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Protector Next Door
Natalie Wilder and Luca Marino's one-night stand turned into seven years of silence—until fate reunites them.
Now, they're not just neighbors, but also colleagues, with a secret child between them.
The catch? Luca has no idea he's a father.
As they navigate the professional and personal minefield, passion flares.
Their love, once a flicker, ignites into a blazing inferno.
But the dangerous child kidnapping case Luca is working on threatens not only their newfound connection but also their lives.
With danger closing in and shadows from Natalie's past resurfacing, will they conquer the risks and rewrite their story, or will the flames of love be extinguished forever?
The clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher.
**Authors This is a standalone HEA guaranteed romantic suspense novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat. While experiencing an adrenaline rush, you will be bombarded with all of the feels in this steamy love story. Trigger there is a kidnapping case and off-page domestic violence reference.
Five Star Reviews!
"Full of action and suspense. Once I started reading couldn't put it down."
"This is a great story. I couldn't put it down. I was caught up in the action from the first page."
"I highly recommend this page turner that will have you blushing and cheering and biting your nails."
Now, they're not just neighbors, but also colleagues, with a secret child between them.
The catch? Luca has no idea he's a father.
As they navigate the professional and personal minefield, passion flares.
Their love, once a flicker, ignites into a blazing inferno.
But the dangerous child kidnapping case Luca is working on threatens not only their newfound connection but also their lives.
With danger closing in and shadows from Natalie's past resurfacing, will they conquer the risks and rewrite their story, or will the flames of love be extinguished forever?
The clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher.
**Authors This is a standalone HEA guaranteed romantic suspense novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat. While experiencing an adrenaline rush, you will be bombarded with all of the feels in this steamy love story. Trigger there is a kidnapping case and off-page domestic violence reference.
Five Star Reviews!
"Full of action and suspense. Once I started reading couldn't put it down."
"This is a great story. I couldn't put it down. I was caught up in the action from the first page."
"I highly recommend this page turner that will have you blushing and cheering and biting your nails."
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2024
About the author
Ava Ruston
16 books27 followersOkay, so picture this - I'm sitting at my laptop, typing away furiously on my latest romantic suspense novel, and suddenly I catch my husband looking at me with a mischievous grin.
He caught me blushing! I can't help it, though. When I get lost in the world of my characters, it's like I'm living out their escapades and adventures right alongside them.
I'm Ava Ruston, the mastermind behind all the twists, turns, and passionate scenes in my novels. From heart-pounding life-or-death suspense to strong alpha guys with their off-limits lovers, I bring it all to life on the pages of my books.
So, next time you see a book from me, just know that I'm squirming and blushing right alongside you. It's all part of the magic of being a romance author like me.
Love and Hugs,
Ava
He caught me blushing! I can't help it, though. When I get lost in the world of my characters, it's like I'm living out their escapades and adventures right alongside them.
I'm Ava Ruston, the mastermind behind all the twists, turns, and passionate scenes in my novels. From heart-pounding life-or-death suspense to strong alpha guys with their off-limits lovers, I bring it all to life on the pages of my books.
So, next time you see a book from me, just know that I'm squirming and blushing right alongside you. It's all part of the magic of being a romance author like me.
Love and Hugs,
Ava
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 10, 2024
Natalie Wilder and Luca Marino's one-night stand turned into seven years of silence—until fate reunites them.
Now, they're not just neighbors, but also colleagues, with a secret child between them.
The catch? Luca has no idea he's a father.
As they navigate the professional and personal minefield, passion flares.
Their love, once a flicker, ignites into a blazing inferno.
But the dangerous child kidnapping case Luca is working on threatens not only their newfound connection but also their lives.
With danger closing in and shadows from Natalie's past resurfacing, will they conquer the risks and rewrite their story, or will the flames of love be extinguished forever?
The clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Luca and Natalie’s story - seeing it develop from a one night stand seven years ago to Luca finding he has a daughter. A thoroughly enjoyable read from one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Will they find and stop the child kidnapping ring operating locally and the surrounding area? Will Luca and Natalie end up together as a happy family unit?
From page to page, and chapter to chapter, you will not be able to put this book down! I absolutely loved this story filled with love, drama, family, friendship, passion - you will love it! Highly recommended 😊😊
Now, they're not just neighbors, but also colleagues, with a secret child between them.
The catch? Luca has no idea he's a father.
As they navigate the professional and personal minefield, passion flares.
Their love, once a flicker, ignites into a blazing inferno.
But the dangerous child kidnapping case Luca is working on threatens not only their newfound connection but also their lives.
With danger closing in and shadows from Natalie's past resurfacing, will they conquer the risks and rewrite their story, or will the flames of love be extinguished forever?
The clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Luca and Natalie’s story - seeing it develop from a one night stand seven years ago to Luca finding he has a daughter. A thoroughly enjoyable read from one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Will they find and stop the child kidnapping ring operating locally and the surrounding area? Will Luca and Natalie end up together as a happy family unit?
From page to page, and chapter to chapter, you will not be able to put this book down! I absolutely loved this story filled with love, drama, family, friendship, passion - you will love it! Highly recommended 😊😊
January 10, 2024
A Hot Deputy Marshal and a Second Chance...
This is not a short and quick read at 357 pages but that doesn't mean that I didn't zip through this book! I was a little daunted at first because I've been reading a lot of books that are around 200 pages max...but I should've known better because I've completely enjoyed every one of Ava's books that I've read so far. There is romance, suspense, and drama and it is one heck of a page-turner.
I LOVED this book and literally found myself clenching my teeth during the suspense, giggling like a schoolgirl during the romantic moments, and getting excited and smiling for the heart-warming moments. I found this to be such a well-told story with excellent world-building and character development.
When Luca and Natalie first met, you could feel the heat and connection between the two, and what a way to leave each other hanging...it was poor communication, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities that kept them separated for nearly 7 years. It wasn't a surprise once they found out they were now co-workers after Natalie moved from Nashville to Clarksburg that all those old feelings would resurface. Add the shock of discovering they were also neighbors across the street from each other and it was only a matter of time before they acted on their curiosities and the gravitational pull that they felt for one another. So many surprises and conflicts arise that add to their complicated lives. Left me on the edge of my seat!
I love Luca's personality...he doesn't ignore his feelings and he's honest and loyal. Natalie is pretty awesome too. She's a wonderful mother and trying to restart their lives somewhere new, leaving her family to make sure her daughter is safe as they flee from her abusive ex-boyfriend in Nashville. Natalie is smart and independent and knows what she wants.
I recommend this book very highly to anyone who enjoys suspenseful and thrilling romances with hints of the following tropes... forbidden and off-limits, next-door neighbor, secret baby, single mom, alpha male contemporary romances.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is not a short and quick read at 357 pages but that doesn't mean that I didn't zip through this book! I was a little daunted at first because I've been reading a lot of books that are around 200 pages max...but I should've known better because I've completely enjoyed every one of Ava's books that I've read so far. There is romance, suspense, and drama and it is one heck of a page-turner.
I LOVED this book and literally found myself clenching my teeth during the suspense, giggling like a schoolgirl during the romantic moments, and getting excited and smiling for the heart-warming moments. I found this to be such a well-told story with excellent world-building and character development.
When Luca and Natalie first met, you could feel the heat and connection between the two, and what a way to leave each other hanging...it was poor communication, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities that kept them separated for nearly 7 years. It wasn't a surprise once they found out they were now co-workers after Natalie moved from Nashville to Clarksburg that all those old feelings would resurface. Add the shock of discovering they were also neighbors across the street from each other and it was only a matter of time before they acted on their curiosities and the gravitational pull that they felt for one another. So many surprises and conflicts arise that add to their complicated lives. Left me on the edge of my seat!
I love Luca's personality...he doesn't ignore his feelings and he's honest and loyal. Natalie is pretty awesome too. She's a wonderful mother and trying to restart their lives somewhere new, leaving her family to make sure her daughter is safe as they flee from her abusive ex-boyfriend in Nashville. Natalie is smart and independent and knows what she wants.
I recommend this book very highly to anyone who enjoys suspenseful and thrilling romances with hints of the following tropes... forbidden and off-limits, next-door neighbor, secret baby, single mom, alpha male contemporary romances.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2024
Natalie and Luca had a wonderful night together seven years ago. Then he was called away on business and forgot to leave his number. She ends up pregnant, but doesn't know his last name or how to contact him. An abusive boyfriend causes her to relocate eight hours away. And as fate steps in, it just happens to be where Luca lives, and they work in the same office, and he happens to live next door. Needless to say, he's shocked, but thrilled when he finds out about his six-year-old daughter Allie. Plenty of danger and drama with a serial child kidnapper on the loose, and he's the lead US Marshall on the case. As his relationship with his daughter grows, so does the kidnapper danger. Plenty of drama and angst as the serial killer search continues and Luca is shot, Eventually an HEA and no cliffhanger. I read a free arc via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to give a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2024
This book is absolutely fantastic and will definitely have you enthralled from the beginning until the end and the storyline flows throughout the book. Luca and Natalie have a one night stand that ends up with a pregnancy and daughter. Now 7 years later I'd it fate that they meet up again? Luca is a Marshall and one night stand turned him inside out but didn't know anything but her first name now years later he gets a shock of his life seeing her again and that he has a daughter, but now kids are being kidnapped . Can he save his own daughter? Natalie ex wants her back what extreme will he go to get her back? This book was so good and will definitely have you sitting on the edge of your seat. It definitely has all the right feels and so much more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2024
Rescuing Their Daughter . . .
