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Under His Protection
She was supposed to be just my buddy's little sister, off-limits, but now she's everything I can't ignore. Her past is catching up, her ex's shadow looming large, and damn if I'm going to stand by and watch. I've been through the wringer, seen the darkest corners of the world, and come back with scars to prove it. But nothing prepared me for the fight of keeping Chloe safe. She's under my skin, her fear, her strength, intertwining with my resolve. Our connection is undeniable. I'm ready to lay it all on the line. I’ll do anything to protect the mother of my unborn child. Because when it comes to Chloe, it's not just about guarding her—it's about claiming the future that suddenly seems possible with her by my side.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 28, 2024
This was a quick and enjoyable read! Chloe comes back home after leaving an abusive relationship. She starts working at a club that Dom owns. She brings out his protective instincts when her past catches up to her. It was slow going and focused heavily on Chloe's fear of her past. Chloe's past relationship still had a very strong hold on her, and she struggled to fight back until the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2024
* Drumroll please! * After 515 books read this year, it gives me great pride to announce the winner for the dumbest heroine in a book award goes tooooooo....the dumb bitch in this book! Yaaaaaaaaay! Honestly, there has been stiff competition this year, but nothing tops this heroine who decides to run away from her drug dealing fiance...by running back to her hometown where her brother lives and when that doesn't work, she runs away again to protect everyone...back to her own apartment across town 😂 I could excuse her hiding all the threatening notes and gifts and running away to protect her friends...if she was 7, not 27. This heroine has the survival skills of a porcupine on a hot air balloon. She tells H all about the circumstances of her running away and he gets a lawyer involved and is actively working to keep her safe and she decides to hide ALL the many notes and gifts she gets from her stalker ex because "she doesn't want anyone to worry". That's like trying to get life insurance while you're on board the Titanic...that ship has done sailed and sunk, sweetheart. At this point you are actively harmful to yourself and those around you by withholding vital information that could help them protect themselves and you. Then when someone gets hurt, instead of thinking "Gee, maybe I should let this billionaire ex-marine who's keeping me safe know all the details that I left out" she's all "I'm gonna run away to save everyone" and manages to get across town to her apartment 😂 She gets there, the place is trashed and her dumbass goes inside! Sees a black bag with cocaine in it and takes the cocaine out and is just so confused what's going on! 😂😂😂 Honestly, the author did us all a disservice by allowing this FMC to live HEA. When she gets kidnapped and we have the big Scooby Doo reveal of who "betrayed" her, she is SHOCKED to find out it's the villain's best friend! Like she just can't believe that after that one drink they shared together in which she shared no crucial information and he isn't mentioned again that he would ACTUALLY be lying to her and working for his best friend like he always has been! Was this author homeschooled by Hallmark movies and a Nancy Drew novel? I almost gave this 2 stars, out of some sort of "you tried!" trophy, but after the heroine told the man who is obsessed that she is pregnant with another man's baby, in an attempt to save her life, I just couldn't. It would be a disservice to readers everywhere to let that slide.
July 20, 2025
I made it to 6% and I just can’t do it. The constant talking to themselves as a way to tell vs show is obnoxious. Usually I try to muddle through to at least get to the plot but this one is a pretty instant DNF.
September 29, 2024
The premise of this book sounds fantastic. Love a bad boy (when done well), love a teenage crush that comes to fruition, love some ex-military hotness, love a protective love interest, and I love a forbidden brother's best friend romance. It had everything going for it that I look for in a romance novel...
But this just did not land.
Her novels have been a bit hit-and-miss for me anyway, but this is the lowest-rated one so far. The writing felt very adolescent and the thing I think that bothered me the most and ruined the experience for me was that both main characters speak out loud to themselves.
It's very telling rather than showing, and I wish she had spent more time describing their attraction to one another. Seeing each other again, noticing the differences that time has created, being thrown back into previous feelings. She could have explored the previous crushes from when they were younger, the small things they know about each other, the pining and wanting and forcing themselves to get over it because it was forbidden, more on the conflict of the brother forbidding it, what would happen if he found out, all of that, etc.
It would have developed the insta-lust they have more, rather than filling the time with these strange monologues that don't fit the character backgrounds. Why would an ex-marine speak out loud about mundane things? Or tell himself out loud to get himself together? It just doesn't fit my idea of a dark, broody, bad-boy ex-marine with a harrowed past from his years of service.
