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Alden Security #5

Screenwriter's Shield

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I write romantic comedies for a living, but life has taught me that “true love” is fiction. It always ends badly, and if you’re lucky you get out in one piece. I did, and I’m following my dreams in LA. My cat and I are enjoying our quiet little life, but of course, good things don’t last.



In the space of two days, my abusive ex finds me, I hire a bodyguard named Lucas, and social services calls to tell me my favorite cousin is dead, and oh, by the way, she left you custody of a baby you didn’t know she had. Welcome to fatherhood!



To protect this adorable little girl, and myself, the three of us head to a remote safehouse. Lucas is sweet and funny and good with the baby, and my cat likes him better than me. I’m not sure how long we are going to be here, but I’m already afraid that my heart isn’t going to make it home in one piece.

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2024

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Joy Danvers

12 books60 followers

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Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,041 reviews25.3k followers
September 12, 2024
RATING 3.5 STARS

Screenwriter’s Shield is book five in the Alden Security series by Joy Danvers. This book can be read as a complete stand alone. It’s my first book by this author.

Ezrah McKallas lives in Los Angeles. He is a screenwriter and lives alone with his crazy cat. Ezrah lives alone for a reason. He ran away several years before from an abusive, controlling ex and has managed to build a successful life. But out of the blue two things happen. His ex finds him and starts letting him know through letters that he’s coming for him. He knows he needs protection so he hires Alden Security and the sexy Lucas shows up. But no sooner does he arrive that Ezrah is contacted by social services and told that his cousin has passed away and he is the designated guardian of her nine month old daughter, Delilah. Life just got really complicated.

Lucas’s life is in Denver, Colorado. He hasn’t been with Alden Security long. He recently left the military so this was the most obvious career choice for him. As soon as he arrives in Los Angeles and knocks on Ezrah’s door, he feels the attraction to him. But Ezrah is about as prickly as a cactus. As the danger to him escalates, it’s obvious they will need to get out of town. Add in the baby to the picture, and Lucas has his hands full. One man, one cat and now a baby.

The more time these two spend together, the less they are able to deny the attraction. But Ezrah is Lucas’s client, his responsibility. It’s a line he isn’t supposed to cross. At the same time, Lucas falls in love with little Delilah. The three of them start to feel like a family. But what happens when they go back to real life?

While all of the elements of this story drew me to it, love between a bodyguard and client, the baby, a remote cabin setting, it should have worked for me. But somehow it didn’t. I had trouble warming up to Ezrah’s personality. I just never was able to really feel the connection between the characters. The cover is adorable. But the story was just okay for me.

For more information about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§).
829 reviews75 followers
July 7, 2024
3 🌟🌟🌟- Screenwriters Shield - Joy Danvers

Ezrah McKellas has shut himself off from everyone in his LA home accept for his beloved Beatrice, his cat. Trying to get his script writing work accepted by the big studios and not succeeding, plus the fact that he is hiding from his nasty ex doesn’t make him a very cheerful person to encounter. Each morning he takes his laptop and heads to his favourite coffeehouse and sits tapping out his words hoping some studio executives will accept it as he has written it and not expect him to change it. He has written a Love Story without a HEA, because that is his only experience with a relationship. He has never felt loveable or loved.

One such morning, on his return he finds a white envelope propped against his door and when he reads the contents he is terrified. His bullying ex Allen has managed to trace him and is coming to take him back home. Straight into panic mode, he starts to pack a suitcase and leave but sense eventually kicks in and he calls Alden Security. Explaining his requirements they agree to send someone next day.

Ezrah wasn’t very welcoming or polite to Lukas Harper when he arrived but over the following days Lukas did manage to melt through Ezrah’s icy exterior especially when he saw the traitorous Beatrice curling into Lucas’s lap. When another letter is left at his door the following day Lukas assures him that he will be there for him and later when he receives a phone call from Social Services telling him about his cousin Jaimie’s death and that he is now the legal guardian of her 6 month old daughter Delilah. Surprised and sad he immediately accepted the arrangement to take the baby. Then he panics, what if Social Services hear about his dangerous situation with his stalking ex.

Lukas immediately steps up his role and arranges for the baby to be dropped off at Ezrah’s and then organises for all the baby essentials to be delivered to the safe house he has set up until Law Enforcement catches Allen, the ex red handed, so to speak. Lukas would do anything to help Ezrah, but Ezrah keeps slamming the door on him, despite the fact that his heart is pounding out of his chest at the same time.

No one could have predicted how Ezrah, the grumpy writer and Lukas the Bodyguard, would cross the line between boss and ‘employee’, but they surely did, and they both fell in love with the cute baby Delilah, and Beatrice loved Lukas too.

But, Ezrah, true to form, doesn’t believe in HEA’s and plays hot and cold with Lukas. Plus Lukas forgot to share one vital piece of information with Ezrah.

******************
I haven’t read any other books in the Alden Security series so I wasn’t familiar with some of the side characters. However, they seem like a fun bunch the little the appeared here, so I think I’ll be looking to read some more about these fun guys.

I was immediately invested in this story from the first chapter and it became even more interesting as I turned the pages. When Delilah became part of the story that movie about 3 men and a baby and learning to cope sprung to mind. Lukas was such an adorable man and I wanted to slap Ezrah for being such a damp squib. I enjoyed the plot, the suspense and the car chase. A nice change of storyline for me.

There were a few details that I wondered about in relation to a 6 month old child being able to crawl plus eating Macaroni cheese at such a young age. Not that these details detracted from the excitement or my enjoyment of this story. I loved the idyllic time the threesome spent at the cabin in the woods and the walks they enjoyed with Delilah, a perfect happy family for a while.

I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel and this is my unbiased review.
Profile Image for Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§).
829 reviews75 followers
July 7, 2024
3 🌟🌟🌟- Screenwriters Shield - Joy Danvers

Ezrah McKellas has shut himself off from everyone in his LA home accept for his beloved Beatrice, his cat. Trying to get his script writing work accepted by the big studios and not succeeding, plus the fact that he is hiding from his nasty ex doesn’t make him a very cheerful person to encounter. Each morning he takes his laptop and heads to his favourite coffeehouse and sits tapping out his words hoping some studio executives will accept it as he has written it and not expect him to change it. He has written a Love Story without a HEA, because that is his only experience with a relationship. He has never felt loveable or loved.

One such morning, on his return he finds a white envelope propped against his door and when he reads the contents he is terrified. His bullying ex Allen has managed to trace him and is coming to take him back home. Straight into panic mode, he starts to pack a suitcase and leave but sense eventually kicks in and he calls Alden Security. Explaining his requirements they agree to send someone next day.

Ezrah wasn’t very welcoming or polite to Lukas Harper when he arrived but over the following days Lukas did manage to melt through Ezrah’s icy exterior especially when he saw the traitorous Beatrice curling into Lucas’s lap. When another letter is left at his door the following day Lukas assures him that he will be there for him and later when he receives a phone call from Social Services telling him about his cousin Jaimie’s death and that he is now the legal guardian of her 6 month old daughter Delilah. Surprised and sad he immediately accepted the arrangement to take the baby. Then he panics, what if Social Services hear about his dangerous situation with his stalking ex.

Lukas immediately steps up his role and arranges for the baby to be dropped off at Ezrah’s and then organises for all the baby essentials to be delivered to the safe house he has set up until Law Enforcement catches Allen, the ex red handed, so to speak. Lukas would do anything to help Ezrah, but Ezrah keeps slamming the door on him, despite the fact that his heart is pounding out of his chest at the same time.

No one could have predicted how Ezrah, the grumpy writer and Lukas the Bodyguard, would cross the line between boss and ‘employee’, but they surely did, and they both fell in love with the cute baby Delilah, and Beatrice loved Lukas too.

But, Ezrah, true to form, doesn’t believe in HEA’s and plays hot and cold with Lukas. Plus Lukas forgot to share one vital piece of information with Ezrah.

******************
I haven’t read any other books in the Alden Security series so I wasn’t familiar with some of the side characters. However, they seem like a fun bunch the little the appeared here, so I think I’ll be looking to read some more about these fun guys.

I was immediately invested in this story from the first chapter and it became even more interesting as I turned the pages. When Delilah became part of the story that movie about 3 men and a baby and learning to cope sprung to mind. Lukas was such an adorable man and I wanted to slap Ezrah for being such a damp squib. I enjoyed the plot, the suspense and the car chase. A nice change of storyline for me.

There were a few details that I wondered about in relation to a 6 month old child being able to crawl plus eating Macaroni cheese at such a young age. Not that these details detracted from the excitement or my enjoyment of this story. I loved the idyllic time the threesome spent at the cabin in the woods and the walks they enjoyed with Delilah, a perfect happy family for a while.

I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel and this is my unbiased review.
Profile Image for Marion.
1,801 reviews
July 8, 2024
This is the fifth book int he Alden Security series but it can be enjoyed as a standalone. It is also the first book I have read in this series and I was able to follow along with no difficulty. This is the story of Lucas and Ezrah. Lucas is a newly retired serviceman who has joined Alden Security. He is selected for the bodyguard detail and flies out to LA to begin his job. Ezrah is a screen writer who has rebuilt himself and his life. He escaped from an abusive, controlling relationship and reinvented himself. He is working as a writer for rom-coms but he is trying to become a screenwriter. It is just him and his cat and he is happy with his life. He doesn't believe in happy ever after. One day he finds a threatening letter from his ex Allen on his front steps. He panics and considers running again. He stayed away for 5 years. Next time it could be 10. But reasoning prevails and he calls Alden Security. The two meet and it isn't a very auspicious beginning. Ezrah is rude and abrupt. Luckily Lucas is kind and friendly. While the two of them are trying to figure out how they will work together, Ezrah gets another big shock. His cousin has left him her beautiful 9 month old daughter, Delilah. Overwhelmed, Ezrah lets Lucas step in to help him through this stressful time. But of course, his evil ex stalker, is not giving up. This is their story. I have to say that I had a hard time with Ezrah. Lucas is their to protect him yet Ezrah refuses to share what info he knows to help himself. I realize that Ezrah has a hard shell due to the life he lived, but if I was Lucas, I would have walked away. I found it hard to focus on his redeeming characteristics. Now that is not to say that the book is not crafted well. It is well written and easy to read. I just had a hard time relating to the main characters. It is still an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Zoë Miranda.
613 reviews10 followers
June 21, 2024
1st person, present tense, dual POV

Ezrah McKallas, screenwriter
Lucas, bodyguard with Alden Security

Having read only the previous book of the Alden Security series I can say this absolutely can be read as a standalone. There may have been some character crossover, but it blended seamlessly in with the rest of the characters and I never felt like I was missing background or context.

It's funny because while I abhor surprise babies and am not typically drawn to single parent romance I am an absolute sucker for people who unexpectedly become guardians, so I was immediately enchanted by the idea of a jaded rom com screen writer on the run from an evil ex finding himself responsible for a nine-month old infant (though how it came to be required a little suspension of disbelief). This is only made more delicious by the fact that his new bodyguard is very domestic, good with the baby, and they are all alone at an isolated cabin safehouse.

We were off to a rocky start with Ezrah being so prickly and closed off. I have a hard time with characters like that because it's hard to sympathize with someone who works against their own best interests. I mean doesn't exactly make me feel like he has the great instincts of self-preservation that I know he must given his background.

Once he got out of his own way, helped greatly by the news of Delilah's imminent arrival, things start to progress. I enjoyed the camaraderie that developed between them as they slipped into an idyllic routine at the cabin. I love when characters have to work together to achieve a goal or complete a task and seeing them take care of little Dil fulfilled that for me. As their relationship deepens Ezrah remains quite guarded and hot and cold, but his motivations for acting that was were easy to understand. Lucas remains steadfast, but aware of the professional dynamic between them and Ez's past, doesn't not wanting to pressure him for more though he desperately wants it. The lack of communication feels natural, even if I wanted to sit them both down for a chat, lol.

I'll be honest this dragged a little through the middle while they were in the safe house, it read as quite realistic, but monotonous, just a lot of shares meals together and walks with Dil. It would have been nice for the Allen storyline to continue to be peppered though to keep the tension elevated - updates about him and progress on the case. I also would have loved to know a little more about the MCs, they weren't very fleshed out, very little personal detail was given, just enough to know them superficially, which left the romance feeling a little shallow and insta.

Once the dreaded Allen inevitably tracks them down to the cabin the story really settles into a great tale with good pacing. I loved the jeopardy we feel for Ezrah and Lucas as they flee, the love and admiration they have for each other, reluctance to fully put themselves out there for fear of being hurt, it all just works so well. My favourite scene of the book is actually near the end when Ezrah takes Lucas out for a special romantic date, and absolutely nails it, despite not really having a romantic bone in his body. He paid attention and was able to deliver for his partner, which was so satisfying to see after Lucas showed up again and again for him.

These two just work and it was nice to see them fit together so nicely.

I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
115 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2024
‘Screenwriter’s Shield’ by Joy Danvers is a novel that masterfully intertwines themes of love, protection, and personal growth. The story revolves around three central characters, each uniquely crafted to draw readers into their world. Delilah, the sweet baby girl, epitomizes innocence and vulnerability, becoming the emotional anchor for the tale.

Ezrah, the insecure and previously abused screenwriter, brings a complex blend of fragility and resilience to the narrative. Ezrah’s past experiences have left him scarred, both physically and emotionally, yet his determination to create a safe and loving environment for Delilah underscores his profound strength and capacity for love.

Lucas, the handsome bodyguard, embodies the archetype of the protector. His introduction into Ezrah and Delilah’s lives marks the beginning of a shift from fear to security. Lucas’s presence is not just a physical shield against external threats, but also a source of emotional support and stability.

Moreover, the inclusion of Delilah adds another layer to the intricate web of relationships in “Screenwriter’s Shield.” Delilah’s interactions with both Lucas and Ezrah enrich the narrative. The interplay between these three characters not only drives the plot forward but also injects a profound emotional depth into the story.

The presence of Ezrah’s violent and possessive ex-boyfriend serves as a central source of narrative tension. This character’s menacing aura casts a long shadow over the lives of Ezrah, Lucas, and Delilah, injecting an element of suspense into an otherwise heartwarming tale. From the outset, readers are made acutely aware of the potential danger posed by the ex-boyfriend, whose unpredictable behavior and relentless pursuit create a palpable sense of dread.

However, despite the skillful buildup, the final standoff between Lucas and the ex-boyfriend concludes rather abruptly. The anticipation that has been meticulously crafted throughout the book culminates in a resolution that, while satisfying in its own right, may leave some readers craving a more drawn-out or climactic ending.

Through these carefully developed character dynamics, Joy Danvers succeeds in creating a narrative that is as emotionally compelling as it is inspiring. The journey of Ezrah, supported by Lucas and influenced by Delilah, encapsulates a powerful message of love, protection, and the transformative impact of genuine human connections.
3,372 reviews28 followers
July 6, 2024
Can he learn to trust again ?
Ezrah managed to finally get away from his ex Allen, he had moved to LA with his cat to work as a script writer. He has lost all faith in relationships because of his ex, and that made him a very guarded person so years later, when he finds a letter from his ex it scares him. Allen knows where he lives and Ezrah has no idea what he’s going to do next. Allen is a really nasty guy. Ezra looks in to get some security. And the security comes in the shape of a very sexy Lucas.
Lucas works for Alden security. His job is to protect a guy called Ezrah. But being with him shows how he always does the same thing. Goes to a coffee shop to sit and write. As they make their way back to the house they find another letter Lucas wants to take Ezrah to a safe house but Ezrah doesn’t want to be chased out of his home. But when he finds out that his cousin Jamie has died, leaving him the sole guardian for her daughter Delilah. Ezrah rushes out to buy everything that this little baby will need, but he knows he can’t put the baby at risk so agrees to Lucas idea of going to a safe house. And it seems that baby Delilah likes Lucas. Lucas is the oldest in a large family so being around babies is second nature to him. So he helps guide Ezrah into taking care of Delilah,. They get into a rhythm of Lucas looking after Delilah while Ezra goes and works on his writing, they all go for a walk. Come back and Lucas cooks.
This is a really sweet read. Lucas and Ezrah are just perfection together. They work as a family unit. It takes a lot to get through to Ezrah, Lucas has away to get Ezra to see the funny side of things. Once Delilah is in bed for the night, Ezrah and Lucas watch a film together every night. The passion between these two is off the charts, leaving Ezrah with the marks of their passion. But what about the ex? Will Allen find them? can Lucas protect them? A great read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle N..
124 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2024
The Screenwriter’s Shield is the 5th book in the Alden Security series by Joy Danvers. Although this book is part of a series it is a completely stand alone novel and you do not have to read any of the other books to follow the story. Trigger warning, this story does deal with domestic violence and emotional abuse. Although they are not graphically detailed in the book, the themes could be upsetting to some readers.
Ezrah is a screenwriter in Los Angeles, California trying to finally break through with his first solo script. The big problem is, it is a love story without a happy ending and Ezrah doesn’t believe in love. Ezrah has started his life over after escaping an abusive relationship. Things were going alright until his ex found him.
Ezrah decides to hire a bodyguard, Lucas, to protect him from his delusional ex. Lucas is a great character. He is warm, friendly, and easy to like. He takes his job seriously and does everything he can to protect Ezrah. One thing I had trouble with was how put out and surly Ezrah was towards Lucas through most of the book. He acted like a petulant child, when he was the one who hired Lucas in the first place. I understand it is frustrating to have your life in an upheaval but show a little gratitude. As we learn more about Ezrah’s past, the reader can understand why he is frustrated and acting out of fear.
An interesting plot twist is Ezrah unexpectedly becomes the guardian of his recently deceased cousin’s infant daughter, Delilah. This adds a whole new dynamic to the budding relationship.
Joy Danvers writes a great story. I enjoyed the development of this relationship. Screenwriter’s Shield does not have the level of drama or angst as the last two novels in the series but it is still a good story. I love a found family story and the Screenwriter’s Shield delivers.

