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Protect Me
Protect me is a LIGHT GRAY bodyguard romance novella standalone.
He can protect me from everyone but himself
Isabella
Two weeks. The job is only for fourteen days. He’ll be on guard every minute of the day, trying to protect and preserve me. I don’t like being babysat, and I’m hell-bent on making him work to keep me safe.
Vance is my bodyguard, and he tries so hard to keep his hands off me, but I’ve always been very persuasive. I find myself wanting to let go of what I’m required to hold on to for my arranged marriage.
I want control when I’ve never been allowed to have it.
This bodyguard romance has dark content and themes. Full list of content warnings on Lauren's website
Age gap
Innocent but sassy fmc
Grumpy protector mmc
Forced proximity
MCs from different worlds
He can protect me from everyone but himself
Isabella
Two weeks. The job is only for fourteen days. He’ll be on guard every minute of the day, trying to protect and preserve me. I don’t like being babysat, and I’m hell-bent on making him work to keep me safe.
Vance is my bodyguard, and he tries so hard to keep his hands off me, but I’ve always been very persuasive. I find myself wanting to let go of what I’m required to hold on to for my arranged marriage.
I want control when I’ve never been allowed to have it.
This bodyguard romance has dark content and themes. Full list of content warnings on Lauren's website
Age gap
Innocent but sassy fmc
Grumpy protector mmc
Forced proximity
MCs from different worlds
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2024
55 people are currently reading
1921 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Biel
37 books4,813 followersLauren’s stories are often emotionally raw, with lots of twists and turns. She describes her writing as “where light meets dark”, which represents how her witty humor compliments the darkness in every story. Instead of trying to mold her writing to fit in a box, she chooses to be unapologetically herself. While her focus is on Romance with dark elements, subgenre is no constraint for her. The common theme in every book is finding love when you least expect it. She enjoys putting her characters through tribulations, allowing their triumphs to be that much more poignant. Make sure you have your seatbelts secured. It’s always a bumpy ride.
When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but.
When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but.
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June 19, 2024There's currently a typo where it says Vance is 33 instead of 43. Pretend it says 43. I am in the process of getting it corrected on Amazon but it won't be correct in already purchased copies. So sorry everyone!
July 3, 2024
This was my first Lauren book and definitely not my last !!!! It was HOT af and a quick read !!! Forced proximity trope is one of my favorites and so is daddy kink SO 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️ can’t wait to read more of her books !
Bodyguard MMC
Italian Mafia
Bratty FMC
Bodyguard MMC
Italian Mafia
Bratty FMC
June 26, 2024
4.5 stars!
Protect Me was Lauren Biel’s version of rainbows and butterflies and had enough alphahole and humping to still feel like you were reading a Biel story. Isabella is a mafia princess set to do her duty and marry a monster. In order to make sure the arrangement is a success, her father assigns her a bodyguard.
Vance takes the position of Isabella’s guard for the money only. Until he doesn’t. Duh. Because Isabella isn’t letting that man go…and she’s definitely taking a ride on his thigh. Vance knows it’s a bad idea but he’s never claimed to be a good man…
These two get hot and heavy and what starts out as lust morphs quickly into something neither of them expected.
These two have some serious battles to fight and it will take all they’ve got to get their deserved HEA.
It wouldn’t be a Biel book without some murder and mayhem and she delivered on those fronts with her signature kinky steam. Loved this!!
ARC provided for an honest review.
Protect Me was Lauren Biel’s version of rainbows and butterflies and had enough alphahole and humping to still feel like you were reading a Biel story. Isabella is a mafia princess set to do her duty and marry a monster. In order to make sure the arrangement is a success, her father assigns her a bodyguard.
Vance takes the position of Isabella’s guard for the money only. Until he doesn’t. Duh. Because Isabella isn’t letting that man go…and she’s definitely taking a ride on his thigh. Vance knows it’s a bad idea but he’s never claimed to be a good man…
“I’ve never needed to make someone come as much as I need to make you come right now. I want to feel you around my hand so I can imagine it was my cock instead.”