There's a lot of holes in the character development and the best way I can describe it is there's a lot of words, but nothing really happens. There's meant to be this truly overwhelming outside conflict and it isn't described, there's no build, there's no fear on behalf of the characters, and the resolution takes one chapter when it's taken the whole book to get there.
I think it could have been a really good story, with lots of room for character and relationship developments, and internal and external conflicts, but other than the occasional phrase or action that I liked, I just didn't connect with the characters at all. There were characters introduced that were never explored, friendships that never developed or were only mentioned off-screen, and just not much going on considering the calibre of what could have been.
There's nothing wrong with the grammar or readability or anything, I just feel like this has been done before to a higher standard. I don't feel like I can say much more without dropping spoilers so I'll leave it there.
I reviewed using the CAWPILE system and scored 5, 6, 4, 3, 3, 5, 4 with an overall rating of 4.29; the equivalent of 2 or 2.5 stars. I received a free copy of this book through Book Funnel.
But this just did not land.
Her novels have been a bit hit-and-miss for me anyway, but this is the lowest-rated one so far. The writing felt very adolescent and the thing I think that bothered me the most and ruined the experience for me was that both main characters speak out loud to themselves.
It's very telling rather than showing, and I wish she had spent more time describing their attraction to one another. Seeing each other again, noticing the differences that time has created, being thrown back into previous feelings. She could have explored the previous crushes from when they were younger, the small things they know about each other, the pining and wanting and forcing themselves to get over it because it was forbidden, more on the conflict of the brother forbidding it, what would happen if he found out, all of that, etc.
It would have developed the insta-lust they have more, rather than filling the time with these strange monologues that don't fit the character backgrounds. Why would an ex-marine speak out loud about mundane things? Or tell himself out loud to get himself together? It just doesn't fit my idea of a dark, broody, bad-boy ex-marine with a harrowed past from his years of service.
There's a lot of holes in the character development and the best way I can describe it is there's a lot of words, but nothing really happens. There's meant to be this truly overwhelming outside conflict and it isn't described, there's no build, there's no fear on behalf of the characters, and the resolution takes one chapter when it's taken the whole book to get there.
I think it could have been a really good story, with lots of room for character and relationship developments, and internal and external conflicts, but other than the occasional phrase or action that I liked, I just didn't connect with the characters at all. There were characters introduced that were never explored, friendships that never developed or were only mentioned off-screen, and just not much going on considering the calibre of what could have been.
There's nothing wrong with the grammar or readability or anything, I just feel like this has been done before to a higher standard. I don't feel like I can say much more without dropping spoilers so I'll leave it there.
I reviewed using the CAWPILE system and scored 5, 6, 4, 3, 3, 5, 4 with an overall rating of 4.29; the equivalent of 2 or 2.5 stars. I received a free copy of this book through Book Funnel.
March 24, 2024
Chloe and Dom! I loved them together. They are both obviously dealing with their own trauma and lean on each other at times to help with that.
Chloe is resilient and strong while also being caring, empathetic, and vulnerable. She comes back into Dom's life after years of being away and there is an immediate attraction between the two of them. One that they both initially are cautious of, she's running from her past and that's his best-friends little sister. Chloe is understandably vulnerable and cautious after the trauma that she expereinces and the past that she got away from.
Dom is loving and possessive. You can also tell that he is dealing with his own trauma. He's attracted to Chloe from the first moment he sees her again. He also recognizes that she's his best-friend's little sister, so any attraction between them, if acted on would need to be serious for him. He can't just mess around with her. He can't resist her though and he falls first honestly. He wants to protect her, he recognizes immediately that she's running from something and wants to help her. He falls in love with her strength, empathy, kindness, and at times fierceness.
The climax, where everything comes to a head with the Ex happens rather quickly. Towards the end of the book, one minute the characters and getting intimate the next it's anxiety and suspense, which kind of gave me a little bit of whiplash. I didn't know what to feel.
Overall, it's a really good read. I really enjoyed it. I think the Chloe and Dom were beautifully portrayed. There's a lot of aspects that go into the portrayal of the type of trauma that Chloe is going through and I think the author does a good job of showing how Chloe is handling it. Even the more unsavory aspects of it, like the anxiety attacks that she has at times, the vulnerability, and cautiousness when it comes to trusting, even the fear and inability to really trust her instincts about the people in her life post trauma.
#chloeanddom #forbiddenromance #brothersbestfriendromance #bestfriendssisterromance #trauma #suspence #emmablake #emmablakeauthor #underhisprotectionbook #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendation #arcbookcopy
The book drops on Amazon 2/28... you don't want to miss it!
Under His Protection: An Off-Limits Brother’s Best Friend Romance https://a.co/d/35XwnF7
Chloe is resilient and strong while also being caring, empathetic, and vulnerable. She comes back into Dom's life after years of being away and there is an immediate attraction between the two of them. One that they both initially are cautious of, she's running from her past and that's his best-friends little sister. Chloe is understandably vulnerable and cautious after the trauma that she expereinces and the past that she got away from.
Dom is loving and possessive. You can also tell that he is dealing with his own trauma. He's attracted to Chloe from the first moment he sees her again. He also recognizes that she's his best-friend's little sister, so any attraction between them, if acted on would need to be serious for him. He can't just mess around with her. He can't resist her though and he falls first honestly. He wants to protect her, he recognizes immediately that she's running from something and wants to help her. He falls in love with her strength, empathy, kindness, and at times fierceness.
The climax, where everything comes to a head with the Ex happens rather quickly. Towards the end of the book, one minute the characters and getting intimate the next it's anxiety and suspense, which kind of gave me a little bit of whiplash. I didn't know what to feel.
Overall, it's a really good read. I really enjoyed it. I think the Chloe and Dom were beautifully portrayed. There's a lot of aspects that go into the portrayal of the type of trauma that Chloe is going through and I think the author does a good job of showing how Chloe is handling it. Even the more unsavory aspects of it, like the anxiety attacks that she has at times, the vulnerability, and cautiousness when it comes to trusting, even the fear and inability to really trust her instincts about the people in her life post trauma.
#chloeanddom #forbiddenromance #brothersbestfriendromance #bestfriendssisterromance #trauma #suspence #emmablake #emmablakeauthor #underhisprotectionbook #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendation #arcbookcopy
The book drops on Amazon 2/28... you don't want to miss it!
Under His Protection: An Off-Limits Brother’s Best Friend Romance https://a.co/d/35XwnF7
March 28, 2024
A Very Real Danger . . .
Chloe Hamilton’s brother Anthony got her a job working at his best friend Dominick Shaw’s club “Opal”, but since he did not tell Dominick, it was a shock to both of them when they unexpectedly met there. His surprised voice behind her causes her to drop a glass which shatters. As he bends close to help pick up the broken pieces, his fingers brush against hers and again she startles, cutting her finger on the sharp edge. He insists that it be properly cleaned and treated. And his bossy way of ordering her around brings up unpleasant thoughts of her ex-boyfriend Ethan Noble, controlling, possessive, demanding, keeping a close watch on her and requiring her to obey him. And later in his office, Dominick remembers that Chloe actually seemed terrified today. They had known each other for a long time, so he knew it wasn’t him she was reacting that way to. What was going on with her? Talking with Anthony when he arrived, he learned Chloe loved her teaching job, had a fiancé, and was paying the full cost for their Gran’s care in a home. But now she acted desperate and needed a job, so Anthony hired her without prying into her “issue”. He assumed it was something to do with the now EX-fiancé, but she wouldn’t discuss it with him. However, Dominick is determined to find out.
Chloe had seen something she shouldn’t and learned something that has put her in danger from Ethan. She found out he had been helping to launder drug money. Running away apparently wasn’t enough to protect her. Now that he has found her, she is going to need help and her ex-Navy SEAL is ready to step in and keep her safe. But she is betrayed and Ethan kidnaps her. It looks like he is eager to hurt her for daring to run from him. Will Dominick and his brothers figure out where he has taken Chloe? Will they arrive in time to save her life? Or will it be Ethan who may not survive if he threatens the woman Dominick loves.
Chloe Hamilton’s brother Anthony got her a job working at his best friend Dominick Shaw’s club “Opal”, but since he did not tell Dominick, it was a shock to both of them when they unexpectedly met there. His surprised voice behind her causes her to drop a glass which shatters. As he bends close to help pick up the broken pieces, his fingers brush against hers and again she startles, cutting her finger on the sharp edge. He insists that it be properly cleaned and treated. And his bossy way of ordering her around brings up unpleasant thoughts of her ex-boyfriend Ethan Noble, controlling, possessive, demanding, keeping a close watch on her and requiring her to obey him. And later in his office, Dominick remembers that Chloe actually seemed terrified today. They had known each other for a long time, so he knew it wasn’t him she was reacting that way to. What was going on with her? Talking with Anthony when he arrived, he learned Chloe loved her teaching job, had a fiancé, and was paying the full cost for their Gran’s care in a home. But now she acted desperate and needed a job, so Anthony hired her without prying into her “issue”. He assumed it was something to do with the now EX-fiancé, but she wouldn’t discuss it with him. However, Dominick is determined to find out.
Chloe had seen something she shouldn’t and learned something that has put her in danger from Ethan. She found out he had been helping to launder drug money. Running away apparently wasn’t enough to protect her. Now that he has found her, she is going to need help and her ex-Navy SEAL is ready to step in and keep her safe. But she is betrayed and Ethan kidnaps her. It looks like he is eager to hurt her for daring to run from him. Will Dominick and his brothers figure out where he has taken Chloe? Will they arrive in time to save her life? Or will it be Ethan who may not survive if he threatens the woman Dominick loves.
March 26, 2024
She was supposed to be just my buddy's little sister, off-limits, but now she's everything I can't ignore. Her past is catching up, her ex's shadow looming large, and damn if I'm going to stand by and watch.
I've been through the wringer, seen the darkest corners of the world, and come back with scars to prove it. But nothing prepared me for the fight of keeping Chloe safe. She's under my skin, her fear, her strength, intertwining with my resolve. Our connection is undeniable. I'm ready to lay it all on the line. I’ll do anything to protect the mother of my unborn child. Because when it comes to Chloe, it's not just about guarding her—it's about claiming the future that suddenly seems possible with her by my side.
Overall this is a thoroughly good read. Dom and Chloe both have baggage and a past they are dealing with. Chloe is running from an abusive and controlling ex, Ethan. Dom is concerned that this is his best friends, Anthony, younger sister. Together they sizzle 🥵 Dom is very protective of her, this becomes his mission. With the help of his brothers, who are also ex-marines, this becomes priority number one!
With an even amount of suspense and spice, you will not be able to put it down! Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
I've been through the wringer, seen the darkest corners of the world, and come back with scars to prove it. But nothing prepared me for the fight of keeping Chloe safe. She's under my skin, her fear, her strength, intertwining with my resolve. Our connection is undeniable. I'm ready to lay it all on the line. I’ll do anything to protect the mother of my unborn child. Because when it comes to Chloe, it's not just about guarding her—it's about claiming the future that suddenly seems possible with her by my side.
Overall this is a thoroughly good read. Dom and Chloe both have baggage and a past they are dealing with. Chloe is running from an abusive and controlling ex, Ethan. Dom is concerned that this is his best friends, Anthony, younger sister. Together they sizzle 🥵 Dom is very protective of her, this becomes his mission. With the help of his brothers, who are also ex-marines, this becomes priority number one!
With an even amount of suspense and spice, you will not be able to put it down! Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
April 16, 2024
Chloe has had to leave the life she made for herself behind with just a few belongings. Her ex, who initially seemed sweet and caring, turned into an abusive, controlling individual. The final straw was a conversation she overhead about his drug dealing, so she fled. From her dream job as a teacher to working behind the bar in the nightclub her brother works at.
Anthony had said that he'd hired new bar staff, but what he hadn't said was that it was his sister. The always cheerful child has grown into a stunning young woman afraid of her own shadow. There is no way he's leaving her to deal with her problems alone.
Chloe has been beaten down emotionally and is struggling to climb back up. Can she trust that Dom is exactly what he says he is and won't turn out like her ex?
Dom has a few triggers, one being women in a tight spot needing help. Add in the fact that she is gorgeous and there is no way he'll be able to keep his hands to himself.
A fantastic, fast paced story with tension, a psychopathic ex turned violent stalker, action and plenty of passion. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Anthony had said that he'd hired new bar staff, but what he hadn't said was that it was his sister. The always cheerful child has grown into a stunning young woman afraid of her own shadow. There is no way he's leaving her to deal with her problems alone.
Chloe has been beaten down emotionally and is struggling to climb back up. Can she trust that Dom is exactly what he says he is and won't turn out like her ex?
Dom has a few triggers, one being women in a tight spot needing help. Add in the fact that she is gorgeous and there is no way he'll be able to keep his hands to himself.
A fantastic, fast paced story with tension, a psychopathic ex turned violent stalker, action and plenty of passion. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2024
what a drag/horrible book😒
Boring. Quite frankly just plain stupid. The main female H was so aggravating that I wanted to reach into the book and shake some sense into her. Unrealistic. I had high hopes but was sadly very disappointed. I wanted to just delete the book without even finishing it and that is not me. What usually takes me a day to read a book this took me about 4 because I was only picking it up for bits and pieces during that timeline and I easily skimmed through half the book. I honestly never leave reviews or criticize any author even the ones that have no proofreading done for them with all the annoying typos and yet this one just raised my hackles. Anyway that’s just my opinion on this book. To others they might actually enjoy it. I just found it very annoying, unrealistic, prolonged, repetitive, juvenile, and I’ll just stop with that because I’m not trying to be harsh,mean or bullying. This one just didn’t do it for me. I’ve read other books in the past from this author and they’ve been ok so I know not all her work is trash. Just seems like there was enough effort on this one 💁🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Boring. Quite frankly just plain stupid. The main female H was so aggravating that I wanted to reach into the book and shake some sense into her. Unrealistic. I had high hopes but was sadly very disappointed. I wanted to just delete the book without even finishing it and that is not me. What usually takes me a day to read a book this took me about 4 because I was only picking it up for bits and pieces during that timeline and I easily skimmed through half the book. I honestly never leave reviews or criticize any author even the ones that have no proofreading done for them with all the annoying typos and yet this one just raised my hackles. Anyway that’s just my opinion on this book. To others they might actually enjoy it. I just found it very annoying, unrealistic, prolonged, repetitive, juvenile, and I’ll just stop with that because I’m not trying to be harsh,mean or bullying. This one just didn’t do it for me. I’ve read other books in the past from this author and they’ve been ok so I know not all her work is trash. Just seems like there was enough effort on this one 💁🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
March 28, 2024
This was my first book by Emma Blake but it won't be my last! Chloe was nicknamed 'Glowy Chloe' when she was younger because she was always positive and happy. But since returning to her hometown, she seems different. Chloe left her old life behind, along with her abusive ex, but he isn't quite ready to let her go. Can she start her life over again and get back to doing what she loves without feeling like she's always got to be watching over her shoulder? Can she really trust another man who says he wants to take care of her?
Dom walks into his bar one night and runs into Chloe. She definitely isn't the girl he remembered before she left for college. She's all grown up now and stirring up feelings Dom would rather not have. This could be a problem for Dom since Chloe just started working in his bar. Can he keep his feelings in check around her? Especially when his protective instincts are telling him something isn't right with Chloe.
I really enjoyed the storyline and all the different characters. There was humor, suspense, and lot of spice!!!
Dom walks into his bar one night and runs into Chloe. She definitely isn't the girl he remembered before she left for college. She's all grown up now and stirring up feelings Dom would rather not have. This could be a problem for Dom since Chloe just started working in his bar. Can he keep his feelings in check around her? Especially when his protective instincts are telling him something isn't right with Chloe.
I really enjoyed the storyline and all the different characters. There was humor, suspense, and lot of spice!!!
March 28, 2024
Chloe is running from her abusive ex boyfriend. She is given a job in a bar her brother is a partial owner in. She is shocked when she sees Dom. She hasn’t seen him since she was a gangly teenager. Boy has he grown up in all the right ways! She is not looking to find love she just wants to keep a low profile so she can stay safe and away from Ethan.
Dom is shocked when he sees his best friend’s s little sister and she is all grown up. He knew that she had graduated from college and was teaching so why on earth was she standing behind his bar with a broken glass at her feet?
Chloe is soon found by Ethan and she is terrified. She is going to run away but Dom tells her he and his marine buddies and brothers will help her. Can she learn to trust in someone? Will he be able to handle Ethan’s cruel and sick tactics? Can Dom and his brothers stay safe? After Chloe’s mentor and bartender instructor is attacked Chloe decides to run. This story has twists and turns and will keep you guessing and cheering for Chloe & Dom.
Dom is shocked when he sees his best friend’s s little sister and she is all grown up. He knew that she had graduated from college and was teaching so why on earth was she standing behind his bar with a broken glass at her feet?
Chloe is soon found by Ethan and she is terrified. She is going to run away but Dom tells her he and his marine buddies and brothers will help her. Can she learn to trust in someone? Will he be able to handle Ethan’s cruel and sick tactics? Can Dom and his brothers stay safe? After Chloe’s mentor and bartender instructor is attacked Chloe decides to run. This story has twists and turns and will keep you guessing and cheering for Chloe & Dom.
March 29, 2024
Protecting his best friend's sister! This is about Dom and Chloe. She was trying to start her life again, but instead, her ex wouldn't allow it. He made sure to get close to her without knowing that the person she was feeding information was the one who was going to backstab her. Although her brother was around, I would have thought he would have been slightly more protective of her than his best friend. Yes, she was stubborn, but when she realized she needed help, she accepted it. However, when fear won over, she ran. The outcome and the action scene were great, and I love how it ended for them both. I would love to read about the next brother and Cam; knowing they are military men will make for an incredible action story.
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.
March 30, 2024
I’m such a sucker for a brother’s best friend trope in romance books. Emma didn’t disappoint when she gave us Dom. A big beauty man who is an ex Marine, owns several businesses with his brothers and just happens to be Chloe’s brother’s buddy. She finds herself back in her hometown starting over after a bad fall out with her ex. She was a teacher but until she can land another teaching job she is working at the strip club for Dom and her brother. The energy between Dom and Chloe is the perfect storm. She’s always wanted him and he can’t believe how she’s grown into a beautiful woman. He can’t stop thinking of her. He happens to be the knight in shining armor she needs to battle her past. His protectiveness is hot! I devoured this book. So much action and spicy goodness I loved it. I could read more of the Shaw brothers. A great read.
April 8, 2024
Under His Protection by @emmablakeauthor 💪🏻🥃🔥
I enjoyed this read! My heart hurt for Chloe and all she had been through, and I am glad she had someone like Dom to take care of her. Especially with a psycho like Ethan after her! And who doesn’t love the hot protective ex military alpha trope?!?!
They were a super sweet pair, but their chemistry was also off the charts! And the sexy bits were deliciously spiiiicy!! 🌶️🌶️
The suspense of the threat also kept your attention and really added to the storyline which I loved! Sometimes I like a mooshy romance and other times I like a little danger with it and this is exactly what this is.
Overall I think it was well written and it kept me entertained from start to finish. I would definitely read more from this series and author 🫶🏼
**I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
I enjoyed this read! My heart hurt for Chloe and all she had been through, and I am glad she had someone like Dom to take care of her. Especially with a psycho like Ethan after her! And who doesn’t love the hot protective ex military alpha trope?!?!
They were a super sweet pair, but their chemistry was also off the charts! And the sexy bits were deliciously spiiiicy!! 🌶️🌶️
The suspense of the threat also kept your attention and really added to the storyline which I loved! Sometimes I like a mooshy romance and other times I like a little danger with it and this is exactly what this is.
Overall I think it was well written and it kept me entertained from start to finish. I would definitely read more from this series and author 🫶🏼
**I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
August 24, 2024
DNF
This is all trope and no substance. All character development is just done by leaning on the tropes with no actual meat to the characters. I can stomach that usually, but the writing was disjointed and I found it truly strange how often characters spoke out loud to themselves?? What’s wrong with italics/internal monologue? That’s the point of dual PoV. Like, hats off to Emma Blake—she wrote a whole damn book. Several! And that’s amazing as heck, and I applaud her. I just maybe had a bad feeling when on page 1 she said “pump the breaks” when she meant “pump the brakes” (like on a car). Not a lot of writing-as-craft to this, and because of that I couldn’t get lost in the pure escapism of it. Hats off to people who can.
Even if I DNF’d, I still “read” every page so KU gives Ms. Blake her money. 💕
This is all trope and no substance. All character development is just done by leaning on the tropes with no actual meat to the characters. I can stomach that usually, but the writing was disjointed and I found it truly strange how often characters spoke out loud to themselves?? What’s wrong with italics/internal monologue? That’s the point of dual PoV. Like, hats off to Emma Blake—she wrote a whole damn book. Several! And that’s amazing as heck, and I applaud her. I just maybe had a bad feeling when on page 1 she said “pump the breaks” when she meant “pump the brakes” (like on a car). Not a lot of writing-as-craft to this, and because of that I couldn’t get lost in the pure escapism of it. Hats off to people who can.
Even if I DNF’d, I still “read” every page so KU gives Ms. Blake her money. 💕
March 28, 2024
I absolutely LOVED it!!! Once I started I couldn’t put it down! I felt all the feels while reading this! The suspense had me on the edge of my seat! My heart was POUNDING at times from all that was going on!
This is one of the best brothers best friends I’ve ever read!!! Dom and Chloe are freaking soulmates! I swooned so many times! The chemistry between them was seriously OFF THE CHARTS🔥 The smexy times were so panty meltingly delicious and steamy🥵 I loved everything about this book!! I need books for his brothers, her brother and Yasmin! I’m so obsessed!!! I highly highly recommend this wonderful book!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is one of the best brothers best friends I’ve ever read!!! Dom and Chloe are freaking soulmates! I swooned so many times! The chemistry between them was seriously OFF THE CHARTS🔥 The smexy times were so panty meltingly delicious and steamy🥵 I loved everything about this book!! I need books for his brothers, her brother and Yasmin! I’m so obsessed!!! I highly highly recommend this wonderful book!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2024
Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. I enjoyed the plot which had an element of danger and suspense but I thought it could be more tightly woven as some parts didn't feel believable and some parts dragged a little. Although there was supposedly an off-limits brother's best friend issue, it actually never was an issue and her brother was really chill and out of the picture. Whilst I appreciate steamy scenes in a book, I thought there were too many and could have done with less so the story could move a little faster. However that said, Dom and Chloe do get their HEA and the ending was really sweet.
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.
April 4, 2024
Under His Protection: An Off-Limits Brother’s Best Friend Romance story of Dom and Chloe..He's a former military and now a billionaire and a bar owner..She went home and in hiding from her abusive ex and work at the bar owned by her brother bestfriend ,she thought that her ex couldn't find her but she was wrong but for the first time she felt safe when shes with him..they have an instant attraction the moment they saw each other, and he knows that shes afraid and running/hiding from someone and he will do anything to protect her.A great read,intense,intriguing,with drama,angst,suspense,steam,romance and second chance at love..
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.
March 24, 2024
Chloe was a teacher. She had to quit her job and leave her life as her fiancé was abusing her both mentally and physically. She ran away from him and went home, a place she never mentioned to him. Her brother, Anthony, hired her as a bartender at the club he helped manage, Opal. His best friend Dominick, the club owner got involved with Chloe. Chloe's ex was threatening her and that did not set well with Dominick. He vowed to keep her safe. Emma Blake has done a wonderful job with this book. Her characters and her story line were well developed and kept me interested the whole time.
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.
March 26, 2024
Do men like Dom exist in real life? He’s definitely my newest book boyfriend. Chloe has been through enough crap and definitely deserves a man like Dom and I’m so happy they found their way back to each other! It takes some time but eventually they realize that they’re what each other wants and needs. This was my first book by Emma and I went and ordered her other books as soon as I finished this one. I’m really hoping that Dom’s brothers get their own books too. This has a good plot and the spice is definitely spicy.. if you like dark romance that isn’t too dark you would probably love this book. I usually read darker romance books but I loved this one. Mind your triggers
March 28, 2024
“The sweetener to my black coffee”. The line of the book!!
Hot alpha (Dom), check. Ex military, check. OTT protector, check. Chloe, independent curvy female, check. Running from danger, check. Chemistry off the scales, check
This book is just addictive reading. I could not put it down. Fabulous characters, loved all the side characters - need their stories now please. Drama, suspense, danger and humour all rolled into one. Witty dialogue, believable story. I could go on and on. I loved this book (in case you didn’t guess lol).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hot alpha (Dom), check. Ex military, check. OTT protector, check. Chloe, independent curvy female, check. Running from danger, check. Chemistry off the scales, check
This book is just addictive reading. I could not put it down. Fabulous characters, loved all the side characters - need their stories now please. Drama, suspense, danger and humour all rolled into one. Witty dialogue, believable story. I could go on and on. I loved this book (in case you didn’t guess lol).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2024
Oh my. This is one good book. I adore this author. And this book is in the pile of adored books. Every girl needs a brothers best friend like Dom. he is such a hard butt. But such a sweetie. Loves to protest. But then. Wants to take over and protect. Oh its a steamy one. Very good. The mystery of it keeps you wanting to turn the pages. I love that you want to protect because of the abuse. Abuse is one of my wishes to make it be gone. Poof. So while reading it. It makes you want to reach in and help yourself. But Dom is there to take care of things. I highly recommend this book. Yes. This author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2024
This was a quick read. Chloe comes home when she is running from her abusive relationship and goes to work where her brother works and her brother's best friend owns the club. She has been around Dom but now she really get an up close view of him and his brothers. He has come home from the Marines and now is a businessman who takes Chloe under his wing, so to speak, but more than that they become close. Once he finds out she is under attack he is all in to protect her and there is nothing that will stop him when she is in danger. This is a great story and I hope we get more of these brothers in the future.
