After spending months mourning my husband, I thought it was high-time I moved on. When the biggest flirt in town turned on the charm at our boss’ wedding, I threw caution to the wind.
I expected a night of no-strings attached fun. I didn’t anticipate being rushed to the hospital months later and finding out I was pregnant with Killian freaking Murphy’s baby.
But Killian doesn’t know the losses I’ve suffered. Or just how much I want this baby, with or without him. Then he surprised me by wanting to be involved, even going so far as moving me into his house.
Killian doesn’t do relationships, so I had to remind myself he was just trying to do the right thing. It’s not like we’re gonna fall in love.
Author This book includes a heroine who has suffered with infertility and who has had miscarriages in the past. These are talked about at length in this book.
Danica Flynn is a marketer by day, and a writer by nights and weekends. AKA she doesn’t sleep! She is a rabid hockey fan of both The Philadelphia Flyers and the Metropolitan Riveters. When not writing, she can be found hanging with her partner, playing video games, and reading a ton of books.
Protecting Her by Danica Flynn is a heartfelt and captivating romance that takes an unexpected turn from a fling to an uncharted territory of love, responsibility, and emotional growth. After months of grief, the heroine decides to embrace the idea of moving on with a carefree night with Killian Murphy, the town’s biggest flirt. What she doesn’t anticipate is the whirlwind that follows—an accidental pregnancy and a man who refuses to stay out of her life. Killian, who’s known for his aversion to relationships, surprises both of them when he steps up, offering his support in a way that no one expected. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the slow burn of their connection as they navigate the challenges of close proximity and small-town gossip is what makes this romance so gripping. What truly shines in this story is the way both characters evolve in response to their unexpected circumstances. Killian may be a commitment-phobe, but watching him come into his own as a protector—both for the woman he’s growing to care for and their unborn child—adds so much depth to the narrative. The small-town setting brings a delightful mix of gossip, nosy neighbors, and a sense of community, making their relationship all the more complicated and heartwarming. As they navigate the complexities of workplace dynamics and the emotional toll of an accidental pregnancy, Protecting Her pulls you in with its mix of steamy tension, heartfelt moments, and the promise of an unlikely love story. Fans of workplace romance and accidental pregnancies will love every moment of this sweet, slow-burn journey.
This was a fantastic start to Danica Flynn’s series and I can’t wait to read the next books in the series. “Protecting Her” is a heartfelt, romantic and captivating accidental pregnancy romance that was so sweet.
Siobhan has spent months mourning her husband and when at a wedding one night, she decides it’s time to start doing stuff herself again. And Killian Murphy is the guy she’s looking for because he’s on the same page as her, no strings attached. But weeks later, Siobhan is rushed to the hospital and is shocked to find out she’s pregnant after several miscarriages with her husband. Siobhan wants the baby and after the initial shock, Killian is all in with her in raising their child as co-parents. But when they move in together, the chemistry they had is still very much there.
From the beginning, I loved Siobhan and Killian. They had an undeniable chemistry that was coming off the pages as I read their story. Siobhan went through so much heartbreak losing her husband and having all of her miscarriages. I admired her strength as she worked hard throughout her pregnancy and did everything she could to carry her baby to term. Killian might have been all about having no string relationships but after their night together, there is something about Siohban that Killian can’t stay away from. Killian is kind, smart and protective and I loved how he did whatever he could do to help her with the pregnancy. The two had great chemistry and I loved when they finally gave in to it. It took them a minute to realize what they had with each other but both were scared and I can’t blame them for that. The ending was so sweet and I can’t wait for the next Murphy brother’s book.
4.5 stars. Killian, the male lead, has only been interested in a good time since he found his girlfriend cheating with his best friend. He’s always found Siobhan, the female lead, attractive, but she was married, so he never acted on it. Now a widow, when she expresses interest at a wedding, he’s happy to spend the night with her.
Siobhan more than enjoyed her night with Killian but, when she faints at work, they’re shocked to find she’s pregnant. But Siobhan had multiple miscarriages with her deceased husband and she’s terrified of losing this baby too. Having sold her house, Killian moves her into his guest room so she’s less stressed. Both are fighting a mutual attraction that’s quickly blossoming into something more, but Killian was certain he didn’t want a relationship…
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a sweet and steamy, contemporary, accidental pregnancy, small town romance. I enjoyed Killian’s sweetness, hidden under layers of playboy. I enjoyed the way he stepped up when he discovered Siobhan was pregnant, and the level of support he was determined to provide. I enjoyed Siobhan’s stubborn independence, and sympathised with the grief that made her unwilling to consider the future because she wasn’t sure the baby would survive. I appreciated the way the author handled Siobhan’s losses and recovery. I enjoyed the supportive and integrated family and friends who helped the couple realise their feelings for each other.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
⚠️ TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️ Pregnant Loss, Loss of a Spouse
Siobhan O'Conner has had a rough go of things lately, but she's finally ready to attempt to move on.
Killian Murphy has a reputation of being the town bicycle. He's down for a good time, all the time.
But, weeks later, they learn their good time may have just lead them to a lifetime of being tied together.
This story is so good. I attempted to read it when it first landed in my email as an arc, then again a couple months later; but I've finally been able to read it from start to finish (with a few breaks needed).
I struggled with this one because it made me relive my own pregnancy loss from the end of last summer. A lot of the way Siobhan thinks in relation to her pregnancy losses and her dreams and hopes of finally having a baby at the end of a rainbow pregnancy is exactly the same I've felt/thought ever since my loss.
When Danica announced this novel, I was so excited to read it and be able to relate to her FMC.
Even though this one was a bit tough for me to read, I absolutely fell in love with Siobhan and Killian; and all the other characters (definitely shipping the ones I'm pretty sure Danica is setting up for the rest of this new series of hers 🤣). This story made me laugh out loud at times, break my heart at times (and definitely made me bawl), and made my heart soar with love as well.
Siobhan is trying to get back out in the real world after she loses and baby and her husband in a few weeks span 9 months ago. From a one night stand with the "town bicycle" Killian Murphy she ends up unexpectedly pregnant. With multiple miscarriages and an IVF journey behind her she doesn't want to get her hopes up. Killian is happy to support her but is in no way getting into a committed relationship ever again after his ex cheated he's only done no strings attached and that's how he likes it. But will the proximity and growing baby make both of them open themselves up to more love in their lives?
With a similar history to Siobhan I wasn't sure I would like this one but I was pleasantly surprised. Siobhan and Killian were both adorably clueless, it was great, the denial is strong with these ones. The spice was fun and surprisingly emotional so that was a nice addition to the relationship building. The amount of jumpiness with everyone was kind of exhausting, I don't know how many times someone can be startled when someone walks in a room but with these two it was like every other page. I especially loved the whole family and friends universe that is being built in this aggressively Philly series but I'm totally here for it. Definitely looking forward to alllll of the future sibling drama.
Killian Murphy had planned on proposing to his girlfriend but that all changed when he found her cheating on him with his best friend. And since then it's all about having fun, no relationships, just hookups. Siobhan O'Connor is someone he has had his eye on but she was married but now that she's a widow all bets are off.
After months of mourning the loss of her husband, Siobhan O'Connor has decided to move on. She sees Killian Murphy at the wedding of her boss and they end up spending the night together. She enjoyed the night they shared but when she fainted at work and is taken to the hospital she finds out she is pregnant. After suffering several miscarriages she is thrilled but also worried it will happen again. She has major debt and Killian has offered her to move into his place until she can get back on her feet. The tension between them is so high but doesn't stop the mutual attraction that is growing but Killian is still dead set on no relationship. Only time will tell.
This was disappointing to me. I was excited about the book as I began to read.
Then there were a couple weird points where the a few individuals thought and said some things the exact same way. It was unique enough to distract me from the storyline. It was as if the author had no other way to express herself so every character spoke these particular things the exact same way and at the exact same time. Like I said, it was odd enough to be distracting.
The lead FC was so b/tchy to point that she became unlikable. She was so worried about having a miscarriage but refused to take better care of herself. The lead MC offered her a rent free home to take care of herself and the baby and to the point I stopped reading, she never expressed any gratitude.
Once crystals were offered as a morning sickness solution, I was done. 😂😂😂😂.
Killian Murphy was a bartender at Sullivan's Pub and one who was a Ladies Man...but he never put an effort into finding a woman of his own, always the flirt, the man who enjoyed the ladies, but for one night only...and in typical fashion, when he sees widow Siobhan O'Connor at his boss Lila's wedding, the result was one-night stand...but three months later, finds he was becoming a father when Siobhan fainted at work...she and deceased husband had tried for a child for years, including expensive IVF treatments with only miscarriages for results...but could she really carry to full term? or would she suffer another heart-wrenching loss? Touching story of persistence, love and letting nature take its course...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
After a one night stand at a wedding, Siobhan falls pregnant to the last bachelor in town, Killian Murphy.
Beautifully romantic and a sweet story. Killian is family orientated but has been hurt in his previous relationship and he believes he will never give in to love again. Whereas Siobhan doesn't want to fall for a man who can't give her forever. She is stubborn and in her own way as is he but their chemistry seemed to override their senses.
So well done. Sad at times, infuriating at others, and pulls out all the feels. I couldn't put it down. This book I can highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Siobhan is a young widow who decides it is time to move on with her life. Killian is a man who does not make commitments after his girlfriend cheats on him. Siobhan and Killian spend the night together, and Siobhan finds out several weeks later that she is pregnant. Siobhan is happy and plans to make a life with her baby, she had suffered several miscarriages before. Killian and Siobhan decide to co-parent together, and she moves in with him. As Killian and Siobhan prepare for the baby, they grow closer together, and once they realize they have deeper feelings for each other, they are all in.
This is a spicy small town romance with a man whore and his secret crush who engage in a one night stand which results in a surprise pregnancy. This is a spicy romance not recommended for readers who prefer to read only clean and closed door romance novels. There are trigger warning for the frequent conversations about the fear of miscarriage by the heroine. She suffered several during her marriage (she is a widow). If you enjoy the tropes of small town, forced proximity and surprise pregnancy this book may be an enjoyable read for you. A recommendation for fans of Laura Pavlov and Lena Hendrix
This first book in a series grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. Such an emotional and heartwarming story. The disappointment Siobhan had after all those losses. The was Killian stepped up to take care of her; manning up and taking responsibility for their consequences. The love that grew between them, apparent and obvious to everyone but them. I love the way Killian's family welcomed Siobhan into their family and treated her as one of them. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
The author has produced a sensible and sensitive storyline, which deals with emotional loss on her part and emotional distance on his. The characters are well described and portrayed. A grieving widow and a commitment phone guy have a fling, which results in an unplanned pregnancy. Feelings and choices play a major part in this budding relationship, set against the small town society setting.
I love Danica Flynn's books. Siobhan and Killian's story develops gradually, even though it's a one-night stand. I love the way Killian helps Siobhan deal with her anxiety and pregnancy stress, and the way he steps in when he learns he’s going to be a father. It's hard not to love him.
Siobhan and Killian have known one another a long time. Hooking up at a wedding didn’t seem like a big deal. Killian was a commitment phobe and Siobhan was a lonely widow with infertility issues. As you can guess there is a surprise pregnancy. Siobhan wants this baby more than anything. Killian is excited to step up and co parent. This is the story of how they fell in love!Love Killian’s family and hope to see more of them!
This is a beautiful story about finding happiness again after grieving.
After a very difficult time in her life, Siobhan was ready to have a social life again when she runs into Killian at a wedding reception. A one night stand with huge consequences!
I loved for Siobhan that her wish for a baby finally came true. And Killian was such a protective and caring person. He comes from a large, supportive family, and they welcomed Siobhan into that. They both grew into their relationship. And the epilogue was so cute!
“…..because this man who played off that he didn’t have a heart had the biggest one of all.”
I received an arc of this book and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Small Town Series starter Surprise Pregnancy Coworkers Young Widow He doesn't do relationships One night stand
I loved this book. Neither were looking for more than a night of fun. A surprise pregnancy she never thought could happen after years of fertility struggles threw a curve ball at them. On their journey to co-parenting they each fall hard but don't tell the other. A new cast of family and friends in Drakesville to fall for. ❤️