Fearless and Protective

Aspenbrook Protective Heroes #2

by Ivy Noir

Can a bookstore rebuild not just a dream, but a heart? In the warmth of Aspenbrook, two people who thought they had control over their lives are about to realize that the fiery attraction between them is exactly what they’ve both been missing.

“I didn’t ask for you to be here.”
“You didn’t have to. But I’m not going anywhere.”

Finn
The moment I saw her, I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep my distance.
Alice is fierce, determined, and beautiful—everything I want, even if she doesn’t realize it yet.
She’s got a fire that matches mine, and as much as I want to protect her, I want to devour her even more.
I’m not waiting around for her to make up her mind.
I’m going to show her exactly what she needs—me.

Alice
I wasn’t expecting this.
Finn is everything I’ve ever wanted but never allowed myself to have.
He’s strong, confident, and the way he looks at me... It makes my heart race and my body ache.
I don’t want to need him, but I can’t deny it anymore.
I want him—need him—like I’ve never wanted anyone.
But I can’t let him take control completely... can I?

"Fearless and Protective" is the second book in the Aspenbrook Protective Heroes series. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, you won’t want to miss the rest of the series! Each book features a new alpha hero, a heart-pounding love story, and a satisfying happily-ever-after.

Genres: Romance

56 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2025

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice is back at the town of Aspenbrook that made her feel loved. She is putting her business degree and love of books to use together. She's opening her own bookstore. Her friend comes to take her out to walk and destress. On the way back she sees lights and starts to run. That's when she sees her bookstore on fire. She tries to go into the store but is stopped
when someone blocks her.
Finn is holding a hose when he notices one of his team members holding back a woman. He takes another look and realizes she's gorgeous and his. After containing the fire he heads over to her to speak with her. He gets her number promising to get in touch with her once they figure out what happened. But she shows up and he tells her what happened. Since it was the owner's fault she will get her insurance. He tells her that he will help. They spend a lot of time together. At one point she's almost hurt and he saves her. She is scared because she's finding herself drawn more and more to him.
Will they find that they are a good fit?
A lovely story of two independent individuals whose strengths work better together.

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

[Anngela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the small town romances where people just come to town and meet. This one starts out with a nice woman whose friend lives in this town and she’s decided that because her friend lives there she’s going to open a bookstore. Well while they’re out on a walk tragedy happens and an electrical fire starts in the bookstore that’s supposed to open in a week. The firemen show up and the woman in a daze tries to go into the store to try to save something and it’s carried off back to her friend. One of the firemen who’s in charge sees her and is completely drawn to her wants to hold her and comfort her. The story progresses with him, helping her rebuild the store. Starting a crazy flirtatious relationship in the months that they do it. Whirlwind relationship with a great happy ending.

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

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice had set her goal to open the type of bookstore that she wanted in Aspenbrook which included a move from Sacramento after working and saving. Now she is just weeks away from the opening. Her best friend,Stella, also lives in Aspenbrook;Stella wants Alice to take walk with her and distress. As they start to return to the bookstore, they sees lights in the distance. Not lights , but a fire at the bookstore! Alice goes to enter in the bookstore when she is stopped by a firefighter. Finn, another firefighter, is attracted and wants to be the one for her. To help her as much as he can. What caused the fire? Finn calls in favors and he helps Alice to get back on track for her dream. Will something happen between them? Read and find out!.

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

[Harleem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet romantic short story - with a little spice tossed in for fun 😉

Lust/ love at first sight - a strong, protective, sweet, romantic, dedicated male main character - a strong, independent, charming female main character - a slow burn romance - lots of flirty banter - a happy ending.... What else can you ask for?

The scenes are well written, the plot and romance develops smoothly, the action and dialogue are well balanced, the characters are distinct and personable... If you've got an hour or so and want to read a nice romance story with a few explicit/ sexy scenes, I recommend this book.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Finn and Alice
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Length- novelette
Heat- 3.5 alarm fire
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- N
Tropes- bakery-bookstore-or-inn, firemen are hot, small town, everyday heroes, former military, forced proximity
What I liked- the way they flirted and teased without pressure. I also liked how well they worked together, and how sweet he was to help her fix her bookstore. The sexytime was deliciously naughty. And both characters just seem like nice people.

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

[Vickie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great short story from the Aspenbrook Series, this is book two. I felt heartbreak and happiness during this book.

The heartbreak came from the fire that destroyed Alice's bookstore right before the grand opening. Finn was one of the firefighters that responded and knew instantly that he had to have Alice.

Was the fire her mistake or something else? How will she rebuild the store by herself? How does Alice feel about Finn? Will they be able to have a life together or will she leave like she originally planned? Let's finish reading to find out!

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn and Alice’s story
Book Title-Fearless and Protective
Author-Ivy Noir
MMC/FMC- Finn and Alice
Genre-Mountain Man Romance
Length-short story
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5 peppers
Series-Book 2 of Aspenbrook Protective Heroes
What I liked-I love that this author offers some insta-love romance, but with the exceptionally good twist of the characters getting to know each other before getting into anything steamy which is a welcomed surprise for this story. This short story was a pleasant read and I look forward to reading additional books in this series by this writer.

[Jackie Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice and Finn story was so touching. Alice trying to start something great on her bookstore only for it to be set ablaze. Here comes Finn, knight in a fireman uniform to save the day. The chemistry Ivy set between these two from the start so invigorating. Seeing how she included characters from the first book is great. Not letting them be forgotten in the small town. Loved this book as I did the first. Can’t wait for the rest of the series.

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

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bookstore Fire

A fire envelops Alice's bookstore when she meets Finn, the firefighter helping to extinguish it. The steamy scenes were sweet and excitingly interesting. I really enjoyed the loving moments between them as well. The blend of love and spice added a dynamic that was interesting as well as wonderfully written.

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

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dream of a book store gone up in flames when she left for a coffee break. He is the fire fighter who consoled her and wanted to make her safe. A coincidence? Hmmm. They met in the middle of the trauma and he was determined to make things ok. She was not sure if she was even staying in town after the store opened. Bantering. Realistic situations. Accepting the process to make things better. Good read.

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

[Ineta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and spicy instalove romance. Alice's new bookstore is damaged by fire and firefighter, ex-military Finn comes to help her to rebuild it. Loved characters and their interactions.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance book is so full of spice that you might need some antacids to control the heart burn. :) It was a very quick and good read that I was in love with Finn and Alice right from the start and the storyline itself was simply AMAZING.

[Joy Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story and the characters. It is such a full book for being short and I really enjoyed reading every page!.

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

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed fearless and protective which was Finn and Alice’s story. This is the second book in the Aspenbrook Protective Heroes series. It was an engaging read and gave me all the feels. I got a copy of the book and voluntarily leaving this review.

[robert tabora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopeless Romantic 🥰

Great story line and characters. Finn and Alice’s love ❤️ for one another is so funny. They have such a sense of humor the way they work together to rebuild her bookstore. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I really liked how Finn gave Alice back her dream after a fire. Along the way they find love together.

[LastNightInVegas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3

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

Loved it.

[Dorian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

I enjoyed Alice and Finn's story. If you're looking for a quick romance look no further. Rushing to read the next book in the series.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

Was so glad he was able to help her so much. I’m glad she was able to help him also.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love reading these stories, especially when they are so lovely. I really liked this read. Just a quite lovely and warming read. Loved it! 4☆