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He walked away to protect her, but now he wants her back.

Personal security specialist Parker Wilcox should be dead. Instead, he’s been hiding in plain sight for years. But when a mishap threatens his cover, he’s terrified his past will bring danger to the lives of those he loves—especially Chelsey Bailey. The only way to protect her is to put distance between them, but how can he live without the only woman who owns his heart?

As a parole officer, Chelsey believes in second chances…for her parolees. Not for Parker—a man who claimed to love her but then dropped her without warning. While she’s trying to bury her pain in work, Parker comes back on the scene, begging to try again. The excuse he gives for abandoning her in the first place is ridiculous. There’s no way he’s some kind of cartel prince on the run from his murderous father. Right?

Parker will never have the life he desires with Chelsey if he doesn’t destroy his father, but will he survive this time around? And will he and Chelsey ever get to have the life they’ve been dreaming of?

*All books in this series can be read as a standalone.

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2024

61 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

About the author

Sharon C. Cooper

69 books938 followers
USA Today bestselling author Sharon C. Cooper loves anything involving romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies, or real life. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, as well as romantic comedy. She enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and family game night. Her stories have won numerous awards, including The Rochelle Alers Best Series award for her Atlanta’s Finest Series (2022) and The Beverly Jenkins Author of the Year award (2021). When she isn’t writing, Sharon loves hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work, or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, or to sign up to be notified of her latest releases, visit www.sharoncooper.net

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Shana .
411 reviews68 followers
February 10, 2025
4⭐️
It was great to be back in this world and to see Chelsey and Parker finally have their story. As always, a tension-filled great read
Profile Image for Myrlita Clark.
467 reviews10 followers
December 22, 2024
review

Great read you have done it again Carter story was heart wrenching will there be another story to the series
132 reviews
December 31, 2024
Amazing!!!

This Atlanta's Finest series is one of the best series ever! I love them all! Parker and Chelsey were made for each other. Parker lived a troubled life with his mob boss father, Wolf. Parker watched his father kill his mother as a child. He hated Wolf, and no longer wanted to be a part of that life. He turned against Wolf and the Kingz by attempting to start a war between the Kings and another gang, but Wolf found out and tried to kill him. He was left for dead, but when Luis was supposed to dispose of his body in the incinerator, he saw he was still alive. Luis got him out of the building, and left him on a beach in southern California. Parker was found by Mason, one if the leaders of Supreme Security. That's how he became one of Atlanta's Finest. Parker's past is why he thought he could walk away from Chelsey and Supreme Security. He realized that he couldn't live without Chelsey, and Mason refused to allow Parker to walk away from their family. Chelsey even went out with someone else, twice. Parker put a stop to her dating Terrence. After Parker performed a check into Terrence's life, he found out that he was a cheater and a liar with a longtime girlfriend, a child, and one in the way! After informing Chelsey of this, she kicked Terrence to the curb. She was also still mad at Parker for breaking up with her. After he told her about his past, she forgave him. He and his Supreme family came up with a plan to take Wolf and his kingdom down, so Parker could stop looking over his shoulder. Everything didn't go according to plan, but it all worked out in the end! As usual, I couldn't put this book down!! It was everything!! Please tell me there is mire to come with the Atlanta's Finest series!! Thank you Mrs. Cooper!!! ❤🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for Gwendolyn.
220 reviews3 followers
December 15, 2024
This was a long-awaited book! I love this series on Atlanta's Finest! Parker and Chelsey's story did not disappoint. It was packed with lots of action, drama (a little), suspense, mystery, and romance. This was absolutely a romantic suspense story! Ooh, there were a few surprises too!

Parker's story was one of sadness but resilience in him being able to not allow his past to dictate his future.
Realizing that he made the mistake of his life, Parker had to come clean about his past to even consider having a future with the woman he loved, Chelsey.

Chelsey couldn't seem to move on from Parker, even though he broke her heart. But, they both found out that love heals and rules the heart. Man, their hearts definitely beat as one.

Once his past was revealed to Chelsey and all of Atlanta's Finest, he was able to concentrate on putting a plan together to take down his slimy ass father. He was tired of looking over his shoulder for 15 yrs. and needed to make sure Chels would be safe from his dad & associates.

Chels and Parker made a dynamite couple and working partners. She came through for him when he needed it.

I was sad to see that he and Chels were gonna uproot to Miami. I love seeing the group in the same place.

I'm hoping for another book in this series in 2025. Who, I don't know or care!
696 reviews5 followers
July 24, 2025
Protector or Protectee???

After waiting two years for Protected, it still took me seven months to begin reading it after purchasing it. It was worth the wait, yet not as good as all the other books in the Atlanta's Finest Series, except Hunted.

Protected is the romantic suspense story of Parker Wilcox and Chelsey Bailey. The book revealed Parker's past life as well as his "off and on" romance with Chelsey. Ninety percent of the book dealt with the suspense of what would happen when Parker's gangster father, Wolf, discovered that he was alive; and how Parker's and Chelsey's romance was affected by his "protector" nature. After all, Chelsey was a one of Atkanta's finest and a protector also.

After a suspenseful buildup, the ending was rushed. The action between Wolf and Parker when they finally came face to face was disappointing. Even though most questions were answered, I was left wondering why Parker didn't discover Terrance's relationship to Wolf's right hand man, Elder; or why Parker didn't discover who Sean was. Given the reputation of "Atlanta's Finest, some things slipped past them. Still, this series was one of Ms. Cooper's best.

As a romance, of course there was a HEA.
Profile Image for Vonetta Augustine.
346 reviews
October 20, 2025
Atlanta's finest in one of my favorite series and I have my favorite couples. Gen and Myles are my top followed by Laz and Journey. With that being said, I really like Parker and Chelsey. The other wives in the series are bad asses but none of them are security specialist, only Chelsey who use to be a cop.

This was a great "end" to this series. Parker's background is intriguing and the story hooks you in. His bio father is a drug kingpin who killer his mom and tried to kill him. He was saved by Luis and Mason. Mason helped him reinvent his life and identity. Throw a picture being takes accidentally, a curious nephew of Elder (his father's 1st in command) and the dominos start fall. In the end, him and Chelsey made up, got engaged, she rescues, the kingpin is dead, they get married, and move to Miami. The book unfolded a little too quickly in the end but why drag it out.

Yes, it took me almost a year because I didn't want the series to end and I was trying to prolong the story but this is a book you can read in one setting.

I subscribe to the author's newsletter and surprise, we're getting probably one more Atlanta's Finest (Norman, Egypt's big brother). She's also working on Rock's story (Zen's big brother). I can't wait. Ms. Cooper, please give us Kamora and Gavin in Rock's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
34 reviews
January 14, 2025
Revenge

Protected could have also been entitled Revenge. The main character, Parker Wilcox, as a kid, witnessed his mother being killed by his father. His father, Wolf, later became the leader of the Kingz, a drug, gun running, street gang. As a member of the gang & due to what his father considered a betrayal, Parker’s father wound up beating him to a pulp later on & assumed he was dead. A member of the Kingz saved Parker from dying. Parker left his father & the Kingz for good & eventually had plastic surgery to change his looks. He also took on a new name. To protect the woman he loved, Parker broke off with her to keep her safe/protected. Because he loved Chelsy so much & he couldn’t live without her, he got back together with her. Parker eventually helped associates of Atlanta’s Finest to develop a plan to bring Wolf & the Kingz down. I couldn’t put the book down! It was addictive reading because you couldn’t wait to read what was going to happen next! This was a very exciting read. Sharon, please keep writing for Atlanta’s Finest. I have read the entire series & have enjoyed them all immensely!
Profile Image for Joyce M. H..
1,398 reviews19 followers
December 7, 2024
What A Man What A Man Parker Wilcox aka Knuckles aka Maverick Jr. As usual Sharon C. Cooper delivers in her romantic suspense. I’m glad that the readers finally got the background on Parker. Chelsey is Parker’s love interest and the younger sister of Kenton the former FBI agent (you can read about Kenton and Egypt in Accused). If you’re a lover of romantic suspense, mystery, mayhem, intrigue, action packed adventure, twists, turns, page turning plot, hot and steamy romance you will definitely want to read the final book in the “Atlanta’s Finest Series.” It was such a treat to catch up with Mason, Hamilton, Laz, Kenton, Angelo, Myles, Asthon, and the Atlanta’s Finest wives. Can’t wait to read what Sharon C. Cooper has in store for her readers in 2025. Atlanta’s Finest Series is most definitely a winner for me holding up the rear for 2024 for me.

I received an ARC via the author Sharon C. Cooper and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
1,075 reviews8 followers
December 11, 2024
Protected

I enjoyed this romantic suspense story. It was good getting an update on the Atlanta’s Finest crew. I also liked the chemistry and connection between Parker and Chelsey. These two were definitely in love and couldn’t seem to keep their hands off each other.

As far as the suspense part of the story, I really enjoyed it, but I felt that almost 90% of the story gave us the build up for this climatic event to take down Parker’s father and his crew, only to feel like the take down was rushed and not very climatic at all. I felt the ending was a little rushed with all the anticipation that was built throughout the story of seeing how Parker would take his father down and even in Parker’s real identity being discovered. But all in all, I really enjoyed this book and it was a good addition to this series. I would still recommend this book if you love a romantic suspense story.
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,012 reviews110 followers
December 7, 2024
I needed Protection

The much anticipated release of Parker's story was well worth the wait. Parker and Chelsey got the chance to be together and to stop hiding their relationship from Kenton. I won't spoil anything, however, when the big reveal happened tables turned etc. You'll see what I mean. The suspenseful side of the story kept me turning pages, and the romance was hot. The Atlanta's Finest are always up for any task involving their family. Having friends like this group would be phenomenal. Parker has always been sorta mysterious, now I understand him better. This was a fantastic story, I can't wait for what's next.
Profile Image for Shun Harper.
49 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2024
When your past catches up

Parker has always been one of my favorites but the mystery surrounding who he really was made this storyline so compelling. Chelsey and Parker were amazing together. She was as badass as he is which made their story so compelling. She challenges him in many ways but demonstrates unconditional love towards him as well. She helps him deal with his past and supports his decisions to step away from Supreme and the family they have.

Perfect way to close out Atlanta’s Finest…..
Profile Image for Kenya.
57 reviews
December 13, 2024
First let me say that suspenseful romance novels are not usually my jam but for the Atlanta's Finest I make the exception. I have enjoyed all the stories of the Atlanta's Finest and I couldn't even think of what Parker's backstory would be. As only Ms. Cooper can she delivered a great story that kept you engaged, from the Prologue (which took me a minute to put it together) to the Epilogue.

If you have not met the Atlanta's Finest I would like to personally introduce them to you.
380 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2025
Parker Wilcox had stopped seeing Chelsea Bailey because he was concerned about her safety because of his past. He realized it was the worst mistake of his life. After many tries, he got her to listen to him and he explained his very complicated background. A lot happened in this book. He found out who his true friends were. He was able to close the worst chapter in his life. This was a great story.
789 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2024
Love those Atlanta's Finest Security Specialists!

Let me begin by thanking Mrs. Cooper for trusting me to be an ARC reader of her lastest Finest installment!
Think intrigue, criminal network, familial dissonance, love, friendship and lots of surprises and you have successfully scratched the surface of all that is in this story for fans of Sharon C Cooper to slide to the edge of their seats waiting to get to the conclusion of Parker and Chelsey's story!!! Wow, I am thankful for the opportunity to be among the first to enjoy such an award winning story! There are surprises, connections you will never suspect and a conclusion that will leave you alternately shaking your head and cheering!!! I believe it is safe to say that This story is headed straight for the best seller's list, so Mrs. Cooper go on and take that bow in advance! Fans, when this book is released, run don't walk to your favorite book vendor, get your copy and let the reading enjoyment begin!!!!!
26 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2024
EXCEPTIONAL

BAABBBYYYYY
Sharon C Cooper did the thing when she wrote this book. It was 2 years in the making, but when I tell you it was worth it, I MEAN THAT!! I am soooo looking forward to more of this series because so many others in this series need their stories told as well. You will NOT be disappointed with this one!
❤️❣️
130 reviews
December 16, 2024
The Past Comes Back

Another win for Sharon C. Cooper. Parker and Chelsey what a fascinating couple. I love how Chelsey could take care of herself and was fearless. Parker's past was horrible but he was able to move past it to a certain extent. These two learned to work together and what combo they became. Another great couple and story.
246 reviews
December 17, 2024
Pins and needles

This like all the others in this series was great...the plot thickened and oh boy ..the cast of characters were great...the depth of emotions this book brought forth was like being at a movie...Wolfe was a mofo and Elder the sidekick was a mofo 2...the irony of Terrance being related was like wow ...#next
91 reviews
December 27, 2024
Action packed

Chelsey and Parker’s story was so exciting. There were twists and turn and surprises. I really enjoyed their story. I liked that the ending was not what I expected. I had a different ending in my head and honestly the ending was less dramatic than I imagined but it was a happy ending so I’m good.
Profile Image for Vernell Renee Howard Griffin.
1,058 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2025
Fascinating Read!

Ms. Cooper's latest story in this series is captivating, weaving a tale of two souls uniting as one. The narrative is filled with gripping drama and suspense, and the characters are richly developed, drawing the reader in from start to finish. This is a thoroughly enjoyable and compelling read. ReneeG
Profile Image for Jacquie Morris.
5 reviews
March 15, 2025
powerful book

I truly enjoyed Parker and Chelsey’ story. It was very suspenseful, kept me edge waiting to see how it was going to end. Wolf was an evil man and for him to treat his own son the way he did. Pure Evil. I hope there is more coming. Maybe a series called ‘Miami’s Finest’ or something similar. I would like to know Kamora’s story. Maybe something on Rock and Gavin.
206 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2024
Another great story about Atlanta’s Finest

Parker and Chelsey. What a team! Talk about having your back, Chelsey is totally bad a$$. The story got wrapped up quick once everything seem to fall into place. Can’t wait for the next installment.
1,027 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2024
Oh yes loved it

Parker went theough a lot in his life but thanks to good friends and a good woman he made it. Chelsey was just the woman for him. Glad he didn't forget Luis. I hope we get more stories as he builds a team in Miami.
Profile Image for Karen Taylor.
174 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2024
Peace and love

I am so happy that Parker found his peace with Chelsey. The love they had for each was amazing. His father was ruthless just killing people. He survived it all. I love this story and I hope more are coming. I love the Atlanta’s Finest. ❤️
Profile Image for Sharon Simmons.
828 reviews7 followers
December 13, 2024
Loved it!

Chelsea and Parker are awesome together! The Atlanta's Finest family have a special bond! Some parts had me on the edge of my seat and other parts had me laughing out loud. Each book of this series gets better and better.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
171 reviews7 followers
December 20, 2024
A Good Book

One minute, I was rooting for Parker to win Chelsey back, and the next, I was on the edge of my seat as the plan came together to take down Parker's father. This book is a page turner.
87 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2024
Protected

Finally we have Parker's story and I wasn't t disappointed. It was shocking, sad and sexy all rolled into one great book. I suggest everyone read the Atlanta Finest series you will love them.
707 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2024
Love Me Please

I have waited months for this story and it did not disappoint. Parker and Chelsey really needed each other.
Parker’s dad was determined to to kill his son, but this time it failed.
This was a great mystery!!!!!
95 reviews
March 28, 2025
Revenge

I’ve read all eight books and enjoyed them all. I couldn’t put it down, Parker was so intent on destroying his no-good father, and I didn’t blame him. Chelsey just loves how she took care of herself.
135 reviews
January 15, 2026
Feeling Protected

This was a wonderful read, made me take deep breaths at times. Chelsey and Parker are a perfect match. Loved her strength and his love to hold on to her. Story was well written, loved how Rock was brought into the mix. Just wonderful
3 reviews
December 7, 2024
Another great read in this series!

Every Atlanta's Finest is a great read, and this one was well worth the wait. Please keep new editions coming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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