These two get hot and heavy and what starts out as lust morphs quickly into something neither of them expected.
“I love you so fucking much, and I’m not saying that because of an imminent risk of death. I’m saying it with my come on your tongue because I want you to swallow those feelings I have for you. I want to be a part of what’s inside you.”
These two have some serious battles to fight and it will take all they’ve got to get their deserved HEA.
”I’ve spent my entire career protecting what belongs to others. Now I finally get to protect what’s mine. My wife.”
It wouldn’t be a Biel book without some murder and mayhem and she delivered on those fronts with her signature kinky steam. Loved this!!
ARC provided for an honest review.
June 20, 2024
Daddy kink and riding his lap? Sayyyy lesssssss. Bella was a fun fiery character and I loved how she tempted and teased Vance. This was hot and fun. And I’ve never had the urge to ride a zipper until now… I’m curious 👀🫠
July 13, 2024
Absolutely delicious 🫠 loved every second of this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2024
I really enjoyed everything about this one! Mafia, forced proximity, bodyguard, virgin FMC, arranged marriage. It was all just ✨chefs kiss✨
I have yet to find a Lauren Biel book I didn’t like, and this one was no exception! I loved how bratty and stubborn Isabella was with wanting to get her way, and how she was constantly pushing Vance’s buttons. She is such a wild, seductive, temptress, and Vance tries hard to stand his ground and keeping things between them professional. But giving in to temptation is just way too much fun!
I have yet to find a Lauren Biel book I didn’t like, and this one was no exception! I loved how bratty and stubborn Isabella was with wanting to get her way, and how she was constantly pushing Vance’s buttons. She is such a wild, seductive, temptress, and Vance tries hard to stand his ground and keeping things between them professional. But giving in to temptation is just way too much fun!
June 20, 2024
Another great book by Lauren Biel 😍
Short, fast paced read, morally gray MMC and a bratty mafia princess MFC. I read it in a few hours!
Highly recommend if you like a $mutty unhinged quick read.
Short, fast paced read, morally gray MMC and a bratty mafia princess MFC. I read it in a few hours!
Highly recommend if you like a $mutty unhinged quick read.
June 23, 2024
This was so different from other books of lauren biel but I still loved every second of it! Moody bodyguard, virgin FMC, mafia, age gap just every thing about this was amazing
June 21, 2024
Not my favorite Lauren Biel so far. Low on plot for this one and while some of the spice was great some was a little ho-hum. Bella seemed super bratty and never really grew character arc wise with it and while I am down for a Daddy kink the fact that Vance kept saying it made him uncomfortable (even though it turned him on too) made it not as fun. The last few chapters spice was great where they both were on board but before that the leg humping and Daddy-ing was weird. I’m still a hitchhiker series fan so maybe that’s why this one didn’t hit for me like those did. 💚
June 22, 2024
This was probably in my top two of Lauren’s books! Don’t get me wrong I love me a good dark romance but this book just snuck in. I love the innocence of it and a big alpha male. It had the perfect amount of daddy kink to not gross me out. Some other books have been too over the top for me. I felt like everything in this book was perfect!
Thanks Lauren for another fav!
I received an advanced reader copy and I was not paid to write a review I did it voluntarily
Thanks Lauren for another fav!
I received an advanced reader copy and I was not paid to write a review I did it voluntarily
July 13, 2024
Protect me was my first read by Lauren Biel, and I loved it. This was a short spicy read that you will definitely enjoy. This was a wonderful age gap bodyguard romance. I love Vance and Isabella's story. I couldn't stop reading it once I started. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Lauren Biel!
Tropes:
Bodyguard
Mafia princess/Virgin FMC
Age gap
Touch her & die
Forbidden romance
Arranged marriage
Tropes:
Bodyguard
Mafia princess/Virgin FMC
Age gap
Touch her & die
Forbidden romance
Arranged marriage
June 21, 2024
Whew! This was light for a Lauren Biel book but still lots of 💀 and craziness! I loved how just insatiable and needy the FMC is and she turned out to be a little unhinged which I wasn’t expecting! I absolutely love the bodyguard/forbidden romance. The spice though…holy f*ck I didn’t think lap grinding would be sooooo incredibly hot but thanks LB new kink unlocked! It also had just the right amount of ‘daddy’ for me 🥵🥵 just mark down another LB book I’m absolutely in love with! I absolutely am adding Vance to my list of book boyfriends 🔥 spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
June 19, 2024
Loved it! I couldn’t put it down once I started it. Oh Vance, I loved his protective self. A hota$$ bodyguard protecting a mafia princess. This book had arranged marriage, age-gap, forbidden love, V!rgin FMC, and many more. This was a short and spicy read, I didn’t want it to end! It was super hot, gotta love that daddy k!nk 🥵😏
June 21, 2024
When the Daddy name comes out in front of the Father is usually a fist pump and woop for me, didn’t expect it to be a fist full…you know what…I will let you find out!
If you are a Lauren Biel Fan this is a lighter book. BUT, if you are not already familiar with her work, this might be a bit much so ensure to check your triggers. (She is great about listing them on her socials)
Daddy, bratty, watching, grinding and creampie-ing.
If you are a Lauren Biel Fan this is a lighter book. BUT, if you are not already familiar with her work, this might be a bit much so ensure to check your triggers. (She is great about listing them on her socials)
Daddy, bratty, watching, grinding and creampie-ing.
June 20, 2024
Such a fun short read! The spice was spicy, and the Daddy kink was spectacular. Isabella is such a firecracker and enjoys teasing Vance. Vance and his rules were hilarious.
June 21, 2024
I love her books. This was so freaking good. Hands down fast and amazing.
5⭐️ 3🌶️
5⭐️ 3🌶️
December 19, 2025
No plot. Just some spice. dnf 50%
June 21, 2024
Bodyguard + mafia princess = an enjoyable & spicy quick read! This is a perfect starter if you are new to Lauren's work. Daddy Vance is morally grey, but still way lighter than most of her other MMC’s. And that ending 🥵🔥
June 22, 2024
This is a quick hot lil thing with a 90/10 spice to plot ratio complete with age-gap, daddy k!nk, and riding laps. This is a much “lighter end” dark romance than what I’m used to with this author but it was entertaining nonetheless.
July 30, 2024
Rating - ⭐⭐.5
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Trope - mafia princess × bodyguard, forbidden, age gap, daddy kink, slightly dark, insta-lust, mafia romance, a LOT of dry humping
OM/OW drama Yes, they both tried to hook up with others :/
Sometimes I wonder why I pick such novellas. After reading so many positive reviews with most of them above 4 stars I had high expectations from this. I knew there would be a lot of spice in here, but this was weird and honestly, it made me cringe. I liked the premise of the book, however I felt it could've been a bit lengthy to give justice to all the "feelings" the characters were experiencing.
One sentence to explain Isabella, she's a dog during the heat. She would hump anything and everything. Everything is a game for her, and she's such a child. I kept hoping that her character would grow mature and wise with the plot, but that never happened.
On the other hand, Vance is an "obedient" bodyguard who can follow all the rules except maintaining distance from her. The Daddy kink was good in the start but then it grew weird when he started calling her little girl. What was weird was even though he considered her an immature girl, he went out and exploited her(sexually) like seriously. I was disappointed in how first Vance let her marry that ass, then realized and came to "take what was his". That was the first time, the dark theme emerged and showed its existence. If he would have had an earlier realization, she would have been saved from the fear of marital rape. The whole OM drama was so boring.
This was a disappointing. There was no plot, just humping and resisting each other. I barely felt connected to either of the characters, they had no personality and that was just sad. Also, most of their scenes were repetitive and slow.
I kept waiting for the light grey theme to kick, but it wasn't until she was married off. However, the last few chapters were way better than the rest of the book. The ending was abrupt with no proper conclusion except that now they were married without any explanation of their life after starting a war.
It was okay. Unsafe.
2.5/5
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Trope - mafia princess × bodyguard, forbidden, age gap, daddy kink, slightly dark, insta-lust, mafia romance, a LOT of dry humping
OM/OW drama Yes, they both tried to hook up with others :/
Sometimes I wonder why I pick such novellas. After reading so many positive reviews with most of them above 4 stars I had high expectations from this. I knew there would be a lot of spice in here, but this was weird and honestly, it made me cringe. I liked the premise of the book, however I felt it could've been a bit lengthy to give justice to all the "feelings" the characters were experiencing.
One sentence to explain Isabella, she's a dog during the heat. She would hump anything and everything. Everything is a game for her, and she's such a child. I kept hoping that her character would grow mature and wise with the plot, but that never happened.
On the other hand, Vance is an "obedient" bodyguard who can follow all the rules except maintaining distance from her. The Daddy kink was good in the start but then it grew weird when he started calling her little girl. What was weird was even though he considered her an immature girl, he went out and exploited her(sexually) like seriously. I was disappointed in how first Vance let her marry that ass, then realized and came to "take what was his". That was the first time, the dark theme emerged and showed its existence. If he would have had an earlier realization, she would have been saved from the fear of marital rape. The whole OM drama was so boring.
This was a disappointing. There was no plot, just humping and resisting each other. I barely felt connected to either of the characters, they had no personality and that was just sad. Also, most of their scenes were repetitive and slow.
I kept waiting for the light grey theme to kick, but it wasn't until she was married off. However, the last few chapters were way better than the rest of the book. The ending was abrupt with no proper conclusion except that now they were married without any explanation of their life after starting a war.
It was okay. Unsafe.
2.5/5
June 19, 2024
(I received an ARC for this book)
Trigger Warnings include:
threats on life, murder on page
Randomly checked my email, and Lauren said SURPRISE! And what a fantastic surprise it was! As always, she knocked it outta the park! I never know what I’m getting into when I start one of her books, but by the end I have loved every second of it! This one was no different! This one’s a quickie, but packs the perfect punch! Off-limits mafia princess and her much older bodyguard?! It’s a good time!! Isabella is being married off, and needs protection from disapproving in-laws. And she definitely doesn’t make it easy for Vance! Boy did she test him! Tale as old as time: the mafia princess too stubborn to stay alive. Foreplay at its finest! Poor man never stood a chance.
little girl: 24
good girl: 7
My Favorite Quotes:
• “Yes, daddy.” “Good girl.”
• “I told you, no one aside from me will touch you, including yourself. Your body is mine. Try to remember that.”
• “I’ll put my hand between your legs and please you without losing a wink of sleep over it. I’d let you rub your pretty c!nt against my leg if it made you feel good.”
• “Come like a good girl, even though you’re never a good girl, are you?”
• “Come for daddy.” “I’m going to come.” “Good f!cking girl.”
• “Do you know what happens to bratty little girls who disobey?”
• “I bet you’d do anything I asked if it meant you could tend to that ache in your c!nt, huh?”
• “Come for me like a good girl so I can make you taste yourself on me.”
• “Let me lay you on this bed and spread your thighs, little girl. Let my name be the only one you scream out.”
• “Bound by blood. You’re mine.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
6/10 Age Gap
6/10 Dark Romance
6/10 Forbidden
7/10 Forced Proximity
5/10 Mafia Romance
Trigger Warnings include:
threats on life, murder on page
Randomly checked my email, and Lauren said SURPRISE! And what a fantastic surprise it was! As always, she knocked it outta the park! I never know what I’m getting into when I start one of her books, but by the end I have loved every second of it! This one was no different! This one’s a quickie, but packs the perfect punch! Off-limits mafia princess and her much older bodyguard?! It’s a good time!! Isabella is being married off, and needs protection from disapproving in-laws. And she definitely doesn’t make it easy for Vance! Boy did she test him! Tale as old as time: the mafia princess too stubborn to stay alive. Foreplay at its finest! Poor man never stood a chance.
little girl: 24
good girl: 7
My Favorite Quotes:
• “Yes, daddy.” “Good girl.”
• “I told you, no one aside from me will touch you, including yourself. Your body is mine. Try to remember that.”
• “I’ll put my hand between your legs and please you without losing a wink of sleep over it. I’d let you rub your pretty c!nt against my leg if it made you feel good.”
• “Come like a good girl, even though you’re never a good girl, are you?”
• “Come for daddy.” “I’m going to come.” “Good f!cking girl.”
• “Do you know what happens to bratty little girls who disobey?”
• “I bet you’d do anything I asked if it meant you could tend to that ache in your c!nt, huh?”
• “Come for me like a good girl so I can make you taste yourself on me.”
• “Let me lay you on this bed and spread your thighs, little girl. Let my name be the only one you scream out.”
• “Bound by blood. You’re mine.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
6/10 Age Gap
6/10 Dark Romance
6/10 Forbidden
7/10 Forced Proximity
5/10 Mafia Romance
June 22, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Heat rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5 peppers
-Age gap
-Forbidden romance (Mafia princess x bodyguard MMC)
-Forced Proximity
-Arranged Marriage
-Daddy kink
Let me just say I have never turned down the chance to read a bodyguard romance, heck I even love the occasional mafia romance so of course I jumped at the chance to read the latest story from Lauren Biel. The plot of this books was absolutely perfect🤌🏼, loved it. Vance’s character was written exactly how I like my bodyguards to be in this type of romance. The grinding was hot, IYKYK.
If I had to say the one thing that didn't work for me (it’s a personal preference), it would be the daddy kink mixed with the bratty/spoiled attitude of the FMC. Again, this is a personal thing, I am sure there are plenty of romance readers that love that trope, I just don't care for it.
This book is what I would consider a Lauren Biel-Lite, what I mean is it has a bit of dark romance but it is tame enough to ease a beginner in the genre into reading it. It isn't as trigger heavy as the darker titles in her Ride or Die series. Content warnings can be found on the authors website.
Heat rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5 peppers
-Age gap
-Forbidden romance (Mafia princess x bodyguard MMC)
-Forced Proximity
-Arranged Marriage
-Daddy kink
Let me just say I have never turned down the chance to read a bodyguard romance, heck I even love the occasional mafia romance so of course I jumped at the chance to read the latest story from Lauren Biel. The plot of this books was absolutely perfect🤌🏼, loved it. Vance’s character was written exactly how I like my bodyguards to be in this type of romance. The grinding was hot, IYKYK.
If I had to say the one thing that didn't work for me (it’s a personal preference), it would be the daddy kink mixed with the bratty/spoiled attitude of the FMC. Again, this is a personal thing, I am sure there are plenty of romance readers that love that trope, I just don't care for it.
This book is what I would consider a Lauren Biel-Lite, what I mean is it has a bit of dark romance but it is tame enough to ease a beginner in the genre into reading it. It isn't as trigger heavy as the darker titles in her Ride or Die series. Content warnings can be found on the authors website.
July 9, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️1/2
"Come like a good girl, even though you're never a good girl, are you?'
I loved this lighter side of Lauren Biel! This quick and spicy read still packs a punch in the romance department.
Despite its shorter length, I easily fell for Vance and Isabella.
I adored Vance's protectiveness and gruff exterior. I cackled when he cock-blocked Isabella on more than one occasion, even going as far as forbidding touching at all - well, except for his touch.
Isabella was a brat, but it was for a good cause—the poke the bear and deal with the consequences type of brattiness. And while she was innocent, she was far from a "good girl".
This is a fast-burn and spicy MF romance with mild Daddy kink, some dry humping, and first times.
Highly recommended for those who need a spicy snack. And who love a protective daddy MMC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️1/2
"Come like a good girl, even though you're never a good girl, are you?'
I loved this lighter side of Lauren Biel! This quick and spicy read still packs a punch in the romance department.
Despite its shorter length, I easily fell for Vance and Isabella.
I adored Vance's protectiveness and gruff exterior. I cackled when he cock-blocked Isabella on more than one occasion, even going as far as forbidding touching at all - well, except for his touch.
Isabella was a brat, but it was for a good cause—the poke the bear and deal with the consequences type of brattiness. And while she was innocent, she was far from a "good girl".
This is a fast-burn and spicy MF romance with mild Daddy kink, some dry humping, and first times.
Highly recommended for those who need a spicy snack. And who love a protective daddy MMC.
August 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lauren kills it as always
💧💧💧 Tease me, Daddy
“I own you, and your body, for the next thirteen days. I’ll keep anyone and everyone from touching you. Including yourself, since you want to be so damn mouthy.”
Exactly as Lauren says, this bodyguard romance is the fastest slow burn you’ll ever read! I love the banter and the teasing. If you enjoy mafia based romance I highly recommend!
Blurb:
He can protect me from everyone but himself
Isabella Two weeks. The job is only for fourteen days. He’ll be on guard every minute of the day, trying to protect and preserve me. I don’t like being babysat, and I’m hell-bent on making him work to keep me safe. Vance is my bodyguard, and he tries so hard to keep his hands off me, but I’ve always been very persuasive. I find myself wanting to let go of what I’m required to hold on to for my arranged marriage. I want control when I’ve never been allowed to have it.
Tropes: Age gap Innocent but sassy fmc Grumpy protector (bodyguard) mmc Forced proximity MCs from different worlds
June 22, 2024
*ARC review*
This book is not as dark as some of Lauren's others, but I still couldn't put it down! While I'm not really that into the Daddy side of things, it was a fast paced and enjoyable ride through a whirlwind affair. Very easy to read with relatable characters that you definitely end up rooting for.
Included content does contain some typical maf1a tropes on page; arranged marriage, forbidden romances, untouched heroine etc. FMC Bella is no pushover though, and once Vance finally puts his head on straight, the action kicks in with a bang.
Excellent short story, highly recommend as a lighter intro to this author's writing.
This book is not as dark as some of Lauren's others, but I still couldn't put it down! While I'm not really that into the Daddy side of things, it was a fast paced and enjoyable ride through a whirlwind affair. Very easy to read with relatable characters that you definitely end up rooting for.
Included content does contain some typical maf1a tropes on page; arranged marriage, forbidden romances, untouched heroine etc. FMC Bella is no pushover though, and once Vance finally puts his head on straight, the action kicks in with a bang.
Excellent short story, highly recommend as a lighter intro to this author's writing.
June 26, 2024
Light grey bodyguard x virgin maffia princess romance:
Fast paced, high spice, low character development, forced proximity, novella.
I like this one. It was an entertaining, quick and spicy read and a nice palette cleanser.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Fast paced, high spice, low character development, forced proximity, novella.
I like this one. It was an entertaining, quick and spicy read and a nice palette cleanser.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
July 11, 2024
This was such a good read!! Spicy sexy and suspenseful!!! I loved this book.. This really gets going right off the bat.... a needy brat and a losing control body guard what more could I ask for!!! Vance and Bella for the win!!!
June 20, 2024
I love a good Daddy/Brat mafia romance! I would pay good money for a sequel because the mafia doesn’t give up that easily ESPECIALLY when a boss is killed & his daughter goes missing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
Ok I didn't like the fmc at 1st but hot damn. I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. The absolute chokehold Vance had on me... and his FMC
July 5, 2024
He’s a bodyguard who grew up in poverty, started as a bouncer in a str!p club, and managed to end up working for a mafia family. His hopefully last job with a price of 2 million he’d be able to get out of the life. All he has to do is watch the mafia princess 24/7 until she gets married in 2 weeks. She is told to remain pure for her husband from a rival family. The arranged marriage is to stop the rivalry and become one. However, she hates her husband and wants nothing to do with the marriage. Through her rebellion and stubbornness he’s always there to protect her.
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