This story focuses on Luca Marino and Natalie Wilder who have a one-night-stand. Luca, a US Marshall, has to rush out to take care of a work emergency and doesn’t think to leave his phone number or contact information for Natalie. She assumes this is just a way to avoid being with her, so she hurries out of his room at the hotel. So when she later realizes she is pregnant, she has no way to get in touch with him. But Fate seems to be taking an active part in their almost-relationship when 7 years later they end up in the same area and have their chance to reconnect. Will he be happy to meet his daughter, Allie? Will they be ready to become a family? Or will her stalker ex-boyfriend Sebastian Hart from Natalie’s past find her and put Allie in danger to get what he wants? Can Luca and Natalie get her back safely and put Sebastian behind bars?
This story focuses on Luca Marino and Natalie Wilder who have a one-night-stand. Luca, a US Marshall, has to rush out to take care of a work emergency and doesn’t think to leave his phone number or contact information for Natalie. She assumes this is just a way to avoid being with her, so she hurries out of his room at the hotel. So when she later realizes she is pregnant, she has no way to get in touch with him. But Fate seems to be taking an active part in their almost-relationship when 7 years later they end up in the same area and have their chance to reconnect. Will he be happy to meet his daughter, Allie? Will they be ready to become a family? Or will her stalker ex-boyfriend Sebastian Hart from Natalie’s past find her and put Allie in danger to get what he wants? Can Luca and Natalie get her back safely and put Sebastian behind bars?
January 23, 2024
Natalie and Luca had a one-night stand 7 years ago. They went their separate ways. After that 7 years have passed they are surprised to find themselves as co-workers and it's apparent the spark between them never left either. They then find out that they are neighbors and things boil over. There are a lot of secrets between them, but when Natalie needs help, there's no doubt Luca is going to be there for her.
This story is romantic, sometimes angsty and suspenseful. I love Luca's character and the way that he could have been really upset about events but he really would just roll with things. He's hurt and he lets Natalie know that, but he doesn't blame her. It's different from what you usually read.
This story is romantic, sometimes angsty and suspenseful. I love Luca's character and the way that he could have been really upset about events but he really would just roll with things. He's hurt and he lets Natalie know that, but he doesn't blame her. It's different from what you usually read.
January 10, 2024
What an action packed steamy romance! It started off with a bang, and never stopped. The hero is a US Marshall, and his life is crazy dangerous. Throw in a new family, and things get crazier. So many action packed scenes from his job, so much love and fun with the heroine, and a scary incident with someone from her past just makes it even more dangerous. I loved watching their love short unfold, and the little girl is so precious, I couldn’t help laughing at her antics! A lot of sweet family moments, sweet couple moments, and lots of steamy love scenes. Definitely recommend this action packed love story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2024
Protector
Natalie Wilder and Luca Merino have history. A one night stand 7 years ago that neither have been able to forget. Some harsh realities led her to flee the town, Nashville, that her loving family inhabits and move to a new town far away to restart her life. Her new job is exciting but she is shocked when on the first day after seven long years Luca Merino walks into her office. This sometimes tragic and heart rending tale unfolds with fear, hope, new beginnings. Life’s cruel machinations seems to deeply strike at the heart of the families of this town. A very good story.
Natalie Wilder and Luca Merino have history. A one night stand 7 years ago that neither have been able to forget. Some harsh realities led her to flee the town, Nashville, that her loving family inhabits and move to a new town far away to restart her life. Her new job is exciting but she is shocked when on the first day after seven long years Luca Merino walks into her office. This sometimes tragic and heart rending tale unfolds with fear, hope, new beginnings. Life’s cruel machinations seems to deeply strike at the heart of the families of this town. A very good story.
January 29, 2024
Natalie relocated herself and her daughter Allie to escape her violent, psychopathic ex and in the process comes face to face with the father of her child. Allie was the result of a one night stand with a handsome guy that she thought she had a connection with but who left whilst she was sleeping.
As the relationship between these two and Allie grows the area is reeling under the fear of repeated child kidnappings.
A fabulous slow burn romance between two likeable individuals with plenty of action, suspense, plot twists and steam.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As the relationship between these two and Allie grows the area is reeling under the fear of repeated child kidnappings.
A fabulous slow burn romance between two likeable individuals with plenty of action, suspense, plot twists and steam.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2024
After a one night stand seven years earlier, Luca and Natalie meet up again over a child kidnapping ring. But Natalie had a secret.
This was a great story, dramatic and suspenseful. I can say their connection was explosive and sweet at the same time but not without friction.
Well written with a great plot and likeable characters.
Very well done!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great story, dramatic and suspenseful. I can say their connection was explosive and sweet at the same time but not without friction.
Well written with a great plot and likeable characters.
Very well done!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2024
Natalie and Luca shared a hot 1-night stand, and now 7-years later fate has destined them to cross paths again.
This is a well written story which is action packed, and has opposites attract, secrets, danger, suspense, intrigue, mystery, chemistry, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and thrilling page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a well written story which is action packed, and has opposites attract, secrets, danger, suspense, intrigue, mystery, chemistry, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and thrilling page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. This is a new author to me & I was wondering what I will find. She did an excellent job of keep me interested in the story. It has suspense, love, romance, friendship & family. I enjoyed how the story developed & sucked you in till the very end. Brilliant.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2024
ABSOLUTELY in Love with this book. The cover, the characters, how Ava writes the book is absolutely breathtaking. When you read a book and you feel not only drawn into the characters but how everything unfolds in my opinion that makes for a really great book. That is exactly what this book did for me and so much more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2024
This book was the perfect small town mystery romance! From a one night stand to finding each other again, Natalie and Luca go through ups and downs while kicking butt together and finding their happily ever after! The mystery in their story kept me wondering and excited to know how it all ended!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2024
4.5 Fateful Stars!
Is it coincidence or is it fate? I enjoyed how this one played out. Natalie and Allie needed Lucas in their life, their relationship was easy and fun, they just fit together. The chemistry between Natalie and Lucas felt right, not forced. and Allie was a perfect addition. I liked that there was suspense, as well as romance, the plot flowed well and had me engaged int he story and flipping page to see what happens next.
Is it coincidence or is it fate? I enjoyed how this one played out. Natalie and Allie needed Lucas in their life, their relationship was easy and fun, they just fit together. The chemistry between Natalie and Lucas felt right, not forced. and Allie was a perfect addition. I liked that there was suspense, as well as romance, the plot flowed well and had me engaged int he story and flipping page to see what happens next.
March 10, 2024
LGJ
Such a beautiful story of love and the different encounters only made their life and love stronger. We strive to find our soulmate. What they through was lost was found seven years later. Ending with married to the love of your life, a daughter, and a surprise confirmed pregnancy of an another child on the way. Looking forward to reading other books by this author.
Such a beautiful story of love and the different encounters only made their life and love stronger. We strive to find our soulmate. What they through was lost was found seven years later. Ending with married to the love of your life, a daughter, and a surprise confirmed pregnancy of an another child on the way. Looking forward to reading other books by this author.
January 6, 2024
This is a great second chance/romantic suspense.. I liked it very much.. Interesting and likeable characters, and compelling storyline..
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2024
He is living next door to her and he will soon become her protector when life becomes more dangerous and difficult for him. It may not be an easy journey but he will be there for her no matter what. What is going to happen? How will it all go? See just what is going to happen for them
January 20, 2024
A well written story with great characters.
Full of action, suspense and mystery.
Once you start reading you won't want to put it down.
Definitely would recommend reading this book.
I was given an advanced reader copy from booksprout and I voluntarily leave this review.
Full of action, suspense and mystery.
Once you start reading you won't want to put it down.
Definitely would recommend reading this book.
I was given an advanced reader copy from booksprout and I voluntarily leave this review.
February 1, 2024
This was an amazing page turner. All the emotions Luca went through could be felt when reading it. Luca is that hero we want and need by our side. The love he has for Allie and Nat is beautiful.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2024
Love how the story progressed with a one night stand reconnecting, an unknown child and lots of suspense. Great read from beginning to the end.
April 2, 2024
Such a great book! Full of suspense and surprises. Definitely a page turner that keeps you drawn in til the very end!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews