Protective Neighbor

by Ivy Noir

Logan
I watch her from my window.
She’s strong, yet vulnerable. She’s hiding from something and that makes her mine to protect.
She needs someone strong; someone like me.
Inside, I can’t stop thinking about her. Strong but scared, independent yet needing protection.
And damn, she’s beautiful.
Those curves, that determined look. I need to get closer to her, to protect her, to make her mine.
Seeing her struggle ignites something primal. I want to be her rock, her protector —she needs security. I will be that for her.
In the kitchen, she watches me. She’s curious, maybe attracted.
The smell of cookies fills the air. She moves around, and I imagine touching her, holding her.
She’s intoxicating. Her lips look so soft, her body so inviting.
She looks at me, attracted. I’m definitely attracted to her. I need to be patient, build her trust.
She’s already mine in my mind.
I’ll protect her, no matter what. She belongs with me.
It’s only a matter of time before I feel her skin against mine, her body under mine.

Allison
I pull into the driveway, heart pounding. A new place, a new start, but my nerves are shot.
No one knows where I am. I'm safe.
I grip the steering wheel, trying to steady my thoughts.
Why can’t I move?
I scan the neighborhood. Everything seems perfect, but I can't shake the feeling of being watched.
New phone, new accounts, new life. I’m Allison Dupree now. No history, just a future.
I step out, glancing around, expecting shadows. My heart races as I rush inside. Curtains first. Privacy. Security.
I keep glancing at my neighbor’s house. Logan.
He’s strong, imposing, comforting. And damn, he’s attractive.
Those broad shoulders, those abs, that body…
Focus, Allison. This isn’t the time.
But I can't help but wonder how his hands would feel on me, how his lips would taste.

In this steamy short story, Logan, an ex-military alpha hero, becomes fiercely protective of his new neighbor, Allison. As her past resurfaces, his possessive instincts ignite a fiery, sensual passion between them, leading to an unbreakable and intense, sensual bond. Standalone/HEA

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

59 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2024

Reviews

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little insta-love novella. I'm a simple woman and have always loved the "new guy scaring off the shitty ex" microtrope lol. Logan's a sweet MMC and Allison's bubbly and likeable. Not much to say, but it was fun!

[Elisa86 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute short romance

I enjoyed this short cute romance. I could relate to Allison and her fears and then finding someone who wanted to protect her being a dream come true.

[Librarian Jessie (BibliophileRoses) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally requesting my own protective neighbor thank you. This short story was splendid but I did take a star off for a lot of “then/after this happened” moments. I’d rather have read those scenes than having them skipped.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I’m not really a fan of books with ex-military men in, that’s just me, but this had that and I’m absolutely in love with the story. It was super fast to read, I was completely hooked in the story like I am with any of Ivy Noir’s books. It was also super cute and had spice in it as well. Who doesn’t want someone that will protect us from our past.

Allison has just moved across states to start over from a nightmare ex boyfriend, who deserves to rot in the ground. After struggling to let people in at first she meets her big intimidating neighbour, though she doesn’t find him to be a threat.

Logan is an ex-military man turned security boss, who catches sight of his new and scared neighbour. After proving he’s not as scary as he looks and helping Allison with security cameras to help her feel safe, he earns the right to eat her homemade cookies and then gets the treat of her a while after.

Can they overcome their personal struggles, or will their past catch up to them and haunt them forever.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison is hiding from her ex, Billy, after he hit her. She has come to a small Midwest town. Her neighbor, Logan, is ex-military and the owner of a security company notices her behavior when she arrives and moved in. She is afraid of someone and he get a protective feeling inside. How does he offer to help her? When he notices a strange truck driving real slow, he keeps watch. How will Logan do? He still remembers those that didn't survive from combat overseas.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick short sweet read. Since it is an instalove story with a protective ex-military man and his very scared neighbor you know things will move quickly. The characters are so well written that you fall right into the story. As a security specialist Logan sees Allison move in next door and realizes she is scared of something. When he meets her she is hesitant and looking over her shoulder and he know something bad has happened to her. Their chemistry is spicy from the beginning and you will love both these characters a ND this story.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan notices his new neighbor and is drawn to her. Allison is on the run from her abusive ex and is looking to start over in a new town. She and Logan connects as he helps her secure her place but when her ex arrives, he is there to run interference. Will he be able to keep her safe and will their new relationship turn into the real deal leading them along the path to happiness. This story had me all caught up in it from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protective Neighbor by Ivy Noir is a novella about a young woman named Allison Dupree who breaks up with an abusive boyfriend, Billy. Allison moves to another town. There, she meets her next-door neighbor, Logan. Logan is an ex-military man who owns a security business, which works out wonderfully since her ex finds her and wants her back, but Logan wants her too, so who will win her heart? Ivy Noir is a recent new author for me. Her writing is quick and spicy, so if you want something with more steam, this might be for you.

[Alycia Carosella · Rating 4 out of 5]

great insta love book rec

I didn’t know anything about the book going in. I needed a book that was on the shorter side and this book was suggested. I absolutely loved the chemistry between Allison and Logan!! Insta love can be a bit cheesy if not written correctly, but I think this was written perfectly to show their attraction build into love for one another.
I will definitely be looking into other books by this author as well ❤️

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story moved along quickly and had characters who I liked. Allison had been through a lot, she showed inner strength in the way she started to take back her life. The chemistry between them was good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicolle Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan is ex military. He notices that his new neighbor seems to be constantly looking over her shoulder for something, and he decides he needs to be her protector. Allison is on the run from her ex. When he finds her, she is thankful to have her protective neighbor with her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Logan and Allison’s story. In this steamy short story, Logan, an ex-military alpha hero, becomes fiercely protective of his new neighbor, Allison. As her past resurfaces, his possessive instincts ignite a fiery, sensual passion between them, leading to an unbreakable and intense, sensual bond. It was a suspenseful and engaging read. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Lillah Cruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protective Neighbor

Protective Neighbor: A Possessive Alpha Male,Ex-Military,Instalove Short Story Romance is Book 4 of the Protective Gentlemen series by Ivy Noir. This was a fantastic short afternoon read especially when you can cuddle up with a coffee or tea, a snuggly soft blanket and maybe a fur baby or 2.

[Shellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta love an alpha

Love this instalove, OTT, alpha man! This was a great short story that was perf3ct with morning coffee.
Allison, our FMC, is the new neighbor moving in next to Logan, our MMC. Allison is trying to start her life anew and Logan is so smitten at first sight. It’s a great story.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story!!!

I absolutely loved this one. I love Allison and Logan together. This story is hot, sexy and erotic af!!! This has my mind going and I want to read it again. Love this storyline so very much. The fact that he protected her from her sleezy ex boyfriend was great. I love how this storyline played out. On to my next one as well. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😘😘😘😘😘

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab your kindle and be prepared to be rocked by this sizzling hot Protective Neighbor book by Ivy. This book is going to be shaking things up in so many ways and have you cheering on Logan and Allison from start to finish. It is a short read but it doesn't lack the suspense and romance one bit.

[Elaine Swinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written short story with great characters. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will not be the last. I would encourage everyone to go get this one it is worth your time. This is one for a lazy day read. I think you will enjoy it I know I did.

[Haney Hayes Promotions · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a steamy, intense, and passionate romance with a strong alpha hero and a heroine in need of protection, as well as those who enjoy stories about second chances, new beginnings, and the thrill of forbidden attraction.

[Staycha Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was definitely a quick read, jammed pack. A bit emotional does discuss DV but nothing too detailed.
My reasoning for given this book 3 stars is just based on how fast both MC fell for each other, just so much wayy to fast, But the spice was definitely worth the read. 🥵

[Stitched Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3
Tropes: Touch her and die (Lite), Abusive ex
Spice: 2
Ending: Yes
Epilogue: no

Format: Ku
Annotated: No

Cute short story as it is only 65 pages. Would happily read it again if it was a longer book.

[Lauren Vanover · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute short story

Little cheesy short romance. Cute little filler book in between longer story’s. Quick read. Cute overall. Not much of a plot but what is to be expected in 65 pages

[robert tabora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopeless Romantic 🥰

Great story line and characters. Logan and Allison‘s love story is so adorable. It’s so cute the way they watch one another before they actually meet, but it’s great the way he protects her from her ex. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

[Zondra.Hallyahoo.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

short and sweet

A cute lil romance summed up in less than 100 pages, a great smutty quick read. I loved it ❤️

[Kim Gauger · Rating 3 out of 5]

very cute short

A super cute short story. Insta love with an ex military man and a woman that is running. Fast sweet and to the point. Great quick read before bed for sure

[Nici · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short, sweet and straight to the point

[Duasiane · Rating 4 out of 5]

protective neighbor

We love an alpha male who will do anything for you. He noticed that she hiding and nervous but all he wanted was to protect her and that he did

[Paula Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 cute, spicy read. Only ick was the too soon I love you. Great fast read! Done in about an hour if that.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was super cute. I wish it wasn’t a short.

This was super cute. I wish it wasn’t a short. It really could make such an awesome longer book. ❤️

[Cassidy Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute for a short read