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Line of Duty #1.5
Protecting What's Theirs
A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...
Possession is nine-tenths of the law. And she belongs to him.
Ginger Peet has never regretted leaving Nashville with her sister and their life-sized statue of Dolly Parton. Now she’s settled in Chicago with Lieutenant Derek Tyler, spending her nights pressed against every inch of his hard, dominating, and panty-meltingly-hot body.
And there’s nowhere Derek would rather be than reminding Ginger—thoroughly and exquisitely—that she belongs to him. But then trouble hits the streets of Chicago. The kind of bust the old-school boys call a "widow-maker." To keep Ginger safe, Derek’s forced to shut her out and keep himself away from her luscious body, or risk losing her forever.
But Ginger has just been presented with some, er, unexpected news. And right now, it’s best she keeps that news to herself. Because Derek stands to lose far more than he knows, until he takes the law—and Ginger—into his own hands one last time...
Possession is nine-tenths of the law. And she belongs to him.
Ginger Peet has never regretted leaving Nashville with her sister and their life-sized statue of Dolly Parton. Now she’s settled in Chicago with Lieutenant Derek Tyler, spending her nights pressed against every inch of his hard, dominating, and panty-meltingly-hot body.
And there’s nowhere Derek would rather be than reminding Ginger—thoroughly and exquisitely—that she belongs to him. But then trouble hits the streets of Chicago. The kind of bust the old-school boys call a "widow-maker." To keep Ginger safe, Derek’s forced to shut her out and keep himself away from her luscious body, or risk losing her forever.
But Ginger has just been presented with some, er, unexpected news. And right now, it’s best she keeps that news to herself. Because Derek stands to lose far more than he knows, until he takes the law—and Ginger—into his own hands one last time...
48 pages, Unknown Binding
First published September 23, 2013
185 people are currently reading
5554 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Bailey
96 books67.4k followersNew York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
May 25, 2017
5 Sweet little treat Stars
“You do what I tell you, Ginger. Or no tongue between your legs.”
In this little novella we get to see a little more of Ginger, and Derek and I for one am glad. I needed more of them. At the end of the first book I thought I would like to see a little more into their future. This book gave me that. Drama, Steam, big secrets, and a big HEA! I even got me a little more dirty talk! I really enjoyed how this novella wrapped everything up for me. And I have always been a sucker for
“Ginger Peet, you were mine the moment I saw you not twenty yards from this spot. I need it to be permanent. I need to call you mine in every sense of the word. Give me that honor and I’ll never give you a reason to doubt me ever again.”
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
“You do what I tell you, Ginger. Or no tongue between your legs.”
In this little novella we get to see a little more of Ginger, and Derek and I for one am glad. I needed more of them. At the end of the first book I thought I would like to see a little more into their future. This book gave me that. Drama, Steam, big secrets, and a big HEA! I even got me a little more dirty talk! I really enjoyed how this novella wrapped everything up for me. And I have always been a sucker for
“Ginger Peet, you were mine the moment I saw you not twenty yards from this spot. I need it to be permanent. I need to call you mine in every sense of the word. Give me that honor and I’ll never give you a reason to doubt me ever again.”
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
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February 17, 2023
Protecting What’s Theirs is book #1.5 in the Line of Duty series by Tessa Bailey. This is a continuation of Ginger and Derek’s story so you need to have read book one, Protecting What’s His, before this one.
Ginger Peet and Derek Tyler have been together for a year now. They couldn’t be happier. Ginger has done well in finally accepting that Derek truly loves her, in trusting in what they have. Derek is completely devoted to Ginger. But when he gets word at work that a notorious crime boss is returning to Chicago, a man that was responsible for the death of a fellow officer, Derek knows he has to prepare for the ultimate take down. These men are the worst of the worst. He knows that one look and Ginger will know how bad this could be so he distances himself from her while preparing for the big raid. In his mind, it is his way of protecting Ginger from the darkest part of his job. What he didn’t realize is that his distance only set her back to where she was doubting everything. And of course, this all happened when Ginger also had some life changing news.
This was a super short novella but it was the perfect way to wrap up Ginger and Derek’s story. Of course, Derek is his usual bossy, grumpy self. But even though these two have been together for a year, they are still navigating their relationship, making mistakes and learning from them. I loved getting this little bit extra from these two. The next book in the series is book two, His Risk to Take.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Ginger Peet and Derek Tyler have been together for a year now. They couldn’t be happier. Ginger has done well in finally accepting that Derek truly loves her, in trusting in what they have. Derek is completely devoted to Ginger. But when he gets word at work that a notorious crime boss is returning to Chicago, a man that was responsible for the death of a fellow officer, Derek knows he has to prepare for the ultimate take down. These men are the worst of the worst. He knows that one look and Ginger will know how bad this could be so he distances himself from her while preparing for the big raid. In his mind, it is his way of protecting Ginger from the darkest part of his job. What he didn’t realize is that his distance only set her back to where she was doubting everything. And of course, this all happened when Ginger also had some life changing news.
This was a super short novella but it was the perfect way to wrap up Ginger and Derek’s story. Of course, Derek is his usual bossy, grumpy self. But even though these two have been together for a year, they are still navigating their relationship, making mistakes and learning from them. I loved getting this little bit extra from these two. The next book in the series is book two, His Risk to Take.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
September 12, 2016
Loved this.. Angst can work so well when you know you can trust the author implicitly to keep the characters loyal. Tessa does alphas like no other. Derek will always be a favorite of mine.
April 29, 2014
This wonderful, short novella gives us an update on what's going on with Ginger and Derek from the first book in the series, Protecting What's His.
I really like this couple and was thrilled that TB decided to write more of their story even if it's really short. Also, while I'm not caught up with the series, I didn't find myself feeling like I was missing out on something.
As you can tell from the blurb, Derek feels he has to shut Ginger out of his life for a while and he's not exactly forth coming about it which is something he said he would never do.
Of course this would happen when Ginger has some news for Derek. Just when she's going to tell him, she can feel him pulling away and she becomes hurt and confused and doesn't tell him.
Luckily, this doesn't last for long but it does lead to Derek being even more possessive than he was before! And these two are extremely hot together. Gotta love Mr. Dirty Talker!
I did so love how it ended and it made me laugh at how "Dolly" is always incorporated into the story. I really just wished it was longer!
Favorite quotes:
♥ “Sometimes I look at you…and I can’t breathe around these feelings.”
♥ “We’re not perfect. We make mistakes and we always come out stronger on the other side. I hope we never stop screwing up.”
♥ “Maybe we’ve finally found a way to cure your jealousy, Lieutenant.”
“I’ll never be cured of my jealousy. Not now. Not in fifty years.” He gripped Ginger’s hips, worried her ear with his teeth. “And don’t pretend for a second that you don’t love it.”
I really like this couple and was thrilled that TB decided to write more of their story even if it's really short. Also, while I'm not caught up with the series, I didn't find myself feeling like I was missing out on something.
As you can tell from the blurb, Derek feels he has to shut Ginger out of his life for a while and he's not exactly forth coming about it which is something he said he would never do.
Of course this would happen when Ginger has some news for Derek. Just when she's going to tell him, she can feel him pulling away and she becomes hurt and confused and doesn't tell him.
Luckily, this doesn't last for long but it does lead to Derek being even more possessive than he was before! And these two are extremely hot together. Gotta love Mr. Dirty Talker!
I did so love how it ended and it made me laugh at how "Dolly" is always incorporated into the story. I really just wished it was longer!
Favorite quotes:
♥ “Sometimes I look at you…and I can’t breathe around these feelings.”
♥ “We’re not perfect. We make mistakes and we always come out stronger on the other side. I hope we never stop screwing up.”
♥ “Maybe we’ve finally found a way to cure your jealousy, Lieutenant.”
“I’ll never be cured of my jealousy. Not now. Not in fifty years.” He gripped Ginger’s hips, worried her ear with his teeth. “And don’t pretend for a second that you don’t love it.”
November 30, 2014
This was a short, sweet, steamy read.
Perfect follow up for Ginger and Derek with just the right amount of angst, longing, love and sex. I'd also forgotten just how Alpha Derek was - lordy, lordy that boy had me wanting him bad!!
September 12, 2017
***4 Stars***
"Sometimes I look at you...and I can't breathe around these feelings."
An emotional and sexy cherry on top of Derek and Ginger's HEA! I loved this and gobbled it right up!
"How can you not know by now? I wouldn't make it a fucking day without you. I don't remember a time before you. It´s all a blur right up until the minute you walked in."
July 26, 2023
3.5 stars
Okay, I think I enjoyed this novella a little more than Protecting What's His. It had me swooning and tearing up over here. Derek and Ginger were so sweet & cute.
Okay, I think I enjoyed this novella a little more than Protecting What's His. It had me swooning and tearing up over here. Derek and Ginger were so sweet & cute.
May 31, 2025
──⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡┊2.5 ★
Extremely fast-paced and very steamy read – some of the hottest smut I've read in a while. It follows Ginger and Derek from Protecting What's His, and I'd almost forgot how explosive the two of them were together. Both of them definitely had something to take away in this book, and it was nice to watch their relationship grow and develop. Nevertheless, the miscommunication trope is overused, to say the least, and here it made me cringe. Explain to me why distancing oneself from one's partner is a good idea when about to experience a life-or-death situation? Especially when one's partner has deeply ingrained trust issues and has just begun to open up more?
Regardless of its issues, this was just what I needed: a quick palate cleanser. I haven't really picked up a book with good smut in a long time, but Tessa Bailey never fails to deliver.
Extremely fast-paced and very steamy read – some of the hottest smut I've read in a while. It follows Ginger and Derek from Protecting What's His, and I'd almost forgot how explosive the two of them were together. Both of them definitely had something to take away in this book, and it was nice to watch their relationship grow and develop. Nevertheless, the miscommunication trope is overused, to say the least, and here it made me cringe. Explain to me why distancing oneself from one's partner is a good idea when about to experience a life-or-death situation? Especially when one's partner has deeply ingrained trust issues and has just begun to open up more?
Regardless of its issues, this was just what I needed: a quick palate cleanser. I haven't really picked up a book with good smut in a long time, but Tessa Bailey never fails to deliver.
June 29, 2016
Ok really Dolly??? No God no but I guess it makes sense for them. They are so crazy together. It was cute and sweet.
However, What I did not understand is why he needed to keep his job from her? That was not cool at all. He was just so cold, how could she not worry about their relationship. It made no sense at all given that he pushed honesty in their relationship after all they went through.
She was great and I love her kick ass attitude when he blows her off for the Halloween party. Yes sir EAT YOUR HEART OUT.
Loved it and will reread it.
However, What I did not understand is why he needed to keep his job from her? That was not cool at all. He was just so cold, how could she not worry about their relationship. It made no sense at all given that he pushed honesty in their relationship after all they went through.
She was great and I love her kick ass attitude when he blows her off for the Halloween party. Yes sir EAT YOUR HEART OUT.
Loved it and will reread it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2021
“She heard his dark laughter, then ceased to think altogether.”
4.5 STARS!
I made the mistake of reading the 1.5 book instead of the first book so I am somewhat confused but the ending made me smile.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And
🌶🌶🌶/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Also first Tessa Bailey book lol
4.5 STARS!
I made the mistake of reading the 1.5 book instead of the first book so I am somewhat confused but the ending made me smile.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And
🌶🌶🌶/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Also first Tessa Bailey book lol
September 26, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. It was a great addition to a great story. That being said, I was disappointed in the lack of epilogue. It was a HFN ending.
It would have been 5 stars if there was an epilogue.
It would have been 5 stars if there was an epilogue.
March 3, 2016
OMG! I love these two but geez....my emotions were ripped to shreds there for a little while.
June 7, 2018
What a fantastic accompanying book to the first in this series. I love Derek and Ginger so much. An alpha, over-protective Lieutenant and an independent southern girl -- they're different but mesh really well. And let's not forget how HOT the first book was. It definitely carries over into this novella.
March 22, 2014
I loved book one of this series. A mannequin of Dolly Parton - I love that touch. This author... she is da bomb! I love her.
This book is a quick read... but you feel the love of Derek & Ginger!
*ARC generously provided by entangled publishing in exchange for an honest review.*
October 17, 2020
3 STARS
This novella is the companion book to Protecting What’s His. I loved that book, so I knew I had to check out this one!
This is a super short read and I was able to finish it in a couple of hours.
Ginger and Derek’s relationship has progressed but now they’ve also become distant. Derek is a lieutenant for the Chicago PD, and he has a task to complete. He knows that it’s dangerous and telling Ginger about it would only worry her. Instead, Derek decides to put some much needed space between them.
After realizing how the distance between the two affected Ginger, he was full of regret. Along with this, Ginger had a secret of her own to share which could be the make or break of their relationship.
The trust between the two - although questionable at first - really had me admiring their relationship. Ginger is very understanding of Derek’s career and knows how much he loves his job. Once again the possessiveness Derek feels for Ginger also brings attention to their nurturing relationship.
There are many other books in the Line of Duty series, but I won’t be reading those ones yet. However, I can definitely see myself reading them in the future! x
This novella is the companion book to Protecting What’s His. I loved that book, so I knew I had to check out this one!
This is a super short read and I was able to finish it in a couple of hours.
Ginger and Derek’s relationship has progressed but now they’ve also become distant. Derek is a lieutenant for the Chicago PD, and he has a task to complete. He knows that it’s dangerous and telling Ginger about it would only worry her. Instead, Derek decides to put some much needed space between them.
After realizing how the distance between the two affected Ginger, he was full of regret. Along with this, Ginger had a secret of her own to share which could be the make or break of their relationship.
The trust between the two - although questionable at first - really had me admiring their relationship. Ginger is very understanding of Derek’s career and knows how much he loves his job. Once again the possessiveness Derek feels for Ginger also brings attention to their nurturing relationship.
There are many other books in the Line of Duty series, but I won’t be reading those ones yet. However, I can definitely see myself reading them in the future! x
August 7, 2020
4.5 Continuing Steamy Follow-Up Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Freee
Lucky readers get more of Derek, Ginger, and her sister. At the end of Protecting What's His, our little family was at the new stage, starting to jive together. Ms. Bailey must have understood these characters deserved more.
In this quick read, we have a plot of drama, suspense, and steamy times plus some very sweet moments between Ginger's daughter and Derek.
Protecting What's His (Line of Duty, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Protecting What's Theirs (Line of Duty, #1.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
His Risk to Take (Line of Duty #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Officer off Limits (Line of Duty #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Asking for Trouble (Line of Duty, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Staking His Claim (Line of Duty, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Freee
Lucky readers get more of Derek, Ginger, and her sister. At the end of Protecting What's His, our little family was at the new stage, starting to jive together. Ms. Bailey must have understood these characters deserved more.
In this quick read, we have a plot of drama, suspense, and steamy times plus some very sweet moments between Ginger's daughter and Derek.
Protecting What's His (Line of Duty, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Protecting What's Theirs (Line of Duty, #1.5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
His Risk to Take (Line of Duty #2) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Officer off Limits (Line of Duty #3) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Asking for Trouble (Line of Duty, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Staking His Claim (Line of Duty, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
September 13, 2021
3.5 stars
April 13, 2017
More of Ginger and Derek.
I loved this! I loved their first book and this is a wee bit of decadent chocolate desert HEA. The author dances with hurting our feelings by maligning one MC or the other. But she does it masterfully.
Derek and Ginger's relationship has been created with trust through a promise to be absolutely honest with each other. Until...
He isn't.
But hey, it's for a very good reason... isn't it?
Don't worry, it all works out and was so sweetly romantic that I know I will revisit this one like a shot of dopamine when I need it. Forget chocolate! I actually liked this more than their original story ; )
I loved this! I loved their first book and this is a wee bit of decadent chocolate desert HEA. The author dances with hurting our feelings by maligning one MC or the other. But she does it masterfully.
Derek and Ginger's relationship has been created with trust through a promise to be absolutely honest with each other. Until...
He isn't.
But hey, it's for a very good reason... isn't it?
Don't worry, it all works out and was so sweetly romantic that I know I will revisit this one like a shot of dopamine when I need it. Forget chocolate! I actually liked this more than their original story ; )
June 14, 2015
Ok so I loved it!!Yes he should of told her and not left her in dark for a week but damn I can't stay mad at him! I love this couple :)My only negative is why did it have to end lol I want more!!I want to see them get married and find out what they are having !!! Please tell me the baby is not named Dolly!lol I guess I'll always want more from Derek and Ginger!
