was surprised by both Ruby's mother and brother. The story is hot! Both Lucas and Ruby have a lot to lose if this fails. Both need to decide what is more important--the mission or each other. What an ending!

I'll be looking the the other books in the series.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
April 17, 2018
Lucas is the Earl of Moad and the leader of the Silver Knights. When he gets wind of an arms deal that places both the Queen and Elskov in danger he will use any means necessary to stop it and that includes blackmailing jewelry designer Ruby.

When Lucas requests a business meeting Ruby believes that this could be exactly what her business needs however she soon finds out that she was brought there under false pretenses. In order to protect her brother she must go against her stepfather and pretends to be Lucas’s fiancée.

As they spend time together they realize that neither was what the other assumed and their chemistry and traumatic childhoods bring them even closer. Will their plan be successful or will it place those they love in deeper danger?

The combination of suspense, twists and romance make this an enjoyable story.
Profile Image for Rae Latte.
1,340 reviews14 followers
May 16, 2023
A fake engagement, a fake wedding, strangers to lovers, secret identities, crime, blackmail, and a sworn oath. Who will fall first? With romance, suspense, and a whole lot of sizzle scorches in this adventure that makes it a great beach read.

Sworn to protect his country Lucas Bendsten, Head of the Silver Knights is about to discover that the one person he can't have will be his undoing.

Ruby Macintosh is connected to a man that threatens to destroy her family and country. Will Lucas be able to save her and those she loves?

In a world where trust is paramount, will the protector be able to finally find love? While this is the second book in the Tempt Me series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for this advance reader copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Theresa.
686 reviews3 followers
September 17, 2017
Ruby was blackmailed into helping Luke save elskov from an arms deal. Luke was the leader of black nights, whom you met in the first book (each is a standalone) his under cover princess, Ruby is the step daughter of a crime boss and the black knights decide to use her.

There is a lot of chemistry, which of course Luke and Ruby try to fight, intrigue, capers and suspense in this story. Avery Flynn keeps you guessing and wanting more. This was another great read . Cannot wait for the next book in this serious.
Profile Image for Brittany.
3,525 reviews27 followers
September 25, 2018
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It has taken me a very long time to read this book. I had started it a long time ago but wasn’t really drawn in. However, I decided to finally give it a shot. I actually loved this. The story finally pulled me in and I ended up shedding some tears but it was worth it give it a shot.
1,332 reviews4 followers
May 31, 2021
Mission impossible?

Blackmail Ruby ✔️ pretend to getting married ✔️ don't fall in love... oops. Sort of a 007 and Mafia story complete with bad guys, guns, and someone dieing. Yes, Bond gets the girl. Ok.... Lucas gets the girl, some steamy intimacy scenes, and they get the beginning of a happy ever after. Enjoy 🤓
Profile Image for Jennifer Artiles.
483 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2020
Ruby and Lucas

A different twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope. Lucas goes under cover to stop an arms transaction and meets the love of his life, although he is, of course, resistant. Good story but some spelling/incorrect word usage detracts a but.
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