Off-limits Grumpy Protector

by Kelly Thomas

I was hired to protect a spoiled, sassy socialite.
Why can’t I keep my hands to myself?

Babysitting an entitled prima donna isn’t my usual undercover job.
But her brother hired me to keep her safe.
I’m the grumpy guy pretending to be a gardener.
She’s the heiress with a broken past and a hell of a temper.

Cassie’s as stubborn as she is beautiful, and every day, she makes my job harder.
And that’s not the only thing that’s hard.
Soon she’s in my bed, under the sheets and on top of the table… you get the idea.

Her past left scars—ones her ex would love to reopen.
Every push-back, every glare, only pulls me in deeper.

Cassie’s smart, confident, and sexy, but she’s also—a client.
She’s off-limits, and I should keep things strictly business.
But I don’t…

When she finds out I’ve been lying to her—she’ll hate me.
But I’ll do anything to protect her… even if it means breaking her heart.
And I’ll risk everything to pick up the pieces.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

About the author

Hi everyone,

Thanks for finding me on Goodreads!

If you'd like an accurate list of my books please visit my Author Page/All Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...

Reviews

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bodyguard gardener

A brilliantly written story, with great characters, steamy chemistry, off-limits romance, family drama, intrigue, twists and a lovely HEA. A great story to read and one I couldn't put down, would strongly recommend.

When Drew worries for his sister Cassie ("Billionaire's Bossy Proposition") when her ex-fiancé is released from prison and he hires Max (an ex-SEAL and a private investigator in "Never Too Late" and colleague of Jaxson) to act as a bodyguard for her. She's made it clear she doesn't want protecting while living with her aunt so he becomes the gardener to enable him to keep an eye on things and ensure her safety. But on seeing her he finds himself falling for her hard, and wants more than to just be her protector.

Cassie is strong willed and after the betrayal of her ex and best friend is now wary to trust anyone. But when she meets the new gardener, though they clash at first, her heart begins to soften; and as she gets to know him their heated arguments change to heated desire; much to the delight of her matchmaking aunt.

But how will she feel when she discovers the truth, and can he be there to protect her when she needs him the most?

I loved that Cassie and Max have their own romance, having met them before in previous books of Kelly's. I enjoy how all of her books and different series are connected with the main characters all intertwined being work colleagues, friends and family, though they can all be read as stand-alones; and can't wait for what she writes next.

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

[J.p · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting and exciting enemies to lovers ( sort of) steamy read. Max an ex SEAL has been assigned to protect Cassie from an evil ex who set her up a few years back. He becomes the family’s gardener constantly watching over her, keeping her safe but is she safe from him when he realises she’s not the spoilt princess he thought she was? Cassie is strong, resilient and definitely no princess, she’s likeable. Something about Max stirs her heart and soon their constant bickering becomes more when they give into their feelings. Loved the push and pull of them trying to rile each other up which made their chemistry more intense and hotter. Great MCs, wonderful family dynamics with a matchmaking aunt and a very protective brother. A highly recommended read.

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

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off-limits Grumpy Protector is the third story in the Illegal Affairs series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this amazing off-limits romance. I enjoyed getting to know both Cassie and Max as well as seeing their fabulous story unfolding before my eyes. Author Kelly Thomas has written a marvelous off-limits romance. In my honest opinion, she’s an incredible storyteller and a remarkable writer who puts everything into the books she writes for her readers. Now I’m not going to reveal anything about this book because I don’t want to reveal any spoilers for future readers. I would definitely recommend this amazing book for anyone to checkout and give it a read. I can’t wait to read more amazing books by this author.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie is a feisty and stubborn woman and Max is supposed to be protecting her instead he is falling hard and fast for her. The sex is OMG HOT and this romance read is one to make your dreams HOT and HEAVY. So, get ready for a swoon worthy and drooling HOT romance book. I can say that Kelly and her books have become my ABSOLUTE new favorite books to read.

[L.D. Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good read. Loved the Characters.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like WOW 😮 this was another great steamy page turner and the suspense was incredible intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. These characters were physical attraction to one another and the chemistry between them was intriguing and passionate of love and emotions of drama and romance with unexpected consequences of that one night with him.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones