Cici's Protector

by Regan Black, Janie Crouch

Griff Fowler left his career as a cop after a tragedy he couldn’t shake. Now nearly fifty, he’s a Guardian Agency protector. His job is to shield and to safeguard. And he does whatever it takes to get that job done.

So going undercover at a resort in Key West to help take down a drug dealer is business as usual for him.

What isn’t business as usual? The resort’s spa manager Cici Malone and her haunted brown eyes.

She’s caught in the middle of this mess since the police have asked her to help identify who’s behind the deadly drug. She doesn’t know Griff’s real purpose for being here.

But she does know the hunky silver fox has caught her attention in a way no one has in years. She learned the hard way that men can’t be trusted, but finally feels willing to give passion another shot.
But when the danger amps up and the truth comes out, everything changes. Griff will have to find a way to protect the woman who’s come to mean so much to him while proving his feelings for her are genuine.

And that it’s never too late for love.

•••
The Never Too Late for Love books are for readers who know that love isn’t just for the young. Dig into this romantic suspense series—perfect bite-size stories packed with passion, danger, and characters you can relate to!

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2023

About the author

Regan Black, a USA Today bestselling author, writes award-winning, action-packed romantic novels featuring kick-butt heroines and the sexy heroes who fall in love with them. She and her husband currently enjoy the empty-nest life in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the rich blend of legend, romance, and history fuels her imagination.

Get a free read: http://reganblack.com/perks
All books: https://www.reganblack.com/all-books/
Amazon: http://bit.ly/2eYabBI

Reviews

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cici Malone is the spa manager at the Ellington Cove resort in Key West and has discovered that drugs are being trafficked somehow through her spa. She is determined to find the culprit even if it means being endangered. The Guardian Protectors, though, are quick to send her personal protection in the form of former policeman Griff Fowler. Griff comes to the resort undercover as a construction worker doing a renovation, so Cici doesn’t know that he is really there to watch over her. The story is great, the characters are realistic and the plot moves quickly from beginning to end. I keep thinking that the stories in the “Never Too Late for Love” series just cannot get better, but they keep proving me wrong. There is some steam involved, great beach scenes, and drama along with the mystery, so this is a well-rounded and compelling quick read.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each story in this series just gets better and better. But what's not to love after 40 💙💜


I Have read each book in the series. And well I just love them sexy silver foxes. And the ladies are always polite. Something is always Happening in Key West. It's always fun to go back to keywest and read these wonderful short stories..



Griff,
Undercover Hes a supernice guy doing his job. Portraying one job when he's really therefore another job.. And he's good at it..


Cici,
Manager at the spa. Believing in everyone.. Because she has a good heart.. But then things take a turn. And not knowing who you can trust. Sometimes that's hard.. But having an undercover griff on hand things will all work out.


These stories are just absolutely wonderful.
And love after 40 is always wonderful...
These stories are amazing. I absolutely recommend These books... I love how in this book all of the ladies are brought into it and They're all friends oh what wonderful stories these are.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deceit and betrayal

We have met Cici numerous times before in earlier books and she is always bubbly, sweet and friendly, she seems to run the Spa smoothly and her staff respect her, which is why she is blindsided by the evidence that one of her staff could be dealing drugs. She feels personally betrayed and for the first time we see her falter. I am really glad Griff is sent in as he restores her self belief and the confidence that she is doing a good job... he proves to her it's not her fault and there is nothing she could do.
Another steamy but sweet addition to the series, I really like that these couples are slightly older and potentially finding love for the second time. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Laurie Gyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved story

He heard the challenge and picked up the gauntlet. He shifted, murmuring close to her ear. “Choose a restaurant for tomorrow night.” He felt her breath stutter and the anticipation arced through his system. “All I need to know is what to wear.”

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cici’s Protector is the fifth book in the Ellington Cove Never Too Late for Love series by Regan Black and Janie Crouch. It can be read as a standalone so you don’t have to read any of the other books in the series if you don’t want to. All the books in this series pick up where the last one leaves off connecting them to one another so reading the books in order is highly recommended. These romantic snack sized book series make it easy for you can read them all without any issues. If you can’t read them all before reading this one, I recommend reading Debra’s Protector at least.

Cici Malone has been a secondary character in this series ever since book one and I’m so glad that she finally gets her own book with her happily ever after. She works in the Ellington Cove Resort’s Spa and it’s her dream come true to work as the manager and be a part of the family owned company. After trouble entered the work place, Cici was asked by the Key West PD and the Guardian Agency special security office to assist them in capturing the dealers in the current drug trafficking ring. Finding it hard to believe that someone within her trust circle would betray her and put her and everyone else in harm’s wave is one pill that is bitter to swallow. Her love life has been non-existent for the past few years and she has happily lived her life the way she wants. As all her friends one by one meet the loves of their lives, she finds that she is indeed missing something in her life. And when a hunky silver fox starts working on the spa renovations, she finds that the piece of her she kept heavily guarded might be ready to be freed. But she is battling with herself on what to do as she is currently assisting the Key West Police Department find the people responsible for the illegal drugs

Griffin Fowler has always had a career in protecting others. His last assignment left his heart in shambles and a change of scenery and job was much needed. When there was an opening at the Guardian Agency that needed his specific skills, he headed down south to the Keys. Being in paradise seemed appealing and much needed for him to reset physically and mentally. What he didn’t imagine was meeting a colorful vibrant spa manager that was in need of protecting and he can’t get her out of his head. Her colorful personality brightens up his day every time he sees her and gives his gray past a little color. She is exactly what he needs in his life, but will he be able to keep his hands to himself and do the job he was hired to do or will he break the rules and give into his desires?

The attraction between Cici and Griff is an almost instant as soon as they laid eyes on each other. Their relationship is fast paced due to their close proximity to one another since he’s been hired to do the spa renovations as well as protect her undercover. As the two get to know one another, the unimaginable happens for them both. They start to wanting things they never thought they would want after all this time and the possibilities of what could be with love in their futures. But when danger arrives at her front door and someone gets hurt, the two of them decide to blur the lines and see what tomorrow brings because the moment they are wrapped up in is worth it.

I recommend this book and this series by the duo. They are the perfect blend of action, mystery, steam, passion, and alpha male. I love how this book sets up the next book in the series with little Easter eggs about Ilsa. Can’t wait to read her story and see where love takes her.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific addition to this later-in-life romance series. CiCi is the manager of the luxury spa at the Ellington Cove resort. She's been a secondary character in the previous books, and I was happy to see her get her own story.

The story opens as CiCi is informed that someone is running drugs through her spa. She is hurt that one of her employees has betrayed her trust like that and furious over what it could do to the spa's reputation. The Key West PD has requested her help figuring out who it is. The security team at the resort is concerned about CiCi's safety if the perp figures out her involvement, so they arrange for an undercover bodyguard - without telling her they are doing so.

Griff is a former cop who left the force after a traumatic event and went to work as a bodyguard for the Guardian Agency. Because of his construction experience, he's going undercover as the contractor in charge of renovations at the spa. While overseeing the work, he mainly focuses on protecting CiCi.

The sparks between CiCi and Griff are evident from the moment they meet, but each hesitates to enter a full-fledged relationship. I loved that neither could stop thinking about the other. It was sweet to see Griff come up with a reason to spend more time with CiCi that had nothing to do with being her bodyguard. They connected quickly during the snorkeling trip, and their attraction continued to grow.

Griff and CiCi's relationship develops quickly, but Griff feels guilty because CiCi doesn't know why he's there. When the truth comes out, both must overcome their pasts before they feel ready to move on together. I loved that CiCi knew she couldn't push Griff if he wasn't ready. At the same time, Griff worried that he'd been moving too fast. I liked their honesty with themselves and each other as they faced those hurdles. It takes a dangerous situation to bring home that they belong together.

The suspense was fast-paced and intense. CiCi's anger at the betrayal by one of her employees was intense, as was her determination to root out the traitor. I was glued to the pages, and she and Griff followed their paths in the investigation. The tension ramped up after Griff's discovery and the attack on him at CiCi's house. A couple of twists kept me on the edge of my seat until the culprit was caught. The final confrontation and its aftermath were intense and emotional.

The epilogue was fantastic and a terrific lead-in to the next book, Ilsa's story. I can't wait to read it, too.

[S Paschal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying these later in life romances.

Cici runs the upscale spa at the Ellington Cove resort. She's worked hard to build a successful business within the resort and values both her customers and her employees. She's devastated when she finds out that one of her employees is dealing drugs on the premises. Unbeknownst to Cici, the resort's owners have assigned a bodyguard to help identify the perpetrator and protect Cici in the process.

Griff is a heroic ex-police officer that takes on the role of the contractor renovating the spa so that he can keep an eye on Cici and try to find out whoever is dealing drugs. Assigned to keep Cici safe, he has no problem staying close to her. His immediate attraction to her actually is a bit of an issue, as he wants Cici but doesn't want to break his personal code and get involved with someone he's protecting. It's best to keep feelings out of it, if he wants to do his job properly.

As the investigation progresses, Griff and Cici are drawn closer. Griff is torn, however, since his presence in Cici's life isn't totally honest - he's afraid she'll think that he's only getting close to her to advance the investigation when she finds out that he's really her bodyguard in addition to managing the construction on the spa. But when things get dangerous, their bond will push his protective instincts to the limit. He'll do anything to keep her safe.

I really enjoyed Cici's character. She's a mature woman who escaped a bad marriage and has made the life she wants. She'll go after what will make her happy and what makes her happy is Griff. She's bold and outspoken, while being fiercely loyal to those she cares about. Griff has baggage of his own. Having survived a terrible ordeal, he still opens himself up to Cici and reveals both his physical and metaphorical scars to her. He's protective, caring and honest. Griff is what every mature woman would want to have in her life.

The story moves at a good pace, with an intriguing mystery driving the action.

Four stars for this later in life romance.

This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cici is the manager of The Ellington Cove Spa when it is discovered that one of her employees is dealing drugs. The Key West police have requested that she keep an eye on her employees to see if she notices anyone suspicious.

Meanwhile Griff, who works as a Guardian Agency protector, has been sent undercover to protect Cici until the police can arrest the culprit. He is a former cop who left after an extremely traumatic experience. Griff poses as a construction worker who is hired to make some changes in her spa.

Griff, who is forty-nine years old, and Cici, who is forty-five years old, have an instant attraction to each other. Griff uses this as an opportunity to stay close to Cici without exposing his cover to her or anyone else at the spa. However, he has very mixed emotions about this situation. He is falling in love with Cici, but he cannot build a true relationship with Cici while he is lying to her.

Cici also is also falling in love with Griff. However, she is so overwhelmed with her situation that she can barely concentrate on anything else. She had personally hired all of her own employees, and has always treated them as close friends. Thus she does not understand how is it possible that of her “loyal” employees has betrayed her trust.

It is heartwarming to watch these two middle-aged people find true love for the first time. On the other hand, it is exciting that their love is overshadowed by their dangerous situation and the lethal drug-dealers who turn out to be Cici’s “loyal” employees.

[Tracy Quoka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the second collection of the never too late for love collection. This series is set in Ellington Cove a upscale resort on Key West. Cici has been an accessory character throughout the series as she is the spa manager and friends with most of the women in the previous books. Finally she gets her own HEA. Something is going on in the Spa, and drugs are being passed through there. KWPD has asked for her help. If you've read the previous books (which you don't have to) you are well aware of how protective the security team is at The Cove. OF course they are not going to leave Cici on her own when she's potentially working with a drug dealer, who will figure out she's on to them. Enter Griff, employed by Guardian Protectors, the company which provides security at The Cove. Cici thinks he's in charge of the construction crew performing a little bit of remodeling at the Spa. I mean he is, but he's also there to protect her, and the sparks that fly, well that's just a bonus for both of them. As the water starts to get hot, Griff shows that he'll do what ever he needs to protect Cici
These books are fun typically short reads. It took me for-ever to read only because it hit my kindle at a time when my schedule was packed. I look forward to the next installment.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the newest addition to a series that revolves around a Key West spa and resort. It is a standalone novella, but I highly recommend reading the previous books. In this book we have Cici, the spa manager. Apparently drugs are being moved through the spa and the police have asked that she look through records and see if she sees anything suspicious. Griff is newly hired in the security team and is tasked with going undercover as a construction worker doing renovations at the spa, but he is really there to act as her unknown bodyguard while everyone tires to locate the drug dealers. As Cici and Griff spend time together, they are drawn to each other as if by gravity and give into their attraction quickly. As the storyline around the drugs escalates so does the heat between them and their knowledge that this is more than just lust. Will they figure out who the dealer is? Will Cici forgive Griff for not telling her he is undercover as her bodyguard?

What I love about this series is that the characters are all older (40s and 50s) so they are more mature, don't play games, figure out what they want sooner and don't have perfect 20 year old bodies that make me feel self-conscious. I also love the suspense that builds in time with the pace at which the romance builds. Though may be a short book, but you will walk away with all the feels!

[Reading Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick visit to the Ellington Cove resort in Key West and this time it is with our favorite spa manager Cici Malone. The Key West PD has informed the hotel that a local drug ring is running through the spa. Cici is shocked and heartbroken to learn that one of her staff may be involved in this crime. She starts to research her staff's schedules and clients to try to narrow down the search for the police. Ellington Cove sends an undercover protector to watch over Cici and staff. Griff Fowler is given the undercover job because of his police background and his construction ability. While Griff is working undercover remodeling the break room he is also getting to know Cici and the more he gets to know her the more he wants to be with her. Cici has embraced her life as a divorced single mother and has no desire to change her lifestyle. Can she open her heart and mind to more? Cici's Protector was a nice way to spend the afternoon. It was told from dual POV and was sweet with a bit of heat and very low angst. It stands alone in the series however there are other supporting characters from previous books throughout the story.

[Brandalyn Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the fifth installment of the Never Too Late Romantic Suspense series from Janie Crouch and Regan Black we find Cici Malone the Ellington Cove’s Spa Manager facing a difficult task. Cici is told someone on her team is likely committing a crime right under her nose and she needs to find out who. The Guardian Agency will do whatever they can to help the Ellington Cove staff in finding this culprit, even send in an undercover agent without telling anyone except the team that’s onsite. Everyone knows Cici is more than capable of handling her spa, employees and guests although everyone Ed’s help sometimes even if they won’t ask for it. Griff enjoys his job with the Guardian Agency and couldn’t be happier to have an assignment in paradise. Although nothing prepared him for Cici and her beauty, kindness, strength and love for people. The fireworks between these two immediately start to go off, but can Griff makes sure Cici knows that what they have is real. Will she be okay with having a guardian watch over her? This story is another super fun summer read that I absolutely adore. The action and adventure is always top notch but the passion and romance is out of this world!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed "CICI'S PROTECTOR" This is
another interesting, intriguing mystery, intense drama, suspense, danger, secrets, betrayal, drug dealing, steam, twists that has you turning the pages up the end.
CiCi Malone is manager of Luxury Spa at Ellington Cove Resort she finds out from KWPD someone's running drugs through the spa they need her to find who it is, she feels totally betrayed because she so thorough checking out new hires.
Brent Stafford & others of Guardian Angel Agency Security team contact Gamble & Swann lawyers who manage the private investigation & protection firm send Griff Fowler former retired Cop to be CiCi's bodyguard pretending to be a construction worker to blend in so not warn the drug dealers their bring investigated.
I definitely recommend to get this well written story I loved the chemistry between "CiCi & Griff" both have past relationships that didn't work out, can they make this one work, will Griff protect CiCi from drug dealers after finding their stash.
I'm so looking forward to "ILSA'S PROTECTOR" next story she's the Wedding Planner for Ellington Cove Resort, it's Ilsa Lambert & Max Crosby's" story.

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

The below are part of this series if you want to read those books(s) first
Vanessa's Guardian : A Later in Life Protector Romance (Never Too Late For Love #1) by Josie Jade, Regan Black, Janie Crouch
Jasmine's Guardian (Never Too Late For Love #2) by Josie Jade, Regan Black, Janie Crouch
Robyn's Guardian (Never Too Late For Love #3) by Josie Jade, Regan Black
Amy's Guardian (Never Too Late For Love #4) by Josie Jade, Regan Black
Sarah's Protector (Never Too Late For Love #5) by Regan Black, Josie Jade
Gabby's Protector (Never Too Late For Love #6) by Janie Crouch, Regan Black
Debra's Protector (Never Too Late For Love *7) by Janie Crouch, Regan Black

This is Cici and Griff’s story. Griff is undercover to take down a drug dealer. Cici is the manager of the Spa at the resort. She is the first one to tell you a man can’t be trusted but Griff makes her wish for things that can’t happen. But both are keeping secrets and when they are reveled that have to figure out if pursuing something with each other is worth the risk or if they can’t trust what they felt before the secrets came out.

I recommend this story.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone is smuggling drugs through the Ellington Cove Spa and manager Cici Malone is furious. She believed in and trusted every staff member, but now she knows that she was wrong. Griff Fowler, former police officer, has been hired by the Guardian Agency to protect her. She is not aware of this, but believes he is in charge of the construction crew who will be making the improvements. He was attracted to her from their very first meeting and as they become involved in a personal relationship, he knows that he must tell her who he really is. Cici is excited by his very presence and feels so “right” with him and when they give into their feelings, they share an amazing night of intimacy. When Griff finds drugs during the renovation, he turns them over to the police, but the drug dealer wants them back, even if it means targeting Cici. Will Griff and the Cove Special Security team be able to keep her safe? Another heartfelt addition to this series with slightly older characters who get their second chance at love. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation, from the authors, for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Kathy Wideman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the second collection of this series. Each book is fantastic and can be read as a standalone. Each collection does have reappearances of characters. Cici is in charge of the hotel’s spa. She takes it very seriously. She loves her job and everyone she works with. However, she has recently learned that someone is selling drugs through her spa. She didn’t suspect anything. She feels so betrayed. Now she is forced to look at all her employees through a different lens as well as clients. Griff has been hired to protect Cici and as an inside man at the spa. He will be doing some construction work in the spa as his cover. Cici doesn’t know about his real purpose there in the spa. However, it only takes one look for Griff to know he would like more with her. For that to happen he must tell her about why he is there. Only life and his job get in the way before he can. When he finally does how will Cici react. He doesn’t want to hurt her in any way. Trust is very important to both of them. This book was another fantastic read. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. These ladies to a wonderful job with these books. The characters pull you in and make you wish you could be friends with them in real life. I can’t recommend this series or the lady’s books enough.

[Donna]

Cici’s Protector is another wonderful addition to the Never Too Late For Love series. Cici Malone is the resort manager, happy with her life as a single, divorced mother of a grown son in the military, and happy to date on occasion and keep relationships casual.

Griff Fowler is a silver fox with muscles and handy with a hammer. He’s been brought in at the Cove as an undercover bodyguard for the Guardian Agency to protect Cici. It has been discovered someone is selling drugs in the spa and the police want Cici to see if she can figure out which one of her trusted employees it could be. This has put her in danger.

To stir the waters a bit there is an immediate attraction between Griff and Cici. In his desire to remain as close as possible to Cici he finds ways to use his contractor position to ask questions and then ask her out. Because Cici doesn’t know why he is really there, this does throw a monkey wrench into the pond, because keeping secrets always ends badly.

The romance heats up and takes off well, while clues slowly come in on the culprit(s) responsible for the drugs. Once the police zero in on a couple of names things begin to happen quickly, creating a very dangerous, intense situation.

Great epilogue leading into the next book, Ilsa’s Protector. Loving this series, can’t wait to read about Ilsa.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors via BookFunnel. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Disclaimer Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in Key West at the luxurious Ellington Cove resort, where the hunky guys of the Guardian Agency keep their guest and employees safe.
When it appears that drugs are being run through the spa, the manager, Cici Malone, is besides herself and is asked to help find the culprit.
The seriousness of the case has the representatives of the Ellington resort sending a bodyguard to keep Cici safe without letting her know someone undercover is protecting her.
Griff Fowler, single silver fox, former cop and an accomplish construction contractor , is the man sent.
The attraction between them is immediate but both are reluctant in a relationship. Especially Griff, since he can’t be honest with Cici and fears she will feel betrayed.
The plot was engaging and the characters likable. Another good addition to the series of older couples finding love.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cici's Protector is another stellar addition to the Never Too Late for Love series. Janie Crouch and Regan Black have really given us something special with these later in life romantic suspense books. There's a lot to be said for maturity, wisdom and life experience. This time out someone is trafficking drugs through the Ellington Cove Spa. KWPD has enlisted Cici Malone's help in trying to determine who the culprits are. What she doesn't know is that Griff Fowler was brought in under the guise of being construction foreman for some spa remodeling, when in reality he's her bodyguard. Both Griff and Cici have suffered through deeply dramatic and emotionally devastating events in their lives. It's taken time for them to be ready to be open to a relationship again. The spark between them is certainly there. As events unfold the past can't help but rear its head. One thing is certain, Griff and Cici finding each other then falling in love was a meant to be.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cici has been a single mother and raised her son alone. Now that her son is in the Army, she can focus on her career and enjoy her friends. She trusts her employees and has worked with most of them for years. It is hard to believe someone is using her spa to sell drugs. When the police reach out to her for help to find the culprit, she is caught off guard. She feels under pressure to find the person. In the meantime, the private security guarding the resort she is working for hires an undercover bodyguard to protect her. Griff poses as a construction worker to remodel her spa. Neither one of them is looking for a relationship, but they feel the chemistry. With the violence increases, Griff is more vested than ever to protect Cici. Griff is such a gentleman and treats Cici well. He is willing to do whatever it takes to be with her. Cici is not a shrinking violet. When it comes to people she cares about, she is a lioness. This is a lovely story.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spa Time at Ellington Cove!!

Our main character in this fabulous story is Cici. She is the manager of the Resort Spa, and has just been informed that one of her employees, along with certain customer(s) are dealing drugs. She is beside herself as she trusted all who worked with her. The problem is determining who.

With local security on-site provided by The Guardian Agency - they decide they need someone “closer” to the spa up on the sixth floor. They bring in a protector Griff Fowler who will act as a contractor and do work in that area, working undercover to ensure Cici’s safety.

As these two set off sparks, Griff knows he must reveal who he really is before things go too far. Entertaining, romantic, light intrigue and a thoroughly enjoyable story. I’m thoroughly enjoying this series, and have recommended it to my fellow readers.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Melissa May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cici’s protector is the fifth installment in the awesome Ellington cove series by Janie Crouch and Regan Black.
Cici is the Resort ‘s luxury Spa manager and she is just informed that someone from her staff is dealing drugs. She is very angry and feels betrayed that one off the people she works with is doing this.
She is determined to find out who it is.
Griff is a former police officer and now working with the Guardian Agency.
He is undercover as a construction worker at the Spa to protect Cici.
Griff and Cici are immediately attracted to each other and when to go on a snorkel trip together they get to know each other better. Griff doesn’t like it that Cici doesn’t know his real reason to be at the resort but isn’t able to tell her yet.
Will they be able to find the culprit without putting themselves in danger?
I really loved this book!
A great addition to the series!
looking forward to read the next book!
I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit! Although I can't say I'm surprised. This is a really amazing series that grabs your attention from start to finish. The books are about it never being to late for love, no matter how old you are.
Cici is divorced, has a grown son in the military, runs a spa, and is happy with her life. She doesn't feel she needs a man to complete her; and definately never plans on getting married again. Then Griff comes into her life as a carpenter working on the spa (secretly he's there as her bodyguard). As they get to know each other the sparks fly; from a snorkling date to a simple dinner at her house. Add in the suspense of someone dealing drugs from her spa, and them having no idea who it is; you have everything you could need in a book.
Start at book 1 and read the whole series. You won't regret it.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so in love with this series - I'm happily married and I don't know how but these HEA are giving me hope like they are my life and not fiction.

Cici and Griff were two wonderful individuals that made me love them right from the get go. Cici is full of life and if she's learned anything from her past is that life is not always wonderful but when Griff comes into her life, she realizes that her love life is far from over.
Griff comes to Key West as an undercover bodyguard to protect Cici. What he didn't expect to find was a HEA in her arms. The only problem is the threat that she has surrounding her and he's the right man to make it go away, so they can sail off into the sunset happily.

When all is said and done the only thing left for them to do is to seize the day and never let go.

[Cheryl Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the Never Too Late For Love series and it features Cici and Griff. Someone is selling drugs in her spa and Cici is determined to find out who it is. She hired every person in this spa and she can’t believe it is happening right under her nose. Griff has been hired to go undercover as a construction worker. He’s redoing some areas of the spa but he’s really there as a bodyguard for Cici. When feelings get involved, it’s time to tell her that he’s more than a handsome man with a tool belt.

I love the feelings these two invoke in me as a reader. The love later in life is a beautiful thing. These two had me rooting for them from the start. Neither of them had any huge obstacles to overcome. This is the perfect, quick love story with just the right amount of danger and suspense. AWESOME read!

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griff Fowler goes undercover at a resort in Key West to help take down a drug dealer is business as usual for him. He’d left his job as a cop, after a tragedy and he meets Cici Malone who is the resorts Spa Manager. Like the other books in this series this is about characters who are slightly more mature and perhaps are a little burnt from previous relationships and work. However I really enjoyed getting involved with this book and all its characters, the romance, attraction and reactions.
Cici has been asked to find a drug dealer, who is part of her team within the resort though its difficult to work out who it might be.
There’s plenty of suspense and action, and after the final confrontation the culprit is caught we get our HEA… this book does not disappoint, and leads nicely into the next book. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Catlou · Rating 5 out of 5]

4++ Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ CICI’S PROTECTOR finds Cici Malone in the middle of a drug investigation. When the Guardian Agency brings Griff Fowler in undercover as a building contractor to be her bodyguard, sparks really begin to fly. These are 2 people who had given up on love. But they just hadn’t found the right someone until now. This is the perfect showcase for illustrating that it really is never too late for love. Even with their toe-curling passion for each other, there are going to be some bumps along the way. Then when the drug dealers are revealed, things really get tense for Cici and Griff, which makes for some suspenseful activity. This is a fast-paced, exciting, and engaging tale that is sure to keep you thoroughly entertained from beginning to end.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was quickly pulled into this book right from the beginning. I’ve loved Cici as a supporting character in the previous books, so to see her as the focus of a villain’s plot made my heart clench a little bit. I loved her determined independence and I’m a little in awe of her ability to see the best in everyone. Griff was the perfect protector and partner for her. He was able to support her without clipping her wings. I loved watching this pair getting to know one another and falling together. I have been completely charmed by the denizens of Ellington Cove and I can’t wait to see what the authors have in store for us next.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Anna-marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cici’s Protector is the fifth book in the Ellington Cove Never Too Late for Love series by Regan Black and Janie Crouch.
It’s full of mystery, suspense and danger
Cici runs the upscale spa at the Ellington Cove resort.
After trouble entered the workplace, Cici was asked by the Key West PD and the Guardian Agency special security office to assist them in capturing the dealers in the current drug trafficking ring.
Griffin Fowler has always had a career in protecting others. His last assignment left his heart in shambles and a change of scenery and job was much needed.
Janie Crouch and Regan Black have given us something special with these later in life romantic suspense books.
Can’t wait for the next book.
This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

An instant attraction they can't resist. Combine that with characters around my own age, including a sexy silver fox, and this Never Too Late for Love romantic suspense was practically made for me. Cici and Griff have an almost magnetic pull between them, and their story has just the right amount of suspense and tension for this quick read. Things move quickly, and the book is easily read in a couple of hours, so it's perfect for the beautiful weekend weather we've had. I don't get the island scenic view, but it made for a nice companion as I relaxed on the porch and enjoyed the sunshine. If you haven't read these Never Too Late for Love books, I highly recommend them. It isn't often that I find stories with characters my age finding love. These books are certainly a nice reminder.