Ex-Firefighter. Current Boss. Future (Pretend) Husband.
“Save me.” I saw that plea in Robyn’s tear-moistened chestnut eyes the moment she stepped off the back of my truck naked. How could I refuse?
Her gaze calls out to the hero in me. Her touches awaken the man. Each brush of her body against mine starts a fire I can’t put out. Heck yeah, I’ll protect her. I’ll go through flames for this woman. I’ll even marry her and father her child. And brand every inch of her skin as mine so her monster of an ex won’t ever touch her again. She belongs to me now. And I will keep her from harm.
But can I still protect her when my darkest secret is her greatest fear?
***Protector is a full-length, stand-alone romance with a happily ever after ending.
Ashlee Price’s books are recommended for fans of authors such as Nicole Snow, Alexis Winter, Sarah J. Brooks, Weston Parker, Ali Parker, Natasha L. Black, Claire Kingsley, Cassie-Anne L. Miller, and Samantha Christy.
Protector was an okay read.. but for some reason I thought I was going to get more from it than I did? In it, you will meet Xander and Robyn. How they meet was interesting to a point. She's on the run and hiding from a horrible abusive piece of shit, also known as her ex boyfriend. Where is she hiding? Well, in Xander's truck.. and that's how they found each other.
Their relationship was a roller coaster. They had theirs ups and downs.. while giving me some twists and turns. They both have a past or shit to deal with.. and in the end, they need each other to lean on. They had some cute moments.. but eh, everything else was okay.
Throughout the book, I was trying to figure out if I even liked these two (individually wise). Then while trying to figure that out I realized.. that I honestly didn't care. They had a unique(ish) relationship and the drama was making it a bit more interesting.. but in the end, I was happiest when it was all over.
An exciting action packed, emotionally thrilling, sweetly sexy and highly entertaining romantic adventure filled with danger and passion....
Robyn and Xander are a interesting and undeniable match, loved their chemistry and banter. The story is very engaging and emotional. The journey these two take together had me on the edge of my seat turning pages non stop from beginning to end....
Robyn has been through bad times, and to escape from it she ends up running away naked through the forest, until she reaches the road and hides in a truck. Xander finds a poor girl alone and his protective instinct rises and he shelters Robyn under his wings. To help he offers herwork, shelter and food in return for some help. But there comes a point where the attraction between them no longer can be denied, and they end up having an explosive moment, which scares Robyn. She begins to feel sick and discovers that she is pregnant, but the night of passion with Xander is very recent, so there's only one option to her. Even knowing the baby is from her psycho ex, Xander makes a commitment to Robyn. Xander takes her to meet his family and they know more about each other and getting even more involved. When Robyn goes to visit her family's grave, the truth comes out. How Xander can deal with it? When she finds out that Xander was a firefighter from the team that worked on the fire that killed her family, their recent fragile love is enough to get through it? Howie, her ex kidnaps her and Xander arrives in time to be her hero and save her. About to give birth to her baby she realizes how much she loves him and can't imagine her life without him. Raine's birth is the perfect beginning of a family full of love. That is the first book I read from Ashlee Price and I fell in love with her writing and the characters. Two strangers haunted by their mistakes and guilts finds a beautiful and warm love in each other's arms. I can't wait to read more wonderful works from this great author!
So the story started a little off, there were chapters that didn’t actually give me the perfect vibe. But at a certain point the story seemed to grab my interest because the characters started to come together and the story became intriguing. Xander and Robyn do deserve themselves for what they have gone through . Don’t let the initial part let you stop from reading the story, because it will get better and better as it unravels in front of you. Both characters will at the end realize that fate has put them together for a specific reason. This is A second chance in life.
This book features Robyn and Xander. Strange circumstances bring these two together. I thought a bigger deal should have been made about the way they found her. She is such an emotionally strong person and I really feel bad for the hand fate dealt her. Xander was a little hard to figure out. Was he the good guy that just wanted to help the damsel in distress or is he the guy that sees a pretty woman and wants a piece of her? He might be a little of both. I love his family though. Jillian is fabulous!
Great story line! The story kept me entranced the whole time. There were times I wanted to throttle them both but in the end I was satisfied with the turnout. This is my first book by this author and I can’t wait for more.
This was a good read. Xander meets Robyn when she is hiding out in his truck. She is running from a horrible man who also happens to be her abusive boyfriend. Xander decides to taker her in and help her. The problem is that Xander has his own issues. Together they finally overcome everything and are happy.
Robyn is naked and on the run from her abusive ex boyfriend. Xander an ex firefighter and paramedic finds her in the back of his truck. A roller coaster ride ensues as you read on into this story. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
2.5 stars. I won this book from a GoodReads giveaway. This review may contain some spoilers... The story of Xander and Robyn started out with some intrigue, finding a naked woman hiding in the back of your truck suggests a great mystery is about to begin. But, I found the story was somewhat lacking in character development. We are led to believe that Xander is a great hero, a former superstar firefighter, a "protector". However, he found a woman he knew (or highly suspected) that had been abused and possibly raped. He does offer her a job and some clothes, but all while preying on her himself. He didn't give her privacy or offer to help her find counseling or contact the police, but he did come on to her at every opportunity. He then proceeded to have sex with her roughly on the couch and leave her immediately afterwards while she was naked, hurt, and confused. All while NOT using any type of protection. Reminder that he thought she had been abused so shouldn't he have been concerned about possible STD's? He doesn't sound like much of a "protector" to me! Robyn also never really acted like someone who had been abused. She was horny right from the start, even after just escaping her psycho ex. She didn't even exhibit any fear or PTSD at all. And, her reaction to finding out Xander's past was WAY out of control. She didn't act that unreasonable during any other part of the story. Finally, I hated the way they kept referring to their marriage as a fake marriage. They may have not loved each other when they got married, but they were really married so it was not fake! I wanted to love this story, because I did enjoy the blurb, but it was just okay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Xander is a man with a past but working hard to be present. He owns his own company and has men under him that he truly likes. They like and respect him too.
Robyn is a woman with a past, determined to make a better future, one away from an abusive situation. She has managed to get away when she meets Xander, under some unusual circumstances.
There is a case of one sided instalove. She immediately, and I do immediately, falls for him. Her hearts skips beats and everything people! She tells herself that she can give her body to him but must protect her heart. Yeah, okay. Let me know how that works out for you, sweetheart.
He doesn't fall at the same rate. Sure, he wants to jump her bones but there is no emotion in it for him. He wants her and he takes her. It's pretty simple from his perspective. *Sigh* Men!
The abuse she suffered under her ex was sexual and more in nature. She has scars that reveal the past. She is skittish and fearful of men because of it. Still, in two days she is screwing Xander like a horny rabbit? Eye roll!
She also has scars from an accident in childhood that is never fully revealed. She only talks about it once in a very shortened version of events. I would have liked to have detail just so we get to know her more. She is pretty much a blank canvas.
She sees his body right away. It's only fair. He's already seen hers. But she sees scars that are never fully explained. They seem to share a past that contains abuse but we never find out for sure. There are a couple of times were things are alluded to but it never goes further than that. If that had been included, I might have felt a deep emotional connection to the characters.
When they announce the relationship to his family they also tell them that they plan to be married quickly. They have to be, to hide the origin of the pregnancy. I'm okay with that. The book is called Protector, after all.
What pulled me away from the story was the inconsistencies. For example, his aunt Linda doesn't know that's she's pregnant or how far along she is but at 22 weeks they are seeing an obgyn that she recommended. I understand that she's obviously been told but I would have liked to have been there for the conversation. How did everyone take it? Was anyone suspicious? Give me something!!
There are moments of drama that neither add to, nor detract from, the story. I felt like they were added for bulk. Some of the later parts of the story come off as being a bit on the ridiculous side. I'm more than willing to admit that's my opinion and wouldn't try to talk anyone out of theirs. I simply could have done without them.
Overall, the book felt like a vessel for sex scenes. It was like a nature documentary where two animals are constantly mating in front of the cameras, making us all voyeurs.
Eyes watering and skin freezing cold, Xander Bolt raced on his motorcycle to the scene of a very bad fire. Tracy, his girlfriend, had hidden his helmet and turned off his phone so he missed the dispatch. The Captain had called for him over an hour ago. The fireman were forced to pull back now, with over a dozen who died because they couldn’t get them out in time. But Xander had to try, and as he raced to the burning building, it exploded and knocked him to the ground.
Robyn ran completely naked through the cold woods as fast as she could manage in bare feet and freezing weather. But her life depended on it as several men chased her! She fell and her hand was bleeding as they got closer to her, so she crawled across the ground toward a road she heard ahead. They spotted her and the chase began again. She ran across the road and spotted a truck parked ahead. She dove into it and hid among the boxes just as the driver came back and drove away. Exhausted, relieved to have escaped her abusers, she fell asleep.
When she woke, the truck had stopped. Standing up, she turned to stare into the startled eyes of a handsome man. He gave her his shirt and offered food, coffee, a shower, and fresh clothes at his trailer. Because his shirt said SFPD, she figured he was a cop and maybe she could trust him. Xander, former firefighter and paramedic, introduced himself and took her to the trailer to feed her and take care of her wounds.
Will these two broken people find a way to forgive themselves for past mistakes and look toward each other for a new start? Will the abusive Howie track her down and try to force her back into captivity? This is an exciting, suspenseful story, fast-paced and with characters the reader will admire and respect. Things are not easy for them, but adversity brings out their strength and spirit to fight for something better. Don’t miss this one!
Protector By: Ashlee Price Absolutely Smokin' HOT Protector Romance! It's Too HOT to Handle, & I'm ready to SINGE my fingers flipping pages as quickly as possible reading about this Smexy PROTECTOR! Mmmm.... Gimme a Lick, because this is a Surefire One-Click! Need some substance to your read... Take a chance on Ashlee Price because she brings her A-Game to her writing; there's character depth & development, drama, intrigue, HOT Se*y times, & Sooo much more! Yep, You'll find Ashlee's books are the full meal deal, not just quickies to leave your appetite unsatisfied!¡! I was granted an ARC of Ashlee Price's "Protector" via Booksprout. I'm gladly recommending this book based upon its own merits. I'll also definitely be looking forward to more opportunities to read Ashlee's work in the future as her work is excellent. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given. Until next time... Happy Reading!
I cant really pinpoint what was wrong with this book, but didn't give me the satisfaction others had. For once maybe I have read too many books of this kind and the story seemed read somewhere along the way. McGuire if I'm correct did all the hotshot books, but with much more sense of character building. For one after escaping the Howie guy she should have been way more against all men and with some serious PTSD, yeah we are different each and every one of us, but cmon. No one lives on just the second they escape some serious bad karma. Their stubbornness at the end just felt too predictable and immature as did her freakout about the tragedy. Maybe I just think that way, but it felt unrealistic. No one in their right mind would just up and leave, well maybe they were not at the love admitting phase then up until that moment, but still. And he also did promise to do whatever it took to get her back and failed to deliver becoming passive and encompassed in his own shell of misery. It is a good read if you want something spicy with detailed bedroom scenes, but otherwise a bit too shallow of characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Robyn manages to escape from an evil and sadistic man, and runs through woodland towards some vehicles that are there, and hiding in fire-fighter Xander’s truck, just in time! The chemistry between these two is explosive, and together they are perfect. No spoilers; this is a must read, you will not be disappointed. This author has written a wonderful story which is filled with drama, action, suspense, emotion, and is a thrilling read which had me on tenterhooks throughout. I highly recommend this authors’ work for all readers, and look forward to reading more from her. In my opinion, this is her best work to date!
When you are running for your life do you really care about something as small as clothes? Robyn didn't think so. She runs right to Xander. Xander also has a troubled past and all he can think to do is protect Robyn.
Now with a unplanned baby Robyn doesn't know what to do. She puts her trust in Xander to protect her and her unborn child. Will their fake marriage work?
This was a great book about two people who are lost due to tragic events. They cross paths and find that they need each other. During this time they learn that their events also crossed paths. This is a great love story with a HEA. I really enjoyed the book and read it in one sitting. I am a huge fan of Ashlee and all her writing. Don't miss out.
Great well written story about two people who need to reconstruct their life. The emotions are well described, and I could feel the changes in the characters’s feelings. There are sex scenes, fights…..well... it’s definitely not boring, even if the story seemed simple at first. Xander saved Robyn after she escaped naked from the wood. She was hiding in one of his truck and she was hurted. He hires her to cook for his team when they build a house. She’s an accountant, so she helps too with his financials. They’ re attracted and have sex until things become complicated with her ex, her life and Robyn and Xander's past.. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Good story that moved along well throughout all the drama of a harrowing experience for the main female character facing a malevolent, evil ex-boyfriend. The main male character as well suffered past trauma and is trying to forge ahead into a new life. These two cross paths and begin to form a relationship. The main male character`s family ensconces the pair in a blanket of love, acceptance and security. This pair ultimately unify to face adversity. They certainly went through a very turbulent path to attain their happy ever after.
I received an advance review copy of this novel via Booksprout and I am leaving an honest review.
I liked the whole idea of the story but I just felt the book didn't read smoothly and to be honest if you found a naked woman in the back of your truck would you not try to find out what happened to her? Both Robyn and Xander were ok I would have liked Robyn to have a bit more sass and maybe Xander to be a bit protective of her from the beginning. I have read other books by Ashlee Price that had me much more drawn in and invested but this is perfect if you want a good straight forward read that fills in the afternoon or evening.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a good story but you do have to suspend your disbelief a little bit. There are a few situations that I had a hard time believing would actually happen. I liked the H, he was a nice caring guy who was celibate for quite a few years before meeting the h. The h was a good character for the most part. She had been through a lot with the death of her family and abusive boyfriend, it seemed to me that she was suppressing a lot of grief. She really needs to get into therapy but she was a nice, caring loving woman. The story ended nicely and had a lovely epilogue!
Awesome read. Loved the interactions between all the characters even the minor characters. Robyn who is running from an abusive ex finds refuge in a truck which takes her hundreds of miles away to Xander who turns out to be her salvation and protector. Robyn has found safe haven and at the same time Xander has found his. It is amazingly written and flows perfectly while still giving a great read with heat. It brings out the importance of family and friends and once I started reading I could not put it down. Can't wait for more from Ashlee
Wow, another great story from Ashlee Price! This book has it all, sexy, exciting and lots of drama! Xander and Robyn meet under crazy circumstances, she’s running from an abusive ex, naked, and hides in Xander’s vehicle. You have to feel for Robyn, that poor girl has nothing but heartache until she meets Xander. And Xrander, oh my gosh, he’s just too good to be true...together they’re perfect for each other. Great job Ms. Price, love your imagination and thanks for sharing it with us. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
The story of Robyn and Xander will grab at your heart and take you on a roller coaster like no other. Emotional and heartwarming. Well written with well developed characters and a page turning story. You'll find this book hard to put down. Lots of drama, twists, suspense and plenty of emotion. Their chemistry is off the charts and it will warm your heart the way Xander protects Robyn. I read a reader copy via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to write a review. Plenty of secrets from the past but no spoiler as to how they effect the outcome.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book After a traumatic incident in his job as firefighter, never does Xander realise finding a naked woman in his truck , will bring back memories from that day. Robyn has to flee from her crazy ex Howie. She has to survive any way she can, even sneaking into a truck of a stranger. Only this stranger will change her life forever. Two people brought together by fate, linked together of a fateful night but survive it all by love. A fast paced story of love, passion, danger, secrets and so much more.
This is the first story I’ve read by Ashlee Price and I found it to be a good story. Xander and Robyn had chemistry and the overall story was pretty good. There were a couple of places where my heart went out to the characters because of what they had been through. There was one thing that really bugged me in the story tho. Xander’s adopted cousin was referred to as his step-cousin and that’s not the proper term for her. Other than that, I enjoyed the book and will he reading more from Ms. Price
When Xander finds Robyn he is surprised in the condition she is in. He knows she is cared and running from something but doesn't realize the connection they share and the consequences that developed from it. Xander wants to help Robyn but when Robyn learns of his past mistakes can she forgive him? This was a good read. The story and characters were enjoyable and entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A very emotionally intense romance. This is a beautiful story of two wounded people, their painful pasts, being strong enough to risk your hear again, and how powerful love can be. Xander and Robyn are complex characters. Their story is complex and complicated. Filled with drama, danger, secrets, surprises, and a turmoil of emotions to engage your attention. A very good read. This is my voluntary, honest review.
Captivating,Xander and Robyn's story will leave you reeling. A virtuous man, Xander finds Robyn and can tell she's in trouble and he steps up and offers to help. Robyn is guarded because of her past. Her bat-sh*t crazy ex comes back , as does Xander's ex. Can these two reveal their awful past to each other, can doing the right thing end up giving these two what they both thought they'd never have. A must read that will leave your heart happy
Robyn was a great character who had a bad relationship with the evil Howie. She ends up running from him naked and hiding in Xander's truck. Xander was also likable and a fireman. Lots of action as these two develop a relationship and some great chemistry. This was a great read from the start and kept me turning the pages. Loved it!! I am voluntarily reviewing an arc I received from Booksprout.
Robyn just escaped from hell and stows in Xanders truck to get away. When Xander sees her naked and terrified something in him pulls towards her wanting to protect her. With no-where to go he makes a bargain and they begin to seek comfort in each other. Will the pasts they have hidden come back for them? Can they find comfort through their pain? What a fun heartfelt and powerful story about taking chances.
I liked it enough to keep going but there were just a few parts of the story that just didn't flow with me and I considered stopping. It held my attention enough to finish the story since I hate DNF'ing. I liked the characters and I liked the chemistry they had but how she got there, what happened to her to get her to him, why they never talked about those things, and she was annoying sometimes. It all added to my disconnect.
IMO, this book is Ashlee's best book yet. It was such a great book and takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. Xander and Robin were absolutely perfect for each other. Their chemistry was hot together. Not too mention, Xander used to be a firefighter. Who doesn't love firefighters? Great book.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.