March 14, 2016
Ya sé que lo prometí, pero la carne es débil. Ginger y Derek, Derek y Ginger. Me encanta esta pareja, la inseguridad de Ginger la entiendo totalmente y Derek se puso en plan legal así que love love por todos lados.
June 21, 2014
I'm not a big fan of novellas; I need a little more substance. Still, this was a cute ending to Ginger and Derek's story.
July 10, 2014
Protecting What's Theirs by Tessa Bailey
Erotic Romance, Novella to follow Protecting What's His.
“I’ll never be cured of my jealousy. Not now. Not in fifty years.” He gripped Ginger’s hips, worried her ear with his teeth. “And don’t pretend for a second that you don’t love it.”
Protecting What's Theirs is a quick 48 page read that is more of an extended epilogue to Protecting What's His, checking in with the couple a year later. Derek and Ginger are happy, and things have been going well for them. Alpha, dirty-talking, possessive Derek makes it clear how much he still wants Ginger.
"Derek sampled his woman with teasing licks, purposely avoiding the tender spot dying for his attention. Fuck, she tasted like...Derek abandoned every adjective his lust-fogged brain could manage, discarding them as inadequate. She tasted like HIS. That's what the fuck she tasted like."
Ginger receives the shock of her life, and just when she needs Derek to be there for her, he starts pulling back. Working all hours and not opening up to Ginger, he presses all of her insecurity buttons. His reason, that he doesn't want her to worry about a big raid he has going may have been an understandable reason, but it pissed me off!
As a dominant guy, Derek has demanded honesty from Ginger, and he didn't trust her, or think she was strong enough to share his burden.
Though it pissed me off, I actually thought this was a good twist. It's good to see a couple still learning and working out their differences. Because there is no doubt how much these two love each other.
"Sometimes I look at you... and I can't breathe around these feelings."
Likes:
•More Derek and Ginger.
•Mmmmm....hot dirty talk.
•Seeing how our couple is doing a year later.
•It's clear how much they still love each other.
•Seeing Derek and Ginger get through a pretty major conflict, but getting through it and coming out the other side, stronger for it.
Dislikes:
•Grrr, I got mad at Derek (though I wouldn't change it).
•I was wondering where Ginger's sister was the whole time.
Rating: 4.75 stars, 4.75 Heat
At 48 pages, this is a little too hard to even rate as a novella, so I am giving it the same rating as the first book, because I read them as one long book anyway. I'll be reading the rest of this series from Tessa Bailey through the summer. I can't wait for more alpha-male deliciousness.
Purchase Protecting What's His by Tessa Bailey
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♥ ♥ ♥
Purchase Protecting What's Theirs by Tessa Bailey
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | BN.com
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March 2, 2020
This couple is so cute. I didn't know they had little novella after I finished their main novel and it was a great surprise. I wish more series had little scenes like this to look back at your favorite characters. I hope there are more little moments of them scattered in the rest of the series.
April 26, 2015
Derek is planning to a big bust of some mobsters. The kind that’s called a widowmaker. So he decides to pull back some from Ginger to protect her. Um, yeah, ok. And of course Ginger finds out that she’s bringing a little Tyler into the world. But really, this is about their hot sex.
The Bottom Line
It’s got Derek Tyler.
DIRTY TALKIN’.
The Bottom Line
It’s got Derek Tyler.
DIRTY TALKIN’.
February 11, 2015
I had totally forgot how much I missed Dereck and his filthy mouth. I loved getting a little extra from him and Ginger, of course I always love to see tough guys reactions to that news, but love the big arrival too. Maybe another shorty?? Lol. Perfect short in between.
March 14, 2016
Hace bastante tiempo que lei el libro de Girger y Derek pero con esta novela me he dado cuenta de que no importa cuanto tiempo pase, siempre es agradable leer sobre esta pareja ( y en general sobre cualquier pareja que crea Tessa Bailey ).
3 Estrellas!
August 20, 2018
RATING: 3 'Dirty-Talker' Hearts!
September 25, 2020
4.75 stars... This was a so lovly novella, I just, really loved it
December 10, 2021
LOVED IT
Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews