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Dearest Protector

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From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author J.S. Scott comes the long-awaited follow-up to Dearest Stalker! This is Ben Blackwood and Ariel Prescott's story.


At the young age of twenty-three, I felt like my life was over.

One accident, one incident that I couldn't even remember, had stolen my successful New York ballet career that I had worked so hard for since my early childhood.

Now, I was back home in Florida trying to eke out a living with very few job skills and not a single person who cared about me except my best friend, Katie.

And then I met Benjamin Blackwood, a brilliant, gorgeous billionaire, in probably the most mortifyingly embarrassing way possible.

Even though we'd never even met before, he offered me a deal and a chance at a new life that I literally couldn't afford to turn down, and for the first time, I began to believe that I could be happy without my dancing career.

I found my new career. I found myself. I found my confidence and joy again. I found red-hot passion and intimacy for the very first time with a man who made me feel things I never thought possible.

Suddenly, my life was nearly perfect.

Until the day when I realized Ben Blackwood's real motivation for stepping up to save me in the first place...

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2023

214 people are currently reading
112 people want to read

About the author

Lane Parker

10 books328 followers
Lane Parker is an alter-ego of J.S. Scott. She got sucked into reading romance since her teenage years. She reads all kinds of romance books, the hotter the better. She writes what she loves, hot happily ever after contemporary romance stories that feature strong women and bossy Alpha Males.

For latest updates, bonus content and special goodies please join my newsletter at: http://bit.ly/1msPHkz

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You are welcome to write to me at: jsscott_author@hotmail.com

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5 stars
293 (55%)
4 stars
139 (26%)
3 stars
68 (12%)
2 stars
22 (4%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Cathy.
521 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2023
I have been eagerly awaiting Benjamin Blackwood’s story. We were introduced to him in Dearest Stalker. Ian’s brother is even better than I anticipated. Ariel was a lead ballerina and after an accident in NYC she returns to Florida. She lost everything and an interference by Ben turns her world upside. Their friendship grows as Ariel needs to find herself and on her journey Ben is there as her fiercely loyal protector. However there is one tiny blip in their friendship that can change its trajectory. I absolutely loved these two. I mean what’s not to love about an overly protective billionaire and a women who truly sees him and not his money. And it was also nice to catch up with Ian, Katie and their mom. Love the way this story is written. Jan is a master wordsmith who pulls you in from page one to the very last. You can’t help but root for these two.
1,382 reviews10 followers
July 7, 2023
Dearest Protector, is so full of
emotions that it pulled at my
heartstrings.
Ariel, made one misstep that
changed her life. And with that
misstep, Ben finally found what
he has always been longing for.
Wonderful characters that
adds even more to the story.
Ben & Ariel's chemistry is amazing.
It's a feel-good, steamy & moving
romance that captivates you
from the first to last page.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,886 reviews56 followers
July 7, 2023
4.5 Protector Stars🌟

Dearest Protector is the newest book by this author and follows the story of Ariel, prima ballerina🩰 and Ben Blackwood, billionaire and CEO 💵

Ariel is injured in New York and she moves to Florida to start over when she has fully recovered. Taking jobs to make ends meet, she is unfortunately stuck with an abusive boss, until Ben steps in🥰
Ben is a born protector and he refuses to let any man or person abuse/hurt Ariel. He offers her a job to get back and her feet and she accepts❣️

A really great story and I liked Ariel and Ben immensely. A lit bit repetitive but I understand that’s part of the story and an emotional few pages towards the end that I needed tissues for😭 I definitely recommend reading this story and Ian and Katie’s story from Dearest Stalker first if you want to pick this one up😁

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest ♥️
Profile Image for Lacy.
146 reviews24 followers
July 7, 2023

Amazing Book!
I have been waiting for Ben and Ariel's story, Dearest Protector, for a while.

It was everything I knew it would be. Ariel has been through a terrible accident that has changed her life. Her love for dancing and dreams of being a ballerina have been taken from her.

Ben has watched over Ariel from a distance, her protector but fate brings them together and it becomes difficult for Ben not to show his true feelings for Ariel.

Ariel has let her guard down with Ben. She’s been through terrible pain and has started to feel comfortable in her own skin and letting Ben show her what love is, but Ben is hiding a secret.

I loved this book, it’s passionate, romantic and emotional. You should read Dearest Stalker first before reading this book.
Profile Image for Becky Jean.
997 reviews13 followers
July 8, 2023
Dearest Protector by J S. Scott (writing as Lane Parker) was a wonderful book. It was Ariel and Ben's story. Great storyline. Tragic event. Secrets. Friendships. Love. Drama. Some really hot sexiness. A very HEA. Perfect! I will definitely go back and read Kate and Ian's book, Dearest Stalker. Kudos!
14 reviews
August 28, 2023
Story line was good. I just had a hard time getting through it, some areas where very slow. Also, I don't know if it was a word count thing, but I was really getting annoyed at the constant use of the main characters last name, I mean ok halfway through the book you don't need to still use the last name when talking about the other character, we know who you are talking about.
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,353 reviews22 followers
July 23, 2023
Ariel Prescott was a prolific ballet dancer before her career-ending accident. Ariel’s best friend, Katie, invited her to a party for her stepmother where she met Ben Blackwood. Ariel was getting attacked by her abusive boss. Ben quickly put a stop to the abuse and offered Ariel a job as his personal assistant. Ariel is a proud woman and took some convincing before accepting the job that came with an apartment in a better neighborhood and a substantial salary. Ben also helped Ariel with a new business venture.

What Ariel did not know is that Ben knew Ariel and kept up with her as much as he could from a far. After seeing her perform as the principle dancer in Swan Lake, Ben’s heart was hers. Unfortunately right before he was able to meet her formally, she had the accident. During recovery, Ariel was pretty much alone. Katie was visiting as much as a struggling college student could but that left Ariel to get through months of surgeries and physical therapy in the hospital by herself.

Ariel and Ben get closer but there is a secret between them. The attraction is even bigger. The two cannot stay away from one another. Ben knows he needs to come clean before things get physical but he cannot deny his feelings for Ariel. Ariel is a sweet girl who had been through so much. Ben didn’t know how she would react when he finally told her the truth.

Lane Parker knows how to turn a stalker into a hero. Ben and Ariel story fits that narrative. The way Ben cares for Ariel will have readers pleading for them to finally make it real.
Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
2,214 reviews20 followers
July 7, 2023
“Dearest Protector” is a captivating, sweet and emotional billionaire romance that pulled me in from the beginning and had a great plot twist.

Ariel has lived and breathed ballet since she was a little girl and worked her whole life to make it as a ballerina. But after a tragic accident left her unable to dance, she moved to Florida for a fresh start. Struggling to pay the bills, she takes a job as a personal assistant to Ben Blackwood. Ben is one of the brothers behind Blackwood Technologies and has worked hard to make it successful. Ben hired Ariel to help her find herself again after her accident but also has a secret connection to her that she doesn’t know about.

I loved Ariel from the beginning and connected with her right away. Her drive to be a ballerina and then picking herself up after she lost her ability to dance from her accident. A complete freak accident that changed her life forever. She’s so kind, genuine and just wants the best for friends. Ben is also so kind and I loved how protective he is of Ariel. From making sure she was safe and had everything she needed. It had a plot twist I never saw coming and I loved it so much. It added depth to the story and made it unputdownable for me. They built a solid relationship from friendship and I loved their story so much.
2,002 reviews8 followers
July 24, 2023
Sweet and schmexy billionaire and ballerina…

This was a lovely mixed bag of romance genres. Cinderella-esque – hard not to be when an injured, recovering ballerina is helped up by a handsome billionaire. It was also family/friend-centric as supporting characters, and Ben, were not strangers to followers of this author…

Ben was focused on ensuring Ariel got everything she needed while he tried to temper the attraction he felt for her. Ariel was still reeling from the new direction her life had taken but soon realized he was everything she could have asked for. The only thing was, could he be too good to be true…

Their love story unfolded with typical early day ups and downs but I was always waiting for that unknown shoe to drop. There was more to their story. Something that could put a spanner in the whole thing… Told from dual point of views, I was teased by knowing there was something, but not what that something could be. Forced (grudgingly lol) to find out along with Ariel, their relationship grew until the big reveal….

There is an HEA, don’t worry, and it was just what I’d hoped for….

*I happily reviewed this story
Profile Image for Theresa  Dixon.
79 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2023
I honestly am at a loss for words while trying to write this review. 😕 I have read just about every book Mrs Scott has wrote and always say this is the best. HAHAHA Well be darn if I ain't gonna say it again. YESSS THE BEST. Ben and Ariel has your heart speeding up threw the chapters. Ariel is a ballerina, Heck that's all she know, so when she's told she can't do the one thing she loves agin because of ( Oh wait you thought I was gonna tell you didn't you. Hahahah u mist read and find out what happens. What will she do? Ben as u know a Lil about from Mrs Scott's previous book is a rich beautiful man that works. Lol What part does he play in Ariels life? Again my friends U MUST READ TO FIND OUT. Hahah Thank u JS SCOTT for another amazing story that is filled with lots of emotion and wanting to turn the page too read more. I'm so glad my daughter told me about one of ur books. [ The Vampire Coalition Series ]. All those years ago. Haven't stopped ready irs amazing books since. THIS IA A MUST READ
Profile Image for Haidee.
108 reviews
August 18, 2023
Finally, the sequel to Dearest Stalker has arrived! Get ready to fall in love with Ben Blackwood and Ariel. Ben runs Blackwood Technologies alongside his brother Ian. Ariel has a promising career as a principal ballet dancer until she gets in an accident which ends her career and dreams in the dancing world.

After the accident Ariel moves and between all the surgeries needed and her lack of higher education, she is struggling financially to make ends meet, she refuses to accept help from her best friend Katie, Ben’s sister-in-law. Ariel finds a job as a personal assistant for a man who verbally abuses her and who happens to coincide with her at a party at Ben’s mom house. Ben, happened to see Ariels boss firsthand verbally abusing her, he comes to Ariel’s defense and takes it upon himself to protect her. For Ariel she believes this is the first time they have met but little does she know he has known her longer than night.

Ben offers Ariel a job as his personal assistant and that is the beginning of chemistry and slow burn of this friends to lover’s romance.
Profile Image for Juli Jansen kohl.
48 reviews
July 7, 2023
The story of Ben and Aerial is finally here.
Ariel was a lead ballerina for a company in NYC. She has a bizarre accident and her world changes forever. She decides to return to Florida start over. Aerial has nothing. Her world is totally different as she invisionioned due to her accident. She finds herself in a surreal situation at a party for Ben's mother when she is confronted and Ben comes to her rescue. Ben turns her world upside down. As time passes their friendship blossoms. Ariel needs to find herself again and Ben helps her with a job and guidance for her next project. Ben will do whatever it takes to protect Aerial. Their feelings grow strong as each day passes. There is a problem that lingers and if found out could drastically change this blooming friendship into nothing. I truly enjoyed their story and love how it keeps you guessing what's next. I absolutely loved these two. Jan again has out done herself.

185 reviews6 followers
July 7, 2023
Ben and Ariel's story sucked me in so badly! I didn't want to put it down (I read the first 21 chapters without stopping). It flows so easily and they are both really easy to relate to.

Ben is a protector at heart and he just wants to take care of Ariel. She has been through a heart breaking event and is just finding her feet again,  but he's there to support her at every turn.

I really liked Ben. I thought he was such a great book boyfriend! And he and Ariel worked so well together. The pace of their romance was so appropriate to their story, too. No rush; just a really lovely build-up.

I was totally along for the ride while watching Ben and Ariel find their way from friendship to something special. JS Scott is one of my favourite authors and she has confirmed her spot on that list once again with this story.

Thank you to JS Scott for my copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Shelley.
697 reviews4 followers
July 7, 2023
Dearest Protector is the second in a duet with Dearest Stalker (about Ben's brother and co-CEO, Ian). Both stories can be read as stand-alone books.

Ben Blackwood is a billionaire co-CEO of Blackwood Technologies. Ariel is principal dancer for a New York City ballet company. Ariel was hit by a taxi on the way to an after ballet meet and greet. She had many surgeries and months of physical therapy to be able to walk again. She is never going to dance professionally as again.

Ariel is attending a party for Ben and Ian's Mom when Ben sees Ariel's boss beIng abusive with her. He stops her boss, quit her job for her and offers her a job himself.

They are attracted to each other, and fight that attraction, each for their own reasons. Agreeing to be friends, they become close. Over time, their friendship growing into more slowly. Their love story is touching and sometimes sad. You will find yourself cheering for their happily ever after. Enjoy Dearest Protector.

466 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2023
When Ben finds Ariel being manhandled by her terrible boss he kicks him out to protect her. As Katie visits Ariel and realizes just how dire her situation is she knows she has to help in any way she can. When Katie tells Ben he comes to Ariels rescue once again by offering her a job and a safe place to live. Now that her career as a ballerina is over, her options are limited. Ben helps Ariel find herself and her worth but then we find out his connection to Ariel and once he confesses she bolts. In her heart of hearts she knew he would never hurt her intentionally. Life was filled with pain and joy. One didn't exist without the other and anything worth having is worth some pain. The Blackwood brothers are intense when it comes to the women they love. Ian fell for Katie first and Ben fell for her best friend Ariel, how much more perfect could it be. Best friends and sisters for life. Blood doesn't always love you back, but you can choose who you consider your family.

Profile Image for L.A.A. Law.
Author 7 books2 followers
July 7, 2023
If you are looking for a wonderful start to your summer reading, pick up Dearest Protector and fall in love with Ben Blackwood and Ariel. Ben is a protector through and through, but as he moves to protect a woman who captured his attention from the moment he first saw her, she steals his heart and makes him a better man and an amazing partner. Despite having to leave her dance career and dreams behind, Ariel and her strength of character and creative soul is the perfect match for the industrious and sexy as hell billionaire. Enter their world and warm your heart as you get lost in their love story. You can read this story alone, but if you haven’t read Dearest Stalker, I strongly suggest you pick up that read as well and watch how Ben’s older brother Ian finds love and life again with his soulmate Kate. Happy reading.
Profile Image for Heather Mcsweeney.
126 reviews
July 14, 2023
The long awaited sequel to Dearest Stalker has finally arrived and we finally get to swoon over Ben Blackwood and his leading lady, Ariel. Ben is co-CEO of Blackwood Technologies alongside his brother, Ian, which has made him a very wealthy man. Ariel, best friend of Katie, who is Ian’s significant other, was in a tragic accident, ending her ballet career as a principle dancer in NYC. No longer able to dance, Ariel finds a job as a personal assistant which turns into an abusive relationship. Ben, who happens to see Ariel’s boss with his hands on her, takes it upon himself to protect her, even though he’s been doing it much longer than Ariel knows.

You must read this story of healing, angst, friendship, and love to determine if Ariel and Ben’s connection is greater than him just watching out for her. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for more works by this author!
Profile Image for Vilma .
875 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2023
Ariel Prescott lost her ballet career in a freak accident in NYC crossing a street. Ben Blackwood saves Ariel at the scene, yet Ariel has no recollection. Ariel’s next encounter with Ben is when he protects her from her abusive boss at a party hosted by his mother.

Ben goes out of his way to change Ariel’s circumstances, but Ariel has to work on her own self-esteem and persona.

I loved the chemistry and slow burn of this friends to lovers romance. Ariel was allowed to grieve the loss of her first love, ballet, while healing and learning her new talents at the urging of Ben and her best friend, Katie.

There’s a happy ending and a look into their future as well as catching us with Ian and Katie from Dearest Stalker.
676 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2023
Possessive Ben and needy Aeriel

I liked the way Ben took care of his family and the people he loved. I also thought he was a bit too hard on himself and took responsibility for things out of his control. Aeriel thought only of dancing and when that was over she was lost. She wanted to be independent but had no resourses and Katie was her only friend.

I like books written with a dual point of view however their thoughts keep going on and on. Eventually I started skipping sections where they were going over the same things. I had a good storyline but could have been presented differently. Sometimes less is more. I sincerely hope you will try it and make up your own mind. It has merit just not so much for me.
432 reviews
August 7, 2023
When Ariel met Ben there was something about him that made her feel safe. Little did she know he was the stranger with her during the terrible accident that destroyed her career and tore her life to pieces. She’s been lost since her accident, Ben has never forgotten her. Now that he has found her again he will do everything within his power to help her find a new life. He’s overbearing, bossy, loyal, caring and protective of those he loves and he most definitely loves Ariel. From friends to lovers – but what happens when Ariel discovers who Ben really is? This is a good follow up to Dearest Stalker. For all the angst and heartbreak, there is also friendship, love and a chance to see the real Ben Blackwood. He can be my protector any day!
2,063 reviews31 followers
July 7, 2023
I absolutely loved Ben and Ariel and definitely need to read Stalker Dearest for sure. Ariel had it all, her dream career and on the move and one decision changed it all in a blink of an eye. Ben made a mistake and now he has a second chance with Ariel to make things right. Ben gives her a place to stay, a job and they are learning things about each other and getting closer as friends, but Ben wants more and when the opportunity presents itself he doesn’t miss a beat, but he’s harboring a secret and if that came to light it could ruin everything he’s ever wanted and that’s Ariel. Such a great read.
Profile Image for Queen B.
1,586 reviews30 followers
July 10, 2023
Sometimes I just want an obsessive hero that will do anything he can for his FMC. And J.S. Scott always delivers.

Dearest Protector is technically a standalone but is the brother of the MMC from Dearest Stalker. Ben manages his obsession and devotion in a different way from Ian…no stalking, just basically becoming Ariel’s boss so he can make sure she’s safe and okay.

I loved the communication between them. There was an obvious “he has a secret!!” trope, but Ben just wants to be honest and couldn’t keep it in. His relationship with Ariel was sweet and I enjoyed the progression from friendship to more.

Another sweet and satisfying read from J.S. Scott.
Profile Image for Meghan901.
1,194 reviews28 followers
July 11, 2023
5 ⭐️

Dearest Protector is the latest novel by Lane Parker (JS Scott) and it was so good! I honestly could not put it down. The emotions, the characters…seriously everything about this story is why I love Ms. Scott’s writing so much.

Ben and Ariel were two incredible characters. Their chemistry was palpable and I could not get enough of them! After a tragedy strikes, Ariel is on a path that changes everything for her. Meeting Ben changes her life in a way that had me falling head over heels in love with Ben.

I loved this book so much! Everything about it was pure perfection! Highly recommend reading it!
Profile Image for Mireille.
748 reviews6 followers
July 17, 2023
I’ve been looking forward to reading Ben’s story and I wasn’t disappointed. Ariel is a ballet dancer who’s severely injured and can no longer dance. She leaves New York to return home to Florida. She mets Ben under extremely embarrassing circumstances. Ben is fascinated with her and does everything he can to help her get back on her feet (no pun intended). Jam’s books all have a similar theme. Billionaire rescues the woman(whether she wants rescuing or not!). He provides the support and environment to allow her to become a strong and independent woman. I like these books. They are an easy relaxing read and I look forward to reading the next book that Jan writes.
Profile Image for Rejane.
1,366 reviews63 followers
November 2, 2023
DNF.
The 2 stars are for the hero. The conflict/secret was a ridiculous reason for the heroine to doubt hero’s loyalty. I just dislike stupidity from a female character,specially in the situation she found herself in,completely broken and jobless and male character gave her all the support and help she needed to get back on her feet. Anyway, I didn’t finish the book. Stopped at chapter 21 (I think there are 30 chapters) and I have zero curiosity how they’re going get back together.
In days like the one the world is going right now, I have no patience for ungrateful people, even for the ones in a fictional world.
Profile Image for Patti.
1,407 reviews10 followers
July 7, 2023
A long anticipated book that will captivate you and you can not help but fall in love with Ben and Ariel!! A tragic accident happens and creates a path that can not be changed. Ariel is broken and Ben picks her up makes her feel whole again!! This couple have this amazing chemistry but have a hard time staying in the friend zone!! After a misunderstanding and things unsaid this fragile love is tested but thank goodness love wins out!! Grab this love story and fall in love with this couple!!
779 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2023
Ariel & Ben were a perfect match. This book takes place straight after Dearest Stalker and although you can read this without having read that one i would read Dearest Stalker first if you want a non spoiled read. Ben is everything we thought he was and he will do everything in his power to protect Ariel. I also loved the friendship which we saw in the first book shine through between Ariel & Katie and how they are more like sisters. I loved this book and it was a page turner and loved the mystery which i kept thinking i had figured out. Another great read from JS Scott.
Profile Image for Andrea Oczvirkova.
177 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2023
When Ben saw first time Ariel, he was like thunderstruck. But she was beyond his reach, so he let her go. But when he met her second time, he didn´t want to let her slip away from him.
Dancing was Ariel life. But when an accident took it from her, she struggles to survive. After Ben rescued her from abusive boss, she is once again in a bind. She doesn´t have, work, she cannot pay even her bills... Will she accept Ben´s offer? And is it really without string? What happen when the past threaten to destroy their newfound happiness?
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,987 reviews16 followers
July 7, 2023
Dearest Protector by J. S. Scott and Lane Parker is the story of Ben and Aerial. This book is a spin off of the book 'Dearest Stalker' but this can be a standalone book if you wish to do so I felt. But I highly recommend reading that one too as it is so good. Aerial had wanted to be a ballerina all her life and was in the throws of living that dream when an accident happened that stopped it. Now she is trying to rebuild her life in Florida but it off to a rocky start. Then she meets Benjamin Blackwood and he comes in to be her protector. Loved this book!

114 reviews
July 7, 2023
Sometimes when life gives you lemons, you end up with a billionaire. That's certainly what happened to Ariel. She "found" Ben at one of the lowest and troubling times of her life. Not only did he help her job wise but Ben also helped Ariel find herself and her purpose again. Pivoting your career and expectations can be exactly what is needed. And sometimes in the process, you end up with a life you could only dream of and the man of your dreams, too. Ariel certainly does. Ben, well, he couldn't be any happier--Ariel is his.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

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