Protect My Heart

Saddle Creek TX: The Whitmores #1

by Kat Baxter

Fletcher

I’m a rule-follower, by nature, and I never set out to cause conflict. Until Daphne Whitmore. The truth is, she’s my best friend’s younger sister and therefore she’s off-limits, completely forbidden. I’ve never wanted a woman more. I know that one taste of her will never be enough, especially after I steal a very public kiss. Now I’m committed to claiming her as my own.

Daphne

Thanks to my three overbearing brothers and our widowed father, I’ve been protected and shielded my entire life. I’m ready for a taste of freedom. So the last thing I want is a bossy fireman who thinks he belongs in my life. One fiery kiss seals the deal though, now my heart is a goner. But am I ready to sacrifice my newfound freedom for a love that promises to consume me?

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Firefighters, Cowboy Romance, Westerns

71 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author, Kat Baxter writes fast-paced, sweet & STEAMY romantic comedies. Readers have dubbed her “The Queen of Adorkable.” and her books “laugh-out-loud funny,” and “hot enough to melt your kindle.” She lives in Texas with her family and a menagerie of animals. Kat is the pseudonym for a bestselling historical romance author.

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Reviews

[Steph (Teacups & Tropes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Kat for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am so excited for The Whitmores to finally get their HEAs. The series starts off with Daphne, who is the only girl in a household of men. She finally gets the opportunity to branch out and live on her own when she locks herself out on her balcony, practically naked.

Her brother is a firefighter and she takes a chance and calls the firehouse. Instead of getting someone she knows, she gets the new hire Fletcher. And he comes to the rescue.

As all Kat's novella's tend do, this is insta-love to the extreme. But instead of it being on the female's end of things, it's on the male's side and I loved how he was playing the long game. The proposal also made me grin and it was so darn cute. Definitely recommend starting this series and I am JONESING for Daddy Whitmore to get his happy ending.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne (h) moves out of her Saddle Creek family home and into her first apartment only to lock herself out on the balcony and need a rescue. New-to-town firefighter Fletcher (H) takes Daphne’s call and what a meet cute when he gets an eyeful of the woman he instantly falls for. The two cross paths a few times, and when Fletcher comes to the rescue again, he finally gets his date with Daphne. Sweet firefighter, curvy girl romantic quickie with a bit of fiery heat. Loved the ladies of the bingo brigade.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protect My Heart is a short, steamy romance that kicks off the Saddle Creek Texas, The Whitmore series with a bang. Daphne, a sassy and curvy young woman, catches the eye of Fletcher, the new sexy firefighter in town, and their chemistry ignites a fast-paced, over-the-top love story. Despite a six-month wait, their romance heats up quickly, making for a funny, swoon-worthy read filled with humour and an endearing meet-cute. Baxter delivers an entertaining, lighthearted tale that's perfect for those craving a dose of romantic escapism.

[Beverly Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The already awkward situation of being locked out of her apartment in only a towel turns down right embarrassing for Daphne when said towel gets stuck in the door and she’s full exposed to the firefighter, Fletcher, who came to her rescue. Fletch is a good, rule-following guy. So while he knows instantly that he’s met THE woman, he works hard to remain professional during the entire towel debacle, leaving Daphne to believe the only man she’s ever been drawn to is most definitely not interested in her. It’s just as well, since Fletch works with one of her brothers and he’s made it known to, well, everyone that his little sis is off-limits. Trying to be respectful of his friend/co-worker’s rule about his sister, Fletch is keeping his distance, but waiting “for the right timing” to pursue her. I was seriously wondering if Mr. Good Guy was ever going to make his move. Fortunately he sees his in when she’s being hassled by a former classmate. He steps in as her “boyfriend”. He runs off the guy but convincing Daphne he’s not pretending is going to take some work. The whole Bingo at the retirement center date was PERFECT!!!! These two were absolute magic together. Daphne’s nicknames for Fletch had me tickled. He may be a seriously sweet good guy, but Roger Rule-follower has a dirty-talking alpha side reserved just for Daphne.
Side note: I LOVED spunky, snarky Jade and cannot wait to see who she ends up with!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Insta-Love Takes Its Time (Sorta)

I went into this one knowing exactly what to expect—Insta-everything. That said, I actually appreciated how it handled the Insta aspect a bit better than some. There were a few time lapses early on that made the pacing feel a little less rushed than your typical “insta-love” story. I really enjoyed the characters, the humor, and their personalities overall. So, when I’m in the mood for a quick Insta read, I’ll definitely consider picking up the next book in the series.

[Mandy’s Spicy Book Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claiming his stake on the first day

I absolutely loved this story of the new hot fireman Fletcher and Daphne’s the curvy firecracker who is drawn to him. Daphnie and Fletcher are fire together. She’s the spark and he’s the gasoline and it works. I wanted so much more. Having her use her flower first and taking over from there. Holy smokes!! Definitely book boyfriend material.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Really, there is nothing to dislike except, maybe, the way Daphne's brothers treat her. But she wouldn't have met Fletcher as she did without them. Can't wait to spend more time with the Whitmore family!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mina · Rating 4 out of 5]

And I will say it again. But these books are too short. I need a full length of curvy heroine goodness and classic Baxter-Swoon-Worthy heroes.

Please, please, please, Ms. Baxter.

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fletcher meets Daphne and instantly knows she is the one for him. Cute, hot, and short

[Kate V · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 smut-scale stars!

[Em Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m not built for novellas. Too quick, too little exposition or character development, and too little plot.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Fletcher and Daphne met when she gets locked out of her apartment on the balcony in just a towel. Daphne has her phone on her, her brother is a fireman, so she call the firehouse hoping to find one of the female fireman to come and help her. Instead Fletcher answers the phone and then comes to help her. Fletcher walks into Daphne's apartment and when they lock eyes he can't look away from her, he gets the door unlocked. When Daphne walks back into her apartment her towel catches on the door and she is standing in front of Fletcher naked. Daphne's knows this day can't get any worse so she goes off to her bedroom to put some clothes on. Fletcher finds out that her brother Garrett works at the fire station. In the following six months, Fletcher and Daphne see one another at the diner Ruthie's. Then at the Bluebonnet Festival while Fletcher is out fundraising, Daphne's at the ice cream shop sprinkles and she calls all the firemen over for some pictures. Next at the grocery store they end up passing each other in the aisles several times. Fletcher is then invited by Garrett to his families dinner, while Daphne is the one to cook tonight. Fletcher helps her clean up after dinner and they talk. Currently they met up at the peach festival, Fletcher's been in Saddle Creek for six months now and hasn't been able to figure out how to asks Daphne out. When Garrett comes up to say hello to Fletcher, a couple stop by to say hello. Hayes and Rory Lone Star Playboy stop to introduces themselves. While Fletcher is talking to Garrett they both notice someone standing to close to Daphne. Fletcher asks Garrett who it is and he tells him he use to chase after Daphne in high school. When Garrett starts to head towards Daphne, Fletcher tells him to let him take care of it. When Fletcher reaches Daphne he picks her up and sits in her spot putting her in his lap, he asks her if she had any barbecue. Fletcher places his arm around her and holds her to him, then he kisses her temple. Fletcher looks up at the man standing to close to Daphne and introduces himself, but the guy ignores him and asks her if he's bother her. Daphne tells the guy he's her boyfriend, the guy asks her when did that happen. Soon the guy is walking away, then Fletcher asks Daphne if he can take her out. Daphne tells him she can't it's Friday, she calls BINGO. Fletcher tells her he'll go with her, then Garrett walks up to them. Daphne knows her brother is going to go off on Fletcher, but Garrett tells him it's about time. Daphne tells them she has to go and get ready, and Fletcher tells her he'll see her tonight. When Daphne door bell rings and she goes to see Fletcher dressed up with flowers she decides to change out of her t-shirt and flip flops. When Daphne answers the door she tells him he doesn't have to do this, Fletcher tells her he doesn't mind going with her to BINGO. Fletcher watches as Daphne is greeted like a celebrity, then when she stands at the front of the room calling the numbers. A few of the woman start to talk to Fletcher, asking him if he's sweet on Daphne. When Fletcher starts to pay more attention to his bingo cards he wins, Daphne comes over to check his card. Daphne asks him what prize he wants and he tells her a kiss from her. When one of the ladies asks how they met Fletcher tells them he rescued her, she was locked out of her car in the grocery store parking lot. The rest of the game goes by quickly, when one of the ladies pulls Fletcher aside and tells him to be patient with Daphne, she may not recognize what she wants even if it's standing right in front of her. Fletcher thanks the ladies, and leaves with Daphne. When they get to Daphne's apartment she asks him if they can be done, she tells him she appreciates him. Fletcher tells her there's nothing fake about any of this, Daphne tells him he should have never kissed her if he didn't want to. Fletcher tells her he never said he didn't want to kiss her, she tells him he didn't have to. Daphne tells him that kiss was one you give to your grandmother, she tells him he doesn't owe her anything. Daphne tells him she owes him for saving her and not telling anyone the truth. Fletcher tells her he wants her, that he didn't asks her out to smooth things over, every night he thinks about her, when he closes his eyes, he sees her. Daphne asks him why didn't he kiss her like he wanted her, Fletcher tells her because he knew once he started he wouldn't be able to stop Then Fletcher kisses her, he picks her up and Daphne wraps herself around him. Fletcher asks her where her bedroom is, and Daphne tells him down the hall. Fletcher tells her to take off her clothes, Daphne tells him he needs to undress too. Fletcher tells her he loves everything about her body, she's going to kill him. Fletcher asks her if she has any toys, Daphne asks him why. Fletcher tells her he wants to watch her the first time, he wants to watcher then he'll be involved. Daphne tells him in her nightstand, Fletcher hands her a toy and she pleasures herself. After Daphne comes, Fletcher dives between her thighs and pleasures her. Then Daphne straddles him and they make love. Fletcher pulls her to his body and kisses her head, then whispers how much he loves her, but Daphne's asleep and he'll just have to tell her in the morning. When Daphne wakes in the morning Fletcher is gone, she calls his name but he doesn't answer. Daphne hears her phone when she looks she has a few missed calls. Daphne calls her dad and finds out there's a big wildfire and they called everyone in. When Garrett sends a message to their dad he tells Daphne that all the firemen are back at the firehouse. After she hangs up with her dad, she takes a shower, but by the time she gets dressed, Fletcher hasn't called. Daphne heads to her car and drives to the firehouse, she slams her door. Daphne finds Fletcher and yells to him, she tells him she woke up alone this morning, then she found out there was a big fire and he was in the middle of it. Daphne asks him if he let her a note, or send her a text, nothing. Then she notices he's showered, Fletcher tells her he didn't want to come back to her house smelling like smoke. Then Fletcher tells her he did leave a note he stuck it to her Diet Coke in the fridge, because thats what she drinks in the morning. Fletcher asks her if she came here all lit up to go off, he tells her he's sorry if he scared her. Fletcher tells her he would have loved to wake her up this morning, but he'd prefer if she moved into his bed. One week later, Fletcher picks up Daphne and she tells him she has a present for him. Fletcher tells her he bought her a present months ago. Daphne asks him why he hasn't given it to her, and he tells her she can have it anytime she wants it. Fletcher tells her it's in the glove box, Daphne tells him she'll give him his first. Daphne gives him a t-shirt with a fire extinguisher and a fire then in big bold letters, I Put out. Daphne tells him she loves him and Fletcher tells her he loves her. While Fletcher is driving home, he hears Daphne open the glove box. Daphne pulls out the box and asks him if this is really how he's doing this. Fletcher tells her to open it, but she tells him no, this will be a terrible proposal story she wants a do-over. Fletcher parks his truck and helps Daphne out, then she asks him what's wrong with him he's the romantic one. Fletcher tells her to open the box, and Daphne tells him she's not happy. When Daphne opens the box she finds a slip of paper Fletcher put inside that reads look down. When Daphne does she finds Fletcher on one knee hold a ring up to her. Fletcher tells her he bought this ring the day they met, all it took was one look and he knew. Fletcher tells her she's his heart, he made a fool of himself because he was flustered around her. Fletcher spend the next six months trying to figure out how to asks her out on a date. Fletcher asks her to be his wife, the mother of his children, he asks her to marry him. Daphne bends and kisses him then tells him yes.

[Suelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proteja Meu Coração

Ah, que história legal! Amo romances com bombeiro e esse aqui foi dos bons. Daphne e Fletcher se conheceram de forma bem inusitada - ele a resgatou em circunstâncias um pouco constrangedoras - mas esse encontro foi o suficiente para que a vida deles mudasse para sempre. Os dois são super divertidos juntos, sem falar da química de milhões. Amei acompanhar cada momento desse livro, que já entrou na minha lista de favoritos. Super-Hiper-Ultra-Mega-Power recomendado!

[Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little meh!
Not her best book but I’ll continue the series although I think the best book will be the father’s… and it’s the last one…
Safe, not very romantic, a little meh, too short!

[Luisanna⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok so, was this a masterpiece? No, but it still kept me entertained😭

[A-reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.

Daphne and Fletcher first meet when she locks herself out on her balcony, in only a towel. Not wanting to call her family she calls the fire station, Fletcher, the new firefighter in town, answers and comes to her rescue. Things get hot when the towel gets caught in the door and she’s left standing naked in front of him. She’s embarrassed and he’s very interested but trying to be a gentleman.
It’s love at first sight for both of them but she makes Fletcher feel awkward and so he just watches her longingly for six months. He gets his chance with her when an ex hits on her, he swoops in and says he’s her boyfriend. Daphne thinks he’s just being kind, to run off her ex. He has not asked her out in the six months he’s known her. Even after seeing her naked. He finally asks her out but she thinks it’s still for her ex’s benefit. So when he shows up to her house with flowers she’s surprised. Their date night is at the retirement home where she is the BINGO caller. All the ladies love Fletcher and are giving him advise to woo Daphne.
When he brings her home she again tells him the charade is over but he insists it’s no charade, he really wants her. They have their first time together, it’s pretty hot, no pasts discussed and no virgins, and no condoms. I liked how adorably awkward Fletcher is, he wasn’t a player. But his dirty demanding talk in bed is pretty good. I also liked how sassy Daphne is.
When she wakes the next morning Fletcher is gone, she sad and a little mad at herself, but finds out he had to leave because of a fire. He did leave her a note, she just didn’t find it. When the firefighters return to the fire house she goes over and calls him out for leaving her after spending the night. He smooths it over and a week later proposes. Bonus downloadable chapter with him proving he knows her well because pays attention to her.
I hope we get more on them in the next books, would have liked to see them in the future, married and with kids.

[Riley 02 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fletcher and Daphne

*Contains SPOILERS*

It’s been a long time since I gave 2 stars to a book. I downloaded this book for free on Feb and decided to give it a try despite the reviews and the truth is I didn’t like a lot of things.
First of all, if he fell in love with her in their first meet, his excuse for waiting 6 months to ask her out is stupid!!! 6 months!! He knew she would be his wife but waited 6 months to pursue her?!!! Nope, not for me!! As soon as I saw the 6 months later I lost interest but kept going.
And then he makes a mental comment “I’ve never responded to a woman so quickly. Granted, I don’t normally see women naked the first time we meet. “ So, this hit me bad because it’s a confession of being with women - plural, and naked. But told her later “I’m not so great with people.“ So, he was a casual sexer?!! Ugh. I don’t like this in any MC.
And then there’s the event where he left her in bed and didn’t leave a more visible note or even texted her to know. I mean, if the guy really is into her and doesn’t want her to worry that he walked out on her after their first night together … why not make a better effort to let her know!!!
And then the author throws in that Garret (Daphne’s brother) occasionally has a woman but is still in love with Felicity!!! I will definitely not be reading that book!!
I’m disappointed and disgusted. I couldn’t enjoy the book fully. Sorry. I won’t re-read this book. Probably will delete it.

SAFE-ish
- Seems like both are experienced
- ow/om: no
- separation/breakups: not really
- cheating/sharing: no
- possible triggers: no
- HEA: not mentioned, it takes you to a subscription for another chapter

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting an eye full

Protect My Heart is the first book in the Saddle Creek TX: The Whitmores series. The series continues in the world of Saddle Creek, Texas, in which there have been several other series written by the author. I loved this story about Daphne Whitmore and Fletcher Bates. Daphne has three older brothers and was raised by her widowed father after her mother died when she was eight years old. Between the four men in her life she ends up not having a life, as they are all overprotective to the point of warning men off her. But that was before Fletcher came to town, having transferred from the city to a position in the Saddle Creek Fire Department. On the first day that Daphne finally moves out of the family house and into her own apartment she ends up locked out on her balcony in nothing more than a barely covering her towel. She does not want to be told by her brothers she can't survive on her own but she still needs someone to rescue her. When she phones the fire house she talks with Fletcher and he becomes her white knight, but with some very smouldering eyes. He may rescue her and for his efforts he gets a good eye full of the curvy woman who he knows is his soul mate. However, Fletcher is friends with her brothers so it takes more than a few months for him to finally make his move....and even then Daphne does not believe it is for real. Fletcher is going to have to prove to her that he is more than serious and she is the only one he wants, now and forever.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whitmore family is predominantly male- father and three sons and the daughter Daphne. All of the men of the family are huge, brutes but loving. Grady is the eldest, then Dane and Garrett, with Garrett being a firefighter. Daphne has just moved out on her own and after a shower- well, she finds her phone and herself outside. She begins to fret in a spiral and calls for help. OMG I laughed so hard, and then I felt guilty for it. Her family doesn’t see her as an adult and if she called one of them for help, it would prove their point…

I loved Grady’s story and how he ended up with a singing sensation and his daughter Taylor is a riot. Fletcher is the one who comes and saves her and poor Daphne just gets more embarrassed. I think I blushed for her and turned neon red. Lol. Fletcher is the new Fire Chief and Saddle Creek has the Saddle Peek (the gossip blog). There are a bunch of festivals that Saddle Creek has- the Bluebonnet, and a bunch more. Every time Daphne sees Fletch she calls him Capt. Safety things like that. I laughed so much in this book. There are quite a few spots where I either almost fell out of the bed laughing so hard. I think this may be my new fave book by this author and that is saying something! Plus, my fave thing is in it- BINGO!!

I loved all of the little old ladies at the bingo… they were a riot with Fletcher and Daphne.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underneath that sweet, Texas charm…

Whew! Just when I thought Kat Baxter delivered the sweetest Hero she ever wrote, she went and gave Fletcher the Fireman a VERY naughty imagination, which he uses to seduce, let loose, and reduce Daphne to a puddle of goo. The man is lethal in all the best ways.

Daphne is adorkable in all the best ways and has a sharp wit that will make you bark with laughter. She’s trying to make her way in life without the “help” of three overbearing, older brothers and a father all of whom have no clue or the inclination to believe the baby of the family is all grown up. On her very first day on her own, Daphne finds herself needing rescuing. Captain Safety, aka Fletcher, answers the call and catches feelings the instant he looks into Daphne’s beautiful eyes. To be clear, he’s a goner the instant before Daph loses her battle with the itsy, bitsy towel she was clinging to when he answered the call of duty.

Their story is laugh-out-loud hilarious. Fletcher plays the straight-shooter, boy-next-door kind of guy until he gets his woman in the bedroom and then, watch out! Dirty boy is in the house and Daphne is here for it! I would be too!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I purchased a copy. This is my honest and original 🔥⭐️🔥⭐️🔥⭐️🔥⭐️🔥⭐️ review!

[EstelaReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starring Daphne Whitmore and Fletcher



Tropes Fireman Hero, Curvy Girl, Best Friend’s Sister



Omigosh, y’all!! Cutest story… EVER!!! Daphne and Fletcher’s first meeting truly sets the tone for this wonderful book!! I was “oh no, oh no, oh no-ing” with Daphne the whole time!!! Gotta love laugh out loud moments right off the gate. 



Even though Kat Baxter is known for her awesomely insta-love stories, I would classify this as a slow-burn trope. Fletcher and Daphne’s relationship developed over few months after they first meet. A little flirtation here and there… a fake date scenario…. but when they finally together, whoa daddy!! I just want to remind Fletcher that he’s a fireman…. because he’s just hotness on a stick setting (all our, I mean) Daphne’s lady bits on fire…. Wink wink!!

And, y'all the last chapter had me laughing and ugly crying AF!!! I was cheering so much fro Fletcher and Daphne... these two made my heart happy!!



Protect My Heart is the first book in The Whitmores series…. and it’s starting off strong, y’all!! Kat Baxter’s fictional world of Saddle Creek TX is filled with amazing characters, love, and a whole lotta feels!! I can’t wait to read more books in this series!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Protect My Heart to be a delightful RomCom novella and a great start to the Saddle Creek Texas, The Whitmore series. The book is fast paced, funny and swoon worthy romantic. The author gave us a great storyline with a hilarious/embarrassing meet/cute start and characters you can’t help but root for. Daphne, being the only girl of the family, as you can imagine has been quite sheltered by her father and brothers. Well she is out on her own now and her first day in her new apartment doesn’t go exactly as planned. In fact it’s the day she meets Fletcher, the new firefighter who works with her older brother. This fact of course makes her off limits to Fletcher, but can he follow that unwritten rule? What about Daphne, will she give up her independence to chase the spark she feels with Fletcher?

I loved this story and can’t wait for the next book in the series. After meeting her crazy brothers, I sure hope they all get their stories too because I see one hilarious moment after another in their future. I highly recommend grabbing up book 1, you won’t regret it. My only regret is it ending too soon. I loved Fletcher and Daphne but hopefully we’ll get some cameos in the future.

2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protect My Heart is a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, curvy girl gets her cowboy fireman romance. Daphne is a young, sassy, curvy girl. Fletcher is the new, hunky firefighter in town. Daphne has 3 older brothers who are all super protective of her, one being Garrett, who is also a fireman. When she moves out on her own, she ends up getting stuck out on her apartment balcony in only a towel with her phone. She calls the firestation hoping anyone other than her brother can help. Fletcher comes to rescue her, and it's love at first sight. He is nervous as Garrett has made it clear his sister is off limits to other firemen. It only takes him 6 months to ask her out, but things get super-steamy, super fast when he does. I loved everything about this story. Fletcher was just so sweet and head over heals for her. The witty banter was hysterical, and the chemistry was hot 🔥 hot 🔥 hot 🔥!! I laughed out loud when they first met. #nakedgate was a perfect name...🤣I can't wait for the rest of this series!! Kat does it again!! Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't fight family beliefs, especially when they're true.

Fletcher Bates is the new Incident Chef with the Saddle Creek Fire Department. He meets the woman of his dreams on one of the most humiliating days of Daphne's life.

Daphne Whitmore is the youngest of the family and the only girl. She's been sheltered her entire life by her 3 brothers and widower father. Now at 23 she's moved out on her own. Too bad she needed rescuing so quickly and by the hunky new fireman. Even worse is  that her fireman brother, Garrett, has forbidden the other firemen to date her.

His dad always told him he came from a long line of men who were "hit by the lightening bolt of love". Dad wasn't wrong! Her mother died when Daphne was young but she remembered her speaking of a "soul whisper". When your heart meets your other half, your soul whispers it to you. Who are they to fight family beliefs?

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Saddle Creek TX: The Whitmores Book 1
Brother's Best Friend
Dual 1st person PoV

*over 18 readers only *

Fletcher (mmc)
Daphne Whitmore (23, mfc)
Grady (brother of mfc, father of Taylor)
Dane (brother of mfc)
Garrett (brother of mfc)
Jade (cousin of Whitmores)

Daphne has 3 brothers and a widowed father who think they know how to run her life. They are great, loving men who just want to protect her and not accept that she is an adult. At 23, she is finally out, living on her own. On her very first night, she accidentally locks herself out on her balcony wearing only a towel. When she calls the non-emergency number for the fire department, Fletcher is the one who rescues her. And just like that, he knows she is the one for him. He's new in town, and Garrett has told the entire firehouse she is off-limits. Everyone except him. Can they do this? Will his job be too dangerous for them?

I love the Saddle Creek books. They can all be read standalone or in any order. They are a collection of cute, fast reads.

[Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

Kat Baxter is back with a brand new book and a brand new series and hold on to your hearts ladies and gents because this new beauty is giving us new book boyfriends to love.

Protect My Heart is the first standalone in this series and just wait until you meet and fall for these two and a whole cast of characters.

Protect My Heart gives us Daphne and Fletcher's story 🥰🥰🥰 and this is one you do not want to miss out on. Packed cover to cover with heart, heat, swoon, and alllllll of the feels.. these two took my heart (...and mind) on a journey that had me hooked on them from the start to the last word. I simply couldn't get enough of them and their love, connection in moments.

I really, really liked this one y'all.. it was a quick and easy read that swooning from the very beginning to the very end. I can't wait for the next in this series.

This is definitely one I can recommend y'all.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[The Dragon Den Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review of Protect My Heart by Kat Baxter
* * * * *
A small town steamy novella that only gets so much hotter when the man who works with fire makes it super steamy in the bedroom!

Fletcher and Daphne's first meeting was not ideal...and the night is forever burned into both their memories as they like to bring it up every night when they are alone in bed.
Months of friendly avoidance, things take a change when one little fib makes everything real!

Fletcher is Mr. Safety, polite and well mannered. However, in the bedroom with the woman he wants, the man has A DIRTY MOUTH! Daphne is already suffering so much blue balls thanks to her brothers and her dad, though she may thankfully get a break! It also it appears that her taste in men has improved...greatly!
Another delicious read from Kat Baxter!

[Just Read and Imagine · Rating 4 out of 5]

At 23, one of the first things Daphne Whitmore accomplishes is to get locked out on the balcony of her new apartment, with only a towel wrapped around her. She tries to call her brother, Garrett, a local fireman to unlock her patio door. Instead, she gets Fletcher Bates, the new fireman who really gets an eye full when he lets her in, and the wicked door closes quickly and pulls her towel completely off. Too much happening for one day, she just walks away. Months later after chasing Daphne around the small-town working festival after festival, Fletcher goes for it and tags along with her to the retirement center where she calls out BINGO numbers for a bunch of seniors who help him to win her over. Having decided she is the one and only for him, Fletch is determined to be her one and only as well. I received a copy of the ARC from Give Me Books Promotions. The review is my own.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first in the Saddle, Tx Whitmore series starts of with Daphne. Now Daphne is not your usual little sister these guys see her as and she is ready to prove them all wrong. All she wants is her freedom and though they mean well she wants adventure, love and even a little danger. Only thing is she didn't expect her freedom to bring a guy like Fletcher. These two are perfect for each other but being a firefighter can bring lots of worry to a girl like Daphne. Seeing her fight her feelings towards Fletcher was heartbreaking because she knows how right they are in any way. Once again short and sweet but would have loved more of Fletcher in the book. Seems we missed out a lot about him and seemed more about Daphne and her family. Either way it was a great way to see what this little town would bring really good.

[Geeky Girl Review Cafe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series from Kat! I have been anxiously awaiting this series since Dad Bod Cowboy...and she sold it when she shared the series covers!

This was another Kat story that was filled with her brand of humor and pop culture references....both of which are my favorites.

The push/pull in this story was great; Daphne lived up to her Firecracker nickname and really made Fletch work for it/her, and I'm here for it! 🤣

If you make it through the Bingo scene without laughing and falling in love with a bunch of nosy senior citizens, we can't be book friends...they were a hoot and a half!

We got a bit of a glimpse at some side characters whose books are coming...Garrett's especially, and I'm ready for more!