Profile Image for Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading).
797 reviews17 followers
June 22, 2024
Screenwriter's Shield is a standalone book by Joy Danvers, and is the fifth installment of the Alden Security series. While there is some reference to previous stories, they are not deep and there is zero cross over in the plots. I've only reader three of the five books to date, and I've been meaning to get to the other two I've not read yet.

This book is your classic bodyguard romance - which is basically what this series is all about anyway. Lucas is the bodyguard, who has no ties and has been perfectly happy travelling around doing his job, after having spent time in the armed forces. Ezrah is an aspiring screenwriter in Hollywood, who has gained an obsessive ex, and things are getting dangerous. While Ezrah knows that he needs protection, we spend time getting to know him as Ezrah's heart catches up with his mind. Then, to make things more complicated, Ezrah becomes the guardian of a nine month old little girl, which makes Lucas's job more difficult. However, between the danger is romance. Ezrah and Lucas seem to clash at first, and while there is spark they don't seem completely compatible. I really enjoyed the the evolution of this relationship between the danger.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
605 reviews10 followers
July 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. Lucas was a new bodyguard, not long out of active duty. Ezrah was a screenwriter who after realising that his ex has found him decided to hire a bodyguard.
I took to Lucas straightaway, he was one of the most patient characters I have read about in a while. He had a caring nature that was always at the forefront, whether it was the cat or the baby that Ezrah had been charged with. Now Ezrah I still do not know if I actually like him, even a few days after finishing the book, there was something about him that got my back up, which made me admire Lucas even more for having to put up with stuff that came out of his mouth.
The characters was well written and as already mentioned I am still thinking about this story. Whilst there were some intense scenes, they were broken up with a few lighter moments usually down to the cat, who made her feelings known and of cause with a baby involved a few aaahhhh moments as well.
A tiny complaint I felt the ending was a bit abrupt and I did try and scroll a bit, trying to get to the next page as I did not want this story to end. I wanted to know what happened next. Hopefully we can get peaks of this in future stories, This series can go on and on and I will be one happy reader
599 reviews6 followers
July 6, 2024
After being trapped in a bad relationship for many years, Ezrah escaped and has been enjoying his five years of freedom. Unfortunately, that relationship left him bitter and fearful, and made him believe there is no such thing as HEA.
Lucas has a happier outlook on life, he works for Alden Security and is hired to protect Ezrah when his ex finds him.
I found Lucas to be quite unprofessional during their first meeting, he acted more like a barely tolerable friend that just stopped by. When Ezrah is given custody of his deceased cousins baby, not only does Ezrah step up, but so does Lucas. Slowly Ezrah thaws towards Lucas and they begin an intimate relationship. Both men have genuine feelings towards the other, but are too cautious to let the other know.
There is some excitement and danger once Ezrah's ex finds them. They are victorious and it takes some time before they realize they actually love one another and move onto their own HEA. The epilogue was okay until the very end, where it felt incomplete and left you hanging.
The ARC I read had numerous proofreading errors and inconsistencies that will hopefully be corrected for the final copy.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Monica .
228 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2024
I’ve read several books in the series, and there are some crossovers with characters, but they can still be read as a standalone.

You have Ezra, a screenwriter in LA, trying to get his break as he’s trying to make a career for himself. His deranged ex finds him after years of searching. With his Fear increasing, instead of going to the police, he hires a bodyguard.

Lucas, a prior service member, now a bodyguard, was assigned to Ezra. With Ezra’s being a screenwriter, you would think he’d know the importance of giving details, but he doesn’t give them. Lucas knows that there’s some information that he is not being provided. Then Ezra receives a second letter from his ex, Allen; he now has some information he needs. He wants to move Ezra to a safe house but is met with a brick wall that is not moving.

Ezra gets a call from social services about his cousin's baby, whom he now has custody of. The game has now changed with a little Delilah in the picture; Ezra and Lucas discover that is how Allen could locate it. Ezra was through social services, giving them the contact information. Now, they’re moving to the safe house to keep Delilah safe. You can tell from the start that the chemistry is there, and the wall starts coming down; the suspense picks up when Allen finds them, but you also have to realize that every criminal has their day. Ezra and Lucas go separate ways after Allen has been dealt with. Will they accept their feelings for each other, or are they just there in the shadow of safety?

I received this book as an arc copy and involuntarily left my review

Monica
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Megan McGrath .
583 reviews5 followers
July 1, 2024
The book seems to end rather abruptly at the end of the epilogue, but I loved the overall story. Quite a bit calmer than the previous Alden Security story, Saint's Shelter. There's stressful tension from Ezrah's ex throughout the story, and comes to a dangerous head in the third act. But for the most part, Ezrah and Lucas spend much of the book learning about each other and sweet baby Delilah (Dil), whom Ezrah takes in due to the unfortunate passing of his cousin.
Their romance is sweet and incredibly steamy, especially having had to enjoy one another while in hiding. I loved the way the two men ultimately came together and how they adjusted their circumstances to combine their lives and their love.

I really love the way Joy Danvers writes the men in her stories. Though I've only read a few so far, I've loved the strength each character presents, either physically and/or emotionally. I find myself never wanting their stories to end because I feel invested in their future.

I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
78 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2024
This one was definitely a page turner. Good amount of angst and fluff. But also depth. The MC escaped a very toxic relationship. But his abuser found him. So, what does he do? Hires a bodyguard. I do wish that Joy had delved a bit deeper into what happened to our shou. The story does imply how he dealt with that drama by putting up thick walls and not believing in HEA’s. But it seemed like there was some pieces missing given what he likely went through. Also the tension with the crazy ex finding him and becoming a stalker felt like there should have been a tenser end to that situation. I also thought the epilogue ended strangely or something I was missing from my copy. But I think I get it given where the shou MC started and how things ended with a lovely HEA. I loved our two MC’s. Their characters didn’t play into the typical top (gong)/bottom (shou) tropes. It’s good to mix things up. All in all, I really enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,016 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2024
I've enjoyed the Alden Security stories. Steamy and suspenseful. Screenwriter's Shield was a bit harder to get into. This is a very realistic depiction of an abused spouse/partner. In RL, I imagine it is very, very hard for them to not be suspicious, constantly waiting for the shoe to drop, for the new relationship to be as bad as the previous. Other writers have covered this subject, but Joy Danvers really made the situation very much RL. Not sure I'd thank her for that!
Romances have to have happy endings, despite what Ezrah believes. And I have to say that this one was hard earned. And that I got misty eyed with baby's first steps.
A quick, exciting, 'hold on to your hats' type read. I'm not sure if Ms. Danvers is done with Alden Security. John and David seem to have a ready supply of hunky protectors. Wouldn't mind if there were more!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gavin Stephenson-Jackman.
1,673 reviews
June 20, 2024
A very exciting and engaging romance. Ezra is a screenwriter, and just a little jaded. He left home and was taken in by Allen. Allen is older and becomes very controlling. Ezra takes a rare opportunity and escapes, eventually ending up in California. Despite writing ROM COMS for a living he can't see a HEA ending. When his ex finds him he hires a bodyguard. Lucas arrives and although, they both feel an attraction, Ezra does his best to distance himself emotionally from Lucas. When Ezra suddenly becomes the guardian of his late cousin's daughter the threats from his ex force the three to flee to a safe house. During their forced proximity barriers break down. Will what they've become last beyond the immediate danger, or is this too just an illusion?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Traci S.
2,031 reviews12 followers
July 5, 2024
Loving this series, all the stories have an amazing combination of romance and gripping suspense. Lucas is hired to protect Ezrah from a dangerous ex, after he’s begins receiving threatening letters on his doorstep. Allen, the ex, is a suitably creepy villain, and the letters were well done- genuinely unsettling. Ezrah, has escaped an abusive relationship, he is pretty abrasive at first and it took a while to warm up to him. I really enjoyed his characters arc. I especially liked their time together with Dil in the cabin as you could really see how good they could be together. The mystery side was well executed, but I did feel like the end was a little rushed but I absolutely loved the epilogue. Great characters, great series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
348 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2024
A hot bodyguard, a cute baby and a cat with attitude makes for an enjoyable story.

The story has spice, suspense (with an unhinged ex turned stalker), a hot bodyguard, a screenwriter with an attitude / angst, a cute baby and an awesome cat.

I really liked Lucas as a character, Ezra not so much but that could be explained by his backstory - Ezra's willingness to immediately take on baby Delilah and wanting the best for her did redeem him a bit for me. Despite being quite opposites in character, Ezra and Lucas are the perfect fit.

Beatrice the cat is awesome, I love her attitude and the story of how she came to be with Ezrah.

While it is part of the Alden Security series and I have read the others, it would be easily read as a standalone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Wendy.
1,691 reviews46 followers
September 26, 2025
Life is hitting Ezrah at 100 miles per hour. His ex makes contact with him and lets him know know that he is coming to get him to hurt him. Ezrah knows at that point he needs to hire some protection so he chooses Alden Security. He's sure he made a good choice when he meets sexy Lucas. Things should be going well now, right? Well, one more twist - his cousin has left him as the caretaker for her nine-month old daughter. Now Lucas has one more life to protect. Lucas tries to remember that this is a job and he needs to keep all of them safe, but the more time that they spend together, the more he is attracted to Lucas and the more the three of them start to feel like they could be something real -- a family.

This story is super cute and I enjoyed it a lot. There were moments I was angry with both of the main characters and that's a good thing because I was into the story!!
40 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2024
An excellent story of the challenges of dealing with matters of the heart. Love, trust, betrayal, building a family, and dealing with an ex that just can’t let go are all included in this angsty tale that has an interesting and promising conclusion. Ezrah has problems all over the place, and Lucas is an intelligent, confident, and courageous protector who saves the day. The push-pull of their relationship is very real. The desperation and fear that Ezrah struggles with in dealing with his ex are very true to life. One of the surprisingly delightful characters in this is Beatrice, Ezrah’s cat, that offers a bit of comic relief and reminds the reader what it’s like to live with a very bossy cat. Excellent beach read!
Profile Image for Cynthia M Brow.
1,302 reviews17 followers
June 25, 2024
Screenwriter's Shield is the 5th book in the Alden Security series. Each book is a standalone story but why not enjoy the whole series. This book is about Ezrah a screenwriter and Lucas the bodyguard he hires from Alden Security. Ezrah is be stalked by his ex and needs a bodyguard he calls Alden Securitywho send Lucas. Things get even more complicated when Ezrah finds out his cousin died and left him her baby Delilah(Dil). This was another great story in the series. I enjoyed watching these two men work things out and take care of a nine month old at the same time. I love the characters and the way they are written. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
3,160 reviews27 followers
July 7, 2024
I loved Screenwriter's Shield Book 5 of Alden Security. Ezrah calls for a bodyguard after his controlling ex starts stalking him. Lucas is assigned to him. Things get worse when Ezrah gets custody of a baby. They must go into hiding. They have a connection but Ezrah has feelings about love and commitment. He’s been burned in the past and has a hard time believing Lucas and his feelings. Unfortunately, after the threat is gone will Lucas be also? Ezrah needs to protect his heart. I loved the storyline and the characters. Can Lucas take a chance on Ezrah or will they both end up with a broken heart. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,078 reviews8 followers
July 7, 2024
Boy, that Ezra is one ornery dude whereas Lucas, the other MC is a total sweetheart.

Ezra, stalked by his abusive ex, hired a bodyguard hoping to be safe without having to leave the home he loved and the peace and freedom he’d fought so hard for.

Lucas wasn’t expecting to feel anything for his prickly client but seeing Ezra upset and struggling touched every piece of his heart. He vowed he would do whatever it took to keep Ezra and then baby Dil, safe.

This was a sweet yet steamy bodyguard romance (one of my favorite tropes) and, although I sometimes wanted to smack Ezra, I loved it. So, if sexy bodyguards are your favorite thing, don’t delay, grab it today! 4.5 stars!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,014 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2024
Being a screenwriter and putting himself out there for years, Ezrah knows he’s sometimes going to be turned down on a script. But things seem to be a constant no. It doesn’t help when he suddenly receives letters from his psycho ex, threatening to come get him back. Ezrah hires Alden Security and they send Lucas to be his bodyguard. From the get go Lucas is attracted to his client. But it should be hands off, right? Add a little baby girl, a grumpy cat and co-workers who are there in a pinch and the chemistry both men ignite and you’ve got a great story!

I really enjoyed reading Screenwriter’s Shield! And you will too!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachel.
3,964 reviews62 followers
May 8, 2025
Okay, so in one chapter Lucas tells Ezra that he grew up in foster care and never knew who his father was, but then a few chapters later, he tells him he joined the military because his dad and his grandfather had been in the military and references having siblings. So, is that a contradiction or was Lucas adopted at some point? Another point I need to bring up is that Ezrah should've been in therapy well before his abusive ex found him. How he even opened up enough to admit he loved Lucas is unexpected considering how skeptical he is about relationships. And just as a side note, if Ezrah didn't trust random people to babysit and didn't really have friends, who was watching Delilah during that over-the-top date that ended with a hotel stay?
Profile Image for Lori.
150 reviews14 followers
July 5, 2024
I loved how the MC Ezrah had some insecurities that he needed to work through, including being able to trust his bodyguard to keep him and his new charge safe. The friendship and bond between the two isn’t instant, it’s something that has to be worked on throughout the entire book. Ezra was kind of a grumpy punk the whole time which would have bothered me, but I know people just like him! Lucas was patient and kind - thank heaven he knew what to do with a baby or Ezrah would still be floundering! Great story with some spice, not over the top.

TW: stalking, mention of controlling behaviors (not MMCs), some spice
1,657 reviews9 followers
July 8, 2024
Ezrah starts us off with a scene where he becomes despondent with all the rejections he receives and because of his latest history with an ex, believes love is just a word used to manipulate. Joy Danvers has used his character as an inspiration to her readers. Not everything remains bad. Life, circumstances, answers and emotions change as the future progresses.
Adding Dil into the equation helps melt my heart to see Ezrah and Lucas adjust to looking after a baby and deal with a stalker. I love the promise of a change in Ezrah's outlook in the last sentence. Now promise not to peak!
I received a copy from Booksprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for CreativeFreake.
58 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2024
I enjoyed this story line. The suspense built throughout the book nicely and when the ex finally made their appearance, it was resolved quite quickly with not a lot of drama. I enjoyed Lucas more so than Ezrah. I found Lucas gentle, kind, and endearing. Ezrah, I found grumpy, and prickly… I was hoping he would warm up closer to the end of the book, but he never really did. He stayed prickly. This was the first book I’ve read in this series, I would go back and read the rest. Overall, despite Ezrah’s prickliness, I really liked this book.

I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
121 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2024
This is a sweet bodyguard-single dad story. There are also grumpy-sunshine elements. Ezrah is a screenwriter who's been hiding from his abusive ex but is discovered when his cousin leaves him custody of her baby. Lucas is part of the security company hired to protect Ezrah but falls in love along the way. Moving to a safe house gives them secluded time to come together as a couple but the uncertainty of what comes after causes them some angst. I've read several other books in the series and have liked them all.
Profile Image for Saskia Veldhuis .
1,913 reviews15 followers
July 6, 2024
3.5 stars. Ezrah was really quite a frustrating character - I understand he'd have major trust issues after his experiences with his stalking ex, but refusing to give details about the various contact attempts by same ex despite this being a huge safety risk didn't make much sense to me. It was refreshing that there wasn't the usual bodyguard angst about not having a relationship with the client. The story was good, the addition of the baby worked well and there were no problems reading this as a standalone.
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