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Southern Protector
I'm the king of the football field. I've got just about everything a guy could ever ask for.
Except for her.
I keep my distance because I'm no good for her. Not to mention, she always runs in the other direction when she sees me.
But when I walk up on her being bullied, I can't keep away from her any longer.
I'll protect her with every piece of me. She's mine.
But when she ends up pregnant from a careless mistake on my part, will I be enough to save her in time?
Or will I lose everything before I've even had a real chance to cherish it?
**This book involves teen pregnancy. All characters are eighteen.There are major elements of bullying within these pages.**
Except for her.
I keep my distance because I'm no good for her. Not to mention, she always runs in the other direction when she sees me.
But when I walk up on her being bullied, I can't keep away from her any longer.
I'll protect her with every piece of me. She's mine.
But when she ends up pregnant from a careless mistake on my part, will I be enough to save her in time?
Or will I lose everything before I've even had a real chance to cherish it?
**This book involves teen pregnancy. All characters are eighteen.There are major elements of bullying within these pages.**
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2023
About the author
T.O. Smith
153 books390 followersT.O. Smith believes in one thing - a happily ever after.
Her books are fast-paced and dive straight into the romance and the action. She doesn't do extensively drawn out plots. Normally, within the first chapter, she's got you - hook, line, and sinker.
As a writer of various different genres of romance, a reader is almost guaranteed to find some kind of romance novel they'll enjoy on her page.
T.O. Smith can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and now even TikTok! She loves interacting with all of her readers, so follow her!
Her books are fast-paced and dive straight into the romance and the action. She doesn't do extensively drawn out plots. Normally, within the first chapter, she's got you - hook, line, and sinker.
As a writer of various different genres of romance, a reader is almost guaranteed to find some kind of romance novel they'll enjoy on her page.
T.O. Smith can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and now even TikTok! She loves interacting with all of her readers, so follow her!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 13, 2023
4/5 "I know it seems super early, and I don't need to hear the words from you. But I need you to know at least one person in this world fucking loves you, baby girl."
TROPES:
~athlete hero x shy girl
~OTT J/P H
~high school bully (not H)
~teen pregnancy
~instalove
Elizabeth has been bullied in school for the past four years. At 18, she's waiting for graduation to get away from everyone... especially her parents. In comes Drake! He takes one good look at her and wants to protect her. Their relationship is really sweet and heart-warming. I love how protective Drake was over Elizabeth!
All characters are over 18 in this book. <3
SAFETY:
Ages: 18h, 18H
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine
OM/OW drama: OW. Hero takes care of it.
Cheating/sharing: none
Triggers: teen pregnancy, abuse, bullying (not by H)
HEA?: yes!
TROPES:
~athlete hero x shy girl
~OTT J/P H
~high school bully (not H)
~teen pregnancy
~instalove
Elizabeth has been bullied in school for the past four years. At 18, she's waiting for graduation to get away from everyone... especially her parents. In comes Drake! He takes one good look at her and wants to protect her. Their relationship is really sweet and heart-warming. I love how protective Drake was over Elizabeth!
All characters are over 18 in this book. <3
SAFETY:
Ages: 18h, 18H
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine
OM/OW drama: OW. Hero takes care of it.
Cheating/sharing: none
Triggers: teen pregnancy, abuse, bullying (not by H)
HEA?: yes!
July 19, 2023
This is not my typical read but something about the blurb snagged me and I had to read it! This was such a sad but cute romance. Sad because our heroine has such a hard life but cute because Drake and his inner circle finally give Elizabeth the family she's always wanted.
It's a high school romance, both MCs are seniors and Drake is the golden boy, star footballer and all around popular guy in school. Elizabeth is the shy loner girl who gets bullied at school.
Some might find this one OTT corny or cheesy but I really enjoyed reading their romance. Drake plays the knight in shining armor, the perfect balance between golden retriever playful, dominate alpha and understanding cinnamon roll.
Elizabeth is such a sweetheart and some of her scenes were really hard to read (see spoilers) but she had her own brand of strength and resilience. I'm a sucker for the shy, anxious, awkward heroine and Elizabeth definitely had ample reasons for being this one. It was nice to see her open up with Drake and his friends and family.
The story is quick and has low angst. There's no cheating and only minor OW drama. I did notice there were a few questions I had that were left unanswered - like what happens to Elizabeth's parents after Drake busts out Elizabeth? Or Whitney/Brittany after she assaults Elizabeth at school? And I really wish we would have gotten an explanation as to why Elizabeth was picked on all of a sudden. Since it's mentioned a couple of times that Elizabeth was well liked up until high school, where all of a sudden she got hated on for no apparent reason! With the story centered around her bullying, I feel like this extra bit of information/backstory would have really helped the overall story.
I loved Drake and Elizabeth as a couple but I also loved Drake's parents, BFF/big brother Kaleb (hope he gets his own story!) and the epilogue *sigh* it delivered on all the fluff and cuteness.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SPOILER-Y EXTRAS:
It's a high school romance, both MCs are seniors and Drake is the golden boy, star footballer and all around popular guy in school. Elizabeth is the shy loner girl who gets bullied at school.
Some might find this one OTT corny or cheesy but I really enjoyed reading their romance. Drake plays the knight in shining armor, the perfect balance between golden retriever playful, dominate alpha and understanding cinnamon roll.
Elizabeth is such a sweetheart and some of her scenes were really hard to read (see spoilers) but she had her own brand of strength and resilience. I'm a sucker for the shy, anxious, awkward heroine and Elizabeth definitely had ample reasons for being this one. It was nice to see her open up with Drake and his friends and family.
The story is quick and has low angst. There's no cheating and only minor OW drama. I did notice there were a few questions I had that were left unanswered - like what happens to Elizabeth's parents after Drake busts out Elizabeth? Or Whitney/Brittany after she assaults Elizabeth at school? And I really wish we would have gotten an explanation as to why Elizabeth was picked on all of a sudden. Since it's mentioned a couple of times that Elizabeth was well liked up until high school, where all of a sudden she got hated on for no apparent reason! With the story centered around her bullying, I feel like this extra bit of information/backstory would have really helped the overall story.
I loved Drake and Elizabeth as a couple but I also loved Drake's parents, BFF/big brother Kaleb (hope he gets his own story!) and the epilogue *sigh* it delivered on all the fluff and cuteness.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SPOILER-Y EXTRAS:
August 16, 2023
He ignores her for years then all the sudden he likes her. She is so surprised he likes her which was annoying just be happy he likes you don’t keep mentioning how surprising it is he likes you every 2 minutes. She never stands up for herself and is extremely boring with no personality. When she gets bullied she just cries i stead of standing up for herself or reporting the bullying. She is weak and i was bored.
January 5, 2025
Not as good as the others in the series
When it starts out I really didn't feel the connection between Drake and Elizabeth. She was getting bullied he was there and that was that. Where was her all the prior years of high school. He supposedly like her but never approached her. He was popular what would it have matter earlier. And why didn't anyone like her? It didn't make sense and it was never told.
When it starts out I really didn't feel the connection between Drake and Elizabeth. She was getting bullied he was there and that was that. Where was her all the prior years of high school. He supposedly like her but never approached her. He was popular what would it have matter earlier. And why didn't anyone like her? It didn't make sense and it was never told.
October 17, 2023
'No la merecía. Nadie en este jodido y cruel mundo lo hacía, pero yo siempre la apreciaría.'
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
Southern Protector de T.O. Smith
Serie Unexpected Babies libro 4
Argumento:
Soy el rey del campo de fútbol. Tengo casi todo lo que un chico podría pedir.
Excepto ella.
Mantengo la distancia porque no soy bueno para ella. Sin mencionar que ella siempre corre en la otra dirección cuando me ve.
Pero cuando me doy cuenta de que ella está siendo intimidada, no puedo mantenerme alejado de ella por más tiempo.
La protegeré con cada parte de mí. Ella es mía.
Pero cuando ella termine embarazada por un descuido de mi parte, ¿seré suficiente para salvarla a tiempo?
¿O lo perderé todo antes de haber tenido la oportunidad real de apreciarlo?
Mi humilde opinión:
Southern Protector es otro romance Instalove de la serie Unexpected Babies, con un héroe sobreprotector y un bebé inesperado.
Drake y Liz son jóvenes de secundaria y toda su historia de amor es exagerada y poco realista. Dejando de lado mí incredulidad por cómo sucedían las cosas, me pareció un romance corto, dulce con steamy y drama.
Al parecer la autora tiene la tendencia de poner a las heroínas en situaciones de abusos y es realmente duro de leer. Lo que no me gusta es que no se aprenda una lección, se castigue al abusador o la heroína no se imponga sino que espera ser rescatada.
La verdad esperaba conocer la razón por la que todos en la escuela odiaban a Elizabeth pero nunca sé explicó cómo inició o se explica. Tampoco se menciona qué sucedió con su principal abusador Whitney.
Me encantó que Drake quisiera ayudar a Elizabeth para que no fuera más molestada en la escuela y hasta pidió a sus amigos del equipo de fútbol que ayudaran pero después me enojé porque pensé... cómo no pudieron hacer nada antes? Ella lo sufrió por 4 años sola y ya tenía el abuso como un trato normal. Drake tuvo que ser testigo de lo que le sucedía y nunca lo detuvo. Su excusa para no acercarse a ella es porque era tímida y no quería ni mirarla para no asustarla? Entonces un día decide protegerla de sus acosadoras y porque es adorable? Me pareció estúpido. El chico hizo cosas bien pero al principio lo sentí demasiado arrogante y prepotente. Me pareció que no se daba cuenta del trauma que el Bullyng le causó a Elizabeth. Para él que no lo sufría era fácil pedirle que enfrente a los que la molestaban o que actúe como si no le importara. Ella tenía miedo y me pareció que él no lo entendía o respetaba sus sentimientos en ese sentido, no le preguntó cómo se sentía con todo el acoso que sufría. Y Elizabeth fue sumisa y se dejó manejar. Me hubiera gustado que mostrara fortaleza eventualmente.
Y otra tendencia de la autora es poner chicas obsesionadas por el héroe al punto de que son capaces de matar porque enserio, Whitney de no ser detenida hubiera estrangulado a Elizabeth en el baño! Muy loco eso!
Lo que me conmovió es la forma en que Drake sacó a Elizabeth de un hogar abusivo, yo no podía creer cómo la trataban sus padres y cómo nunca se fue de su casa o los denunció, más aún siendo mayor de edad. Drake la llevó a su casa que por suerte tenía unos padres muy comprensivos que le mostraron apoyo y lo que podía ser una familia con amor y eso fue lindo.
Igualmente necesite un poco más de historia y respuestas a varias cosas que quedaron en el aire pero en general fue una linda historia con un final feliz.
August 6, 2023
I thought this was a wonderful story. Full of heat, insta love, protective alpha male, that just does it for me. I would have liked to see a bit of a backstory about why Elizabeth was being bullied but other than that I couldn't stop reading. I wish I had me a Drake or any of the football guys who protected Elizabeth lol. And ohh, I hope Kaleb gets his own story! I definitely will be reading more stories from T.O.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2023
This is a short and sweet story with strong characters in Elizabeth and Drake. The author deals with bullying and Drake's protective attitude with Liz. It's a story of young love with some drama and action. It's well written, moves quickly and smoothly and is an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
August 16, 2023
A protective golden retriever football play that protects his gf from bullying in high school. This was so sweet - all the stars
August 15, 2023
2.5/5 stars
I will start off with the things I liked about this book. Loved how protective he was over her, how he loved her and made her feel welcomed after her crappy life. He was the perfect guy that every girl would love to have. The writing was okay, could’ve been more advanced but nonetheless it was good.
Things that irked me was the pace. IT WAS TOO FAST. The first few chapters made my head hurt because of how fast it was going. I just couldn’t grasp the concept because it was one thing after another. For everything that happened in the book there were not enough pages. The book should have been longer for all the milestones in this book. I think I would have loved this book if it was slowed down. He was too possessive too fast, just wasn’t my cup of tea.
If you are looking for a quick read though with a lot of things in it plot wise this is for you !.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I will start off with the things I liked about this book. Loved how protective he was over her, how he loved her and made her feel welcomed after her crappy life. He was the perfect guy that every girl would love to have. The writing was okay, could’ve been more advanced but nonetheless it was good.
Things that irked me was the pace. IT WAS TOO FAST. The first few chapters made my head hurt because of how fast it was going. I just couldn’t grasp the concept because it was one thing after another. For everything that happened in the book there were not enough pages. The book should have been longer for all the milestones in this book. I think I would have loved this book if it was slowed down. He was too possessive too fast, just wasn’t my cup of tea.
If you are looking for a quick read though with a lot of things in it plot wise this is for you !.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2023
Elizabeth is bullied at school and at home. She usually keeps her head down and just gets through the day.
Who’s the love interest? Drake. Oh Drake. Football player, smart. And possibly the only one that does stick up for Elizabeth.
The story moves quite quick as it’s a novella and only 15 chapters, so I can’t really say what happens without giving away half the book.
But I will say this, Drake sticks up for her and helps her one day. And then he’s always by her side. But what happens? You’ll have to read do find out.
As I said, it’s only 15 chapters and I’m currently about to start 10, a lot and nothing has happened. We kicked it into gear within a few chapters all Elizabeth’s POV. Maybe it would have been beneficial to have Drakes POV a little earlier on. He came in and we heard his thoughts and feelings regarding Elizabeth but not really why or whatever. He just liked her. End of.
All in all, cute quick read. But it lacked something. I think it was a story. Yeah, it lacked a story. Here are snippets of what happened and this is it, the end. That’s what happened. Nothing.
We are told Elizabeth was fine before ninth (I believe) grade, and then everyone turned on her. She was bullied by everyone. Why? Was this needed for the story? Not one bit. She could’ve just been the loner kid who stayed away from people, especially with her home life. Understandable.
And then it steamrolls to the big events (I get it, fast paced quick read novella) with nothing in between. Kinda want to know what happened to the bully at school – the main one were told about. Does she just leave her parents and they don’t get into any trouble? Police aren’t told? I just want to know!!
I’m nosey. Sue me.
So I recommend? If you’re wanting to fill up your reading challenge, go for it. But if you’re not fussed on getting to a certain number of books read for the year, then don’t bother.
———
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Who’s the love interest? Drake. Oh Drake. Football player, smart. And possibly the only one that does stick up for Elizabeth.
The story moves quite quick as it’s a novella and only 15 chapters, so I can’t really say what happens without giving away half the book.
But I will say this, Drake sticks up for her and helps her one day. And then he’s always by her side. But what happens? You’ll have to read do find out.
As I said, it’s only 15 chapters and I’m currently about to start 10, a lot and nothing has happened. We kicked it into gear within a few chapters all Elizabeth’s POV. Maybe it would have been beneficial to have Drakes POV a little earlier on. He came in and we heard his thoughts and feelings regarding Elizabeth but not really why or whatever. He just liked her. End of.
All in all, cute quick read. But it lacked something. I think it was a story. Yeah, it lacked a story. Here are snippets of what happened and this is it, the end. That’s what happened. Nothing.
We are told Elizabeth was fine before ninth (I believe) grade, and then everyone turned on her. She was bullied by everyone. Why? Was this needed for the story? Not one bit. She could’ve just been the loner kid who stayed away from people, especially with her home life. Understandable.
And then it steamrolls to the big events (I get it, fast paced quick read novella) with nothing in between. Kinda want to know what happened to the bully at school – the main one were told about. Does she just leave her parents and they don’t get into any trouble? Police aren’t told? I just want to know!!
I’m nosey. Sue me.
So I recommend? If you’re wanting to fill up your reading challenge, go for it. But if you’re not fussed on getting to a certain number of books read for the year, then don’t bother.
———
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
August 13, 2023
Southern Protector by T. O. Smith is the emotionally intense story of Drake, a young man from an incredibly loving family who is well-grounded, a good student, king of the football field, and adored by his fellow students and faculty. He has watched Elizabeth from afar, admiring her strength, solitude, shyness, beauty, and ability to withstand an onslaught of bullying that had been directed at her for reasons the reader never learns. Elizabeth has been severely neglected and this has shaped her personality and outlook on life. She is a straight A student, who is always ahead of her assignments, but she keeps her head down to make herself be as small and unnoticeable as possible to minimize the incidents of being a victim. Drake’s tenderness and concern for Elizabeth is touching and heartfelt. He becomes her self-appointed protector and enlists the rest of the football team in this endeavor, scenes which Ms. Smith beautifully paints with her words about an entourage of exceptionally large men surrounding this tiny woman as she walks through the halls. The relationship that develops between Drake and Elizabeth grabbed my heart with their first encounter, and as things escalated between them, the reader is brought squarely into the presence of the healing power of love to mend the mind, body, and soul. This novel is wonderfully written and deeply moving!
August 13, 2023
MMC/FMC- Drake and Elizabeth
POV- 1st person dual
Billed Genre- “Sports Romance”
Actual Genre- YA/New Adult Romance
Heat level- FYI, everybody is over 18 when zexytime happens so it’s okay that it’s explicit.
Series? Y
Safety: No Cheating, No S. Violence, No Cliffhanger.
HEA/HFN? Y
Triggers- Bullying, Abuse, Neglect, Assault, Violence, Teen Pregnancy, Language.
Tropes- First Love, He Falls First, Surprise Pregnancy, Dysfunctional Family FTW, I Like Big Trucks and I Cannot Lie.
What I liked- the Tiny House! I want one! And I liked the way Drake and his friends stood up for Elizabeth.
What I didn’t- this is listed as a sports romance but it’s not. The Hero happens to be on the football team and that’s all. Also, it appears that nobody has to face consequences for being violent or abusive to Elizabeth. Are there no cops in their town? And wouldn’t the school authorities get involved?
Verdict- I’m on the fence with this one. It was readable, but I didn’t think it was particularly good (or bad). I like Smith’s work, but this one doesn’t wow me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
POV- 1st person dual
Billed Genre- “Sports Romance”
Actual Genre- YA/New Adult Romance
Heat level- FYI, everybody is over 18 when zexytime happens so it’s okay that it’s explicit.
Series? Y
Safety: No Cheating, No S. Violence, No Cliffhanger.
HEA/HFN? Y
Triggers- Bullying, Abuse, Neglect, Assault, Violence, Teen Pregnancy, Language.
Tropes- First Love, He Falls First, Surprise Pregnancy, Dysfunctional Family FTW, I Like Big Trucks and I Cannot Lie.
What I liked- the Tiny House! I want one! And I liked the way Drake and his friends stood up for Elizabeth.
What I didn’t- this is listed as a sports romance but it’s not. The Hero happens to be on the football team and that’s all. Also, it appears that nobody has to face consequences for being violent or abusive to Elizabeth. Are there no cops in their town? And wouldn’t the school authorities get involved?
Verdict- I’m on the fence with this one. It was readable, but I didn’t think it was particularly good (or bad). I like Smith’s work, but this one doesn’t wow me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2024
I wasn’t expecting a lot, and I got even less 😕
He ignores her and doesn’t defend her for years until he does, out of the blue. I think it would have been better, and a more enjoyable read if they had a bit more history. Like maybe they were friends in grade school or something. Everything was just too damn sudden as Smith wrote it.
Not every story needs to be a masterpiece. But MAN Elizabeth had zero personality! Drake sounded like an idiot most of the time 🙄 and their relationship was bland. I mean, he never even officially asked her out! He just swooped in and made the choice for her, going all macho with wanting to protect her in a way that made me gag.
We never find out why Elizabeth is so hated, why she’s bullied. We never find out what happened after Whitney fucking assaulted her in the bathroom. We never know what happened to her parents after he got her out of there. It’s just a bland, boring story without the substance needed to make it enjoyable. And it could have been! It could have been a sweet, easy read 🤷🏼♀️ but nope. Just made me cringe, gag and roll my eyes from beginning to end!
He ignores her and doesn’t defend her for years until he does, out of the blue. I think it would have been better, and a more enjoyable read if they had a bit more history. Like maybe they were friends in grade school or something. Everything was just too damn sudden as Smith wrote it.
Not every story needs to be a masterpiece. But MAN Elizabeth had zero personality! Drake sounded like an idiot most of the time 🙄 and their relationship was bland. I mean, he never even officially asked her out! He just swooped in and made the choice for her, going all macho with wanting to protect her in a way that made me gag.
We never find out why Elizabeth is so hated, why she’s bullied. We never find out what happened after Whitney fucking assaulted her in the bathroom. We never know what happened to her parents after he got her out of there. It’s just a bland, boring story without the substance needed to make it enjoyable. And it could have been! It could have been a sweet, easy read 🤷🏼♀️ but nope. Just made me cringe, gag and roll my eyes from beginning to end!
August 16, 2023
This is the 4th book in the Unexpected Babies series featuring the fast-paced gripping emotional sports pregnancy romance between Drake and Elizabeth. Elizabeth keeps to herself after being bullied for 4yrs and no one helping her. When Drake the king of the football field walks up on her being bullied everything changes he does something about it. Drake has always liked Elizabeth but she always ran the other way when she saw him and he tried to stay away because he thought that he wasn't good enough for her. Everything changes when he sees her being bullied she's his to protect and he'll give it his all like he does on the football field. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this fast-paced gripping emotional sports pregnancy romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2023
Okay read
This was a nice quick read. But left the biggest catalyst and issue of this whole book open ended. Why the sudden change and bullying in 9th grade. We have a girl who was so liked by everyone in 7th grade and high school starts and she's suddenly hated. She's assaulted and nothing becomes of it.... did Whitney get suspended? What happened that summer? So many questions left unanswered.....
ALSO we have a goalie on the cover of this book mentions of a team and no actual practices, games or anything relating to the sport. Which to me is false advertising. If your going to market a book as a hockey romance (as thats what I looked up and this came up) I'm reading it for all of it...
and those unanswered questions which to me are bug ones in my opinion and the lack of of well hockey made this book a 2 star for me. Not impressed. But if those things had happened within this novel it would have been a great book.
This was a nice quick read. But left the biggest catalyst and issue of this whole book open ended. Why the sudden change and bullying in 9th grade. We have a girl who was so liked by everyone in 7th grade and high school starts and she's suddenly hated. She's assaulted and nothing becomes of it.... did Whitney get suspended? What happened that summer? So many questions left unanswered.....
ALSO we have a goalie on the cover of this book mentions of a team and no actual practices, games or anything relating to the sport. Which to me is false advertising. If your going to market a book as a hockey romance (as thats what I looked up and this came up) I'm reading it for all of it...
and those unanswered questions which to me are bug ones in my opinion and the lack of of well hockey made this book a 2 star for me. Not impressed. But if those things had happened within this novel it would have been a great book.
January 7, 2024
3.5⭐️
Even being totally OTT and true escapism, this novella deals with pretty heavy subjects. Elizabeth has not had an easy life, but luckily Drake makes up for that in his caring, loving way. Not sure why h was bullied so badly or why H all of a sudden wanted her so badly. He was already her classmate before that 🤷♀️. We also don’t really get closure on what happens to her abusive parents…
Anyhoooo, if you can suspend your disbelief for an hour or two, this is an entertaining read with an OTT jealous, possessive guy and a damaged, shy girl, some smut and drama. I enjoyed it for what it was!
Safety:
- OW: classmate says H is her boyfriend and bullies h (tells her to not look at H). H scares her off. Later on physically assaults her badly. h ends up in hospital. H was never with this girl and didn’t even like her.
- OM: none
- No cheating
- No separation / no third act break up
- Severe bullying (Hogeschool)
- Teen pregnancy
- Abusive parents
Even being totally OTT and true escapism, this novella deals with pretty heavy subjects. Elizabeth has not had an easy life, but luckily Drake makes up for that in his caring, loving way. Not sure why h was bullied so badly or why H all of a sudden wanted her so badly. He was already her classmate before that 🤷♀️. We also don’t really get closure on what happens to her abusive parents…
Anyhoooo, if you can suspend your disbelief for an hour or two, this is an entertaining read with an OTT jealous, possessive guy and a damaged, shy girl, some smut and drama. I enjoyed it for what it was!
Safety:
- OW: classmate says H is her boyfriend and bullies h (tells her to not look at H). H scares her off. Later on physically assaults her badly. h ends up in hospital. H was never with this girl and didn’t even like her.
- OM: none
- No cheating
- No separation / no third act break up
- Severe bullying (Hogeschool)
- Teen pregnancy
- Abusive parents
July 24, 2023
This was a very quick read if you are looking for that. It’s a sweet story about two teenagers who pretty much fall in love the minute they meet (definite Insta love). There isn’t a huge amount of depth to the characters so if that’s what you are looking for then this isn’t the book for you.
The story kicks off at full speed and pretty much runs at that from the first page. There is no angst at all so a very safe read.
TW: There is parental neglect and also teen pregnancy.
Personally I think it could have been better had it been a bit longer and the author had gone into a bit more depth with the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story kicks off at full speed and pretty much runs at that from the first page. There is no angst at all so a very safe read.
TW: There is parental neglect and also teen pregnancy.
Personally I think it could have been better had it been a bit longer and the author had gone into a bit more depth with the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2023
Such a sweet, hot and touching romance! I love these kinds of high school romances. Elizabeth is a shy, anxious girl, beaten down by life and her bullies. Drake is the king of the school. He kinda knew of Elizabeth but not a lot. When he sees her getting bullied he steps in and its like a switch gets flipped. He really likes her and wants to spend all his time with her. When she ends up pregnant, things get really rough for her. Drake is determined to get married as soon as they graduate so they can go off together to college. He cannot imagine his life without her. There were a few unanswered questions about things that I'm hoping we get another book, maybe about Drake's best friend? Please? I would love to spend more time with these characters!
August 15, 2023
Elizabeth is a bullied high school senior. For four years she has been bullied at school and at home. She does everything she can to not be noticed, but after Drake stands up for her one day and then starts to pay attention to her and all his friends protecting her things get even worse. With Drake she feels happy for once and protected but then she finds out she's pregnant. There is a sweet HEA that takes no time at all to get to seeing as this is a novella and only 119 pgs. I would have liked a little more story as this was just over in the blink of an eye and we have no idea why people started bullying her and it would have been better with a little more story thrown in there but for a novella not bad.
August 18, 2023
2.5⭐️
I didn’t realise this was high school, guess I skipped that part. It was an average novella. It was kind of insta love but wasn’t. I also still don’t know why the FMC was being bullied by the whole school. Which I think the MMC knew of but didn’t do anything about it before he started actually talking to the FMC.
POV: Dual, 1st person.
SERIES or STANDALONE: 1st in series, can be read as a standalone.
TROPES: M/F new adult, high school, sports related (MMC plays football but the story doesn’t delve into much sorts at all), surprise pregnancy romance.
SIZE: 116 (last page) Kindle pages.
CHARACTERS: Drake & Elizabeth.
PLOT: 📚📚📚/5
ROMANCE: ❤️❤️❤️/5
SPICE/STEAM: 🌶🌶.5/5
DARKNESS/TRIGGERS: 😈/5 (bullying, assault, parent neglect)
⚠️ My bookshelves can contain spoilers.
I didn’t realise this was high school, guess I skipped that part. It was an average novella. It was kind of insta love but wasn’t. I also still don’t know why the FMC was being bullied by the whole school. Which I think the MMC knew of but didn’t do anything about it before he started actually talking to the FMC.
POV: Dual, 1st person.
SERIES or STANDALONE: 1st in series, can be read as a standalone.
TROPES: M/F new adult, high school, sports related (MMC plays football but the story doesn’t delve into much sorts at all), surprise pregnancy romance.
SIZE: 116 (last page) Kindle pages.
CHARACTERS: Drake & Elizabeth.
PLOT: 📚📚📚/5
ROMANCE: ❤️❤️❤️/5
SPICE/STEAM: 🌶🌶.5/5
DARKNESS/TRIGGERS: 😈/5 (bullying, assault, parent neglect)
⚠️ My bookshelves can contain spoilers.
July 19, 2023
I wasn't sure about this book, after all it's about bullying, child abuse and teen pregnancy but the story is told with empathy and is straight forward. It's a high school romance and Elizabeth is the woman/child but she is 18. She has been bullied all through high school with parents that have never cared for her. Drake, star football captain and straight A student is the young man who sees her, and knows she is the one for him. This is an excellent read, well written, quite steamy and Drake and Elizabeth are a great couple. I really enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2023
While I really enjoyed this book, the beginning made my head spin a little.
Elizabeth, the heroine, is a sweet, shy girl who's been neglected at home and bullied at school. Now a high school senior, graduation can't come too soon. One day, out of the blue, the most popular boy at school, star football player, Drake, rescues her from bullies and takes over her entire life. He's been in love with her for a long time but Elizabeth had no idea. Suddenly, he's all possessive and controlling, and she just goes along with it.
Other than that, I loved this sweet but spicy romance. The characters are pretty realistic and fleshed out, and the story definitely kept my interest. I loved how Drake's friends and family embraced Elizabeth, and made her part of their world without question. I especially loved Kaleb, Drake's best friend. He instantly accepts Elizabeth and basically becomes the brother she never had.
I've never read T.O. Smith before but I will definitely be checking out more of her books. Her writing style is perfect and she effortlessly makes a novella seem like a much longer read.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Elizabeth, the heroine, is a sweet, shy girl who's been neglected at home and bullied at school. Now a high school senior, graduation can't come too soon. One day, out of the blue, the most popular boy at school, star football player, Drake, rescues her from bullies and takes over her entire life. He's been in love with her for a long time but Elizabeth had no idea. Suddenly, he's all possessive and controlling, and she just goes along with it.
Other than that, I loved this sweet but spicy romance. The characters are pretty realistic and fleshed out, and the story definitely kept my interest. I loved how Drake's friends and family embraced Elizabeth, and made her part of their world without question. I especially loved Kaleb, Drake's best friend. He instantly accepts Elizabeth and basically becomes the brother she never had.
I've never read T.O. Smith before but I will definitely be checking out more of her books. Her writing style is perfect and she effortlessly makes a novella seem like a much longer read.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 14, 2023
I love a good sports romance and this novel did not disappoint. This novel had a lot of troupe's I love, sports, unplanned pregnancy, bully and a hero that gives the heroine the family she has always dreamed of. From the very first page this novel latched on and would not let go until the very last page of this novel. I loved Elizabeth and my heart broke for everything she had been through. I loved the chemistry between Drake and Elizabeth. I love when a novel can almost bring you to tears and finally leaves you with a happy heart. This novel checked all of my boxes. I loved it! I can't wait to see what is coming next.
August 15, 2023
Drake had stood by while Elizabeth had been bullied but one day he just knows he has to stop it. He never expected to feel like he did when he looked at her that day. From that day forward he was going to protect her, she was his.
Elizabeth does not know why one day everyone turned on her, she never did anything wrong. When Drake, the hottest guy in school steps in on a girl giving her a hard time, it brings more attention to her. Now he and his friends are her constant companions looking out for her during the school day.
When she finds out she is pregnant, will he be angry with her?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Elizabeth does not know why one day everyone turned on her, she never did anything wrong. When Drake, the hottest guy in school steps in on a girl giving her a hard time, it brings more attention to her. Now he and his friends are her constant companions looking out for her during the school day.
When she finds out she is pregnant, will he be angry with her?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2023
This is such a good one, it’s a somewhat short story but still just as good! I have yet to find a story written by T.O. Smith that isn’t amazing! I loved this one so much! It’s like an instant love story with a man who comes to her rescue and does everything he can to help her and make sure she is safe. I love this one so much! I can’t wait to see how it ends but I know already I am going to love it! I’m so looking forward to another one no matter what type of romance it is going to be! T.O. Smith does not disappoint! Great work!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2023
This is a short novella. It has bullying, sports romance, pregnancy romance, western romance, and high school romance. Elizabeth is being bullied in high school. Drake, a football player, comes to her rescue. Drake falls hard and fast for Elizabeth. Drake becomes Elizabeth's protector. Drake and his family are sweet. Elizabeth finds herself in trouble and needing help. Can Drake save Elizabeth in time? Definitely NOT a fan of Elizabeth's parents. I did like Drake's friends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2023
I love all things T.O. writes and this book just gave all the good feels. Super short read but everything was summed up to perfection. Elizabeth has had a hard life and high school was behind horrible for her. Sexy god like Drake steps in and becomes Elizabeth’s protector. Nothing will stop him from taking care of his girl. I loved how amazing Drakes parents were and the super strong bond he has with all his football buddies.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2023
I picked this book because of that gorgeous cover and yes T.O. Smith is a new to me author so didn't know what to expect.
This is a sweet short novella focused on Drake and Elizabeth's story, the author jumps into action, so it's almost an instalove situation and the characters are wonderful, however the lack of closure in a lot of situations during the book made me feel like to story had too many loose ends and I ended up with a lot of questions.
Elizabeth is a sweet, shy heroine and Drake is the protector, strong character, the relationship is beautiful and it ends in a HEA.
This is a sweet short novella focused on Drake and Elizabeth's story, the author jumps into action, so it's almost an instalove situation and the characters are wonderful, however the lack of closure in a lot of situations during the book made me feel like to story had too many loose ends and I ended up with a lot of questions.
Elizabeth is a sweet, shy heroine and Drake is the protector, strong character, the relationship is beautiful and it ends in a HEA.
August 3, 2023
Southern protector is a novella, so everything happens very quickly, and yet we feel all the intensity of this story.
There are sensitive subjects in this book (stalking, forced abortion, neglectful parents etc...)
Drake is a true protector and will do anything to protect Elizabeth. And thanks to him, she'll finally discover what it's like to have a real family.
It's a beautiful love story, where even though the characters are young, they're no less intense.
I really liked the relationship Elizabeth created with Drake's friends <3
There are sensitive subjects in this book (stalking, forced abortion, neglectful parents etc...)
Drake is a true protector and will do anything to protect Elizabeth. And thanks to him, she'll finally discover what it's like to have a real family.
It's a beautiful love story, where even though the characters are young, they're no less intense.
I really liked the relationship Elizabeth created with Drake's friends <3
August 11, 2023
Loved this story! Cinnamon roll hero, soft, sweet and gooey for his girl- protective, possessive, and will do anything for her once he decides she’s his. Sweet, bullied heroine. They’re perfect together and their HEA is just as sweet.
Two things I wish were addressed (SPOILER ALERT):
1) Why does the whole school decide she deserves the bullying? H and h are both clueless about it
2) What happens to Whitney after she attacks h? As an invested reader I was out for vengeance!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two things I wish were addressed (SPOILER ALERT):
1) Why does the whole school decide she deserves the bullying? H and h are both clueless about it
2) What happens to Whitney after she attacks h? As an invested reader I was out for vengeance!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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