March 24, 2024
Chloe is running from her past with her crazy ex stalking her. She returns home where she is hired by her brother at his best friends club and sparks fly between her and Dom.
This book had me intrigued right from the very first chapter, I love the stalker trope, didnt really get the brothers best friend trope here other than it being mentioned a couple times didn't really deliver the bang you'd expect for that trope. This book had a good amount of suspense and spice that kept me engaged in the story. I enjoyed this authors writing and will be reading more or her work.
This book had me intrigued right from the very first chapter, I love the stalker trope, didnt really get the brothers best friend trope here other than it being mentioned a couple times didn't really deliver the bang you'd expect for that trope. This book had a good amount of suspense and spice that kept me engaged in the story. I enjoyed this authors writing and will be reading more or her work.
March 29, 2024
Another good book
An off limits Brother's Best Friend book that doesn't have the knock down drag out drama most of them in this troupe do and I loved it. Also loved that there was no third act break up. But don't worry there is enough plot, drama and spice to make this an amazing book. I saved a few quotes throughout the book:
A moth to the f*ck*ng flame, and boy, did I get burned.
“Hmm, not bad for pod coffee.”
“French toast. Breakfast for dinner. Brinner.”
A must read book and series.
An off limits Brother's Best Friend book that doesn't have the knock down drag out drama most of them in this troupe do and I loved it. Also loved that there was no third act break up. But don't worry there is enough plot, drama and spice to make this an amazing book. I saved a few quotes throughout the book:
A moth to the f*ck*ng flame, and boy, did I get burned.
“Hmm, not bad for pod coffee.”
“French toast. Breakfast for dinner. Brinner.”
A must read book and series.
May 17, 2024
3.5 Stars of Steamy Entertainment
I would have given this book 4 stars, but there was a lot of padding and meandering through unnecessary details that made me skim much of the book. I also found the focus on the sexual side of their relationship to be a little much. I liked the chemistry, but they were tangled in the proverbial sheets more than any other activity. It distracted from the suspense subplot, and also interfered with the overall flow of the book. Overall, the book was entertaining, but nothing super special.
I would have given this book 4 stars, but there was a lot of padding and meandering through unnecessary details that made me skim much of the book. I also found the focus on the sexual side of their relationship to be a little much. I liked the chemistry, but they were tangled in the proverbial sheets more than any other activity. It distracted from the suspense subplot, and also interfered with the overall flow of the book. Overall, the book was entertaining, but nothing super special.
March 25, 2024
Fast paced, insta-love, protector romance.....
This story has an enjoyable story and characters. It is fast moving in regards to intimacy and and the plot. There is some violence for those that are squeamish. There are lots of spicy scenes and a lot of chemistry between the main characters. Overall good read, I recommend!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story has an enjoyable story and characters. It is fast moving in regards to intimacy and and the plot. There is some violence for those that are squeamish. There are lots of spicy scenes and a lot of chemistry between the main characters. Overall good read, I recommend!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2024
Great story. Easy quick read. It has it all. Romance, suspense, hot bossy Alpha male and lots of steamy sex. It was a little more sex than I prefer so I skimmed through some it but it did not take away from an excellent read. The story is well written and edited. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance suspense stories.
Received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
March 28, 2024
I could say a lot about this Chloe and Dom story, but what stands out is that they were great together and the connection and chemistry was palpable. You are glued to their story from the first page and you get plenty of red ears and cheeks from all the steamy and hot scenes. A page turner and highly recommended to read.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2024
Dominick and his brothers own many different properties and businesses. When he walks into his bar, Chloe, his best friend's sister is there working. She was a teacher so he is wondering what happened. Chloe is running from her past. She doesn't want to get anyone else involved. Dominick is attracted to Chloe and she to him. Will they act on their chemistry? Will Chloe trust Dominick with her fears? Lots of heated moments, fun and danger. Will Chloe survive the danger? Great story!
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