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My brother's best friend thinks I'm in danger. And he's determined to protect me, whatever it takes...

Inheriting my grandpa's old cabin means a return to Ember Heart. And legends of hidden gold in the mountains. What I didn't expect was Marcus Blake. My brother's nerdy best friend turned smokin’ hot computer expert. Mr. Organized meets my chaotic energy, and sparks fly immediately.

He thinks I'm up to something. He's not wrong.

But when danger finds us both on the mountain, this protective alpha steps up. Hard muscles. Heated glances. One scorching kiss that changes everything between us. Now he's determined to keep me safe.
Even if it means keeping me close. Very close.

Welcome to Ember Heart Ridge Search and Rescue. These big, burly mountain men face danger every day, but
nothing can prepare them for the thrill of meeting the curvy girls of their dreams. Short, steamy reads set in a
cozy small town, with a guaranteed HEA every time.

67 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2025

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About the author

Jessa Joy

438 books227 followers
I'm Jessa Joy and I write about curvy women and the alpha men who can't resist them. Short, steamy and upbeat is the name of the game. I hope you (like me) enjoy a guaranteed Happy Ever After! Whether you're into office, holiday or second chance romance, hot billionaires, small town shenanigans or enemies to lovers intrigue, I'm here to fulfil your reading desires!

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5 stars
138 (49%)
4 stars
73 (26%)
3 stars
56 (20%)
2 stars
8 (2%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
5,595 reviews79 followers
July 5, 2025
Her Protector is part of the Ember Hearts Search and Rescue series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, curvy girl gets her brother's best friend romance. Abby is a smart and sassy curvy girl who has inherited her late grandfather's cabin. He was a treasure hunter and had left her clues. Marcus is a hunky member of the Search and Rescue team. He is her brother, Josh's, best friend, and has been in love with Abby since she was 17. Her brother warned him off years ago, but now that she is home, he's not letting her go. As they work together to find the treasure, they will face danger from other treasure hunters. This was such a fun story with love, danger, drama, and Risky, the adorable family dog. The chemistry was hot and the ending was so happy. I can't wait for Troy's story next. I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Arctic_Banshee.
466 reviews3 followers
July 1, 2025
4 stars for it being exactly what it looks like it’s going to be- a short small town story with a couple of erotic scenes and a HEA. For when you are needing an escape hatch waiting for the dentist or on break or needing something light before bed.

Premise is out there and unlikely, but it’s entertaining.
Profile Image for Nova.
2,736 reviews107 followers
September 14, 2025
I received a free copy of this book that I am voluntarily reviewing.

It has been over seven years since Abby set foot in Ember Heart, and she is only back in the hope that the treasure her grandfather spent his life searching for is actually real. Both her and her older brother Josh are in desperate need of if they have any hope of paying for the treatment that their mother needs. So that is how she finds herself in the old cabin on the mountain that her grandfather left her along with the deeds to the mountain area where he believed there was treasure to be found. She hasn’t been there ten minutes before her teenage love and her brother’s best friend Marcus is knocking on the door, seeing him after all this time is a shock, gone is the nerdy teenage boy and what she sees now is all man. But looking at him only reminds her of the rejection she felt as a teen and that is not a feeling she wants again so focusing on her mission is all that matters, and she is determined to do that without Marcus’s help. But what will she do when she discovers that she isn’t the only one that is looking for the treasure and the danger that surrounds her is very real, will she accept Marcus’s help and could this be the moment that all her dreams come true?

Marcus has waited a long time to see the woman who stole his heart when he was a teenager, the younger sister of his best friend Josh, Abby was forever getting into scrapes and he was forever fixing them, that is until his feelings towards her started to change. She was no longer an annoyance but someone that he was meant to protect. He had thought that he had hidden his feelings for her from everyone, that is until Josh sat him down and explained that his sister was meant for a different life, something bigger than the mountain life that they were used to, he realized from that moment that she was off limits and had to walk away from the woman he loved. But now that she is back and he knows that she is up to something and knowing Abby it will be something dangerous and he will do whatever he has to in order to keep her safe, but when he discovers that she isn’t the only one on the mountain looking for her grandfathers treasure will he be able to keep her safe and when it comes time to let her return to her life will he really be able to let her go or could now be the time for him to stake his claim?

This is a fast-paced entertaining read, with fun, laughter, steam and danger. Fantastic addition to the series and kept me turning the pages, short read perfect for bedtime. There was nothing that I didn’t like about the story and the main characters are cute together. 4* Read.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
8,016 reviews37 followers
June 24, 2025
There is No Place Like Home -
Abby’s plan was to use what her grandfather left her to find the buried treasure, but she didn’t expect Marcus to guess what she was about to do and want to join her. Marcus had never gotten over his love for Abby in all the years she had been away, so he wasn’t going to allow her to go on the treasure hunt by herself, as it was dangerous. Even though Abby didn’t want a companion going on her the hunt with her, she accepted Marcus’s help, which turned out to be a good thing, as they had a few dangerous encounters.

Unfortunately, just when Abby and Marcus decided to attempt another trip to find the treasure after rekindling their relationship, they found themselves in a dangerous situation that nearly cost their lives. However, Abby and Marcus were rescued in time and the situation was dealt with and they were able to find the treasure and return home safely. Luckily, Abby and Marcus were able to get the chance at the future they were previously denied.

This was a really incredible story, that kept me eagerly turning the pages, as it had the perfect balance between drama, action-packed encounters and steamy moments. If you are looking for your next relaxation read, then I recommend you grab a copy of this book. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa H.
857 reviews5 followers
July 10, 2025
Oh boy I was so excited for this book. This has been an amazing series (don't worry this can be read as a standalone), but together...chef's kiss of a series.

We get to Marcus, the reserved SAR worker, and part time treasure hunter. When he finds Abby is back in town he knows its a sign. He comes over and they both realize how much they have grown into the beautiful people. Abby has come for treasure hunting. She knew her grandfather was onto something. She finds his notes, his clues and some of his passes.

There is lots of action with others trying to find the treasure too, and they aren't afraid to use violence. Marcus's knowledge of the land, his years of studing maps and trails allows them the lead. If they can keep hidden from the slimy hunters following them. Marus has mislead for years and they are finally onto it.

This story has such good action, excellent adventure seeking humor, wit, outdoors, and a amazing HEA. This treasure brings them together, and when the danger hits....the truth comes out. They have been in love with each other for years, and they can't wait another day to tell the truth. Swoon worthy moment here!! Great read, and great job as Jessa always does.

Sometimes you need to take a leap of reading recommendations.....this is your sign. Jump into Ember Heart Ridge Search and Rescue series!)
122 reviews
July 2, 2025
Oh wow do you like mystery, adventure, a treasure map and passion? Well this ebook written by this truly exceptional author is all that and more. Abby has inherited her Grandpa's cabin and something that might be worth it's weight in gold There's a knock on the door and she opens it to find the boy she had a crush on has grown into the hottest man she's ever seen. Marcus has carried deep feelings for Abby since they were teenagers. Little does Abby know that Marcus is keeping a secret from her. When Marcus sees Abby his feelings only grow stronger as he's crazy about the beautiful woman she's become. They strike sparks off one another and they have such fiery chemistry. Will Abby and Marcus have it any other way but spending a lifetime together? Can Abby protect her grandparent's legacy and can she find a way to keep Marcus in her life? Does Marcus finally reveal his big secrets and does he show Abby that she's been his forever dream? I absolutely encourage you to get this exciting drama filled passionate 5⭐️winner. You will love it. I sure did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dee.
5,396 reviews65 followers
June 26, 2025
Sometimes you need someone bigger, stronger to watch out for you especially when fate deems it 😊. Abby is sweet, a curvy girl different from all the other girls just learning she has inherited her grandfather's cabin, arriving to find a strange but interesting note about a treasure he spent his life searching for and of course its interest. Marcus sexy as all get out best friend to Abby’s brother he has loved his little sister for a long time, but her brother wouldn’t allow them to be together so when Abby heads to her grandfather’s cabin he knows trouble is after her and he isn’t going to allow anything to happen to her so protecting her has become his personal mission. The magnetic pull is there will they explore it this time around will he keep her safe, will they find the treasure her grandfather was searching for, is the treasure even real, and will they finally get their very own HEA?
3,665 reviews30 followers
June 27, 2025
Sweet, Steamy, and Packed with Suspense! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Abby inherits her grandfather’s remote cabin in Ember Heart, she expects peace, maybe a little mystery—but not Marcus Blake, her brother’s best friend turned ridiculously hot tech wizard. He’s all structure and logic. She’s impulsive and full of fire. But when rumors of hidden gold attract unwanted attention, and danger comes knocking, Marcus steps up like the protective alpha he was clearly born to be.

Their chemistry crackles from the start, and the tension only builds when one kiss threatens to change everything. What starts as a clash of opposites quickly turns into a deep, fiery connection—and a fight to stay safe in the wild mountain wilderness.

A perfect mix of brother’s best friend, forced proximity, and a dash of small-town suspense, Her Protector will sweep you away with action, heat, and heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,294 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2025
Marcus heard Abby, his long lost true love is back in Ember Falls. She is back to hunt for the treasure her grandfather had been hunting for his whole life. He left her with a letter, the cabin and a map. The only thing she doesn’t know is that Marcus has been protecting her and her family’s interests by keeping the land maps and geology assessments away from greedy land robbers and thief’s. When Marcus catches up with Abby he is more than willing to help her. Of course that doesn’t mean it’s going to be smooth sailing. There is danger, deception, shooting, high flying, passion and something called love. This family has been so much fun to read about. It’s just so enjoyable!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,707 reviews30 followers
June 29, 2025
Marcus, Hunter's twin, has kept the treasure of the mountain safe. He has been in love with his best friend's sister, Abby since high school. When she returns to Ember Heart after the death of her grandfather, the pair get in all sorts of trouble like they used to.

There are dangerous men looking to capitalize on the information Abby has to collect the treasure that is rightfully hers and her brothers. Marcus will help her find it and keep her safe at the same time. This is a sweet and steamy read with some danger.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,561 reviews15 followers
July 20, 2025
The fourth book of Jessa Joy's fabulous Ember Hearts Search and Rescue series is Marcus' story - a brother's best friend romance. Abby returns to town when she inherits her uncle's cabin and finds herself embroiled in a treasure hunt along with the man who has been in love with her forever - her brother Josh's best friend, and one of seven brothers running the mountain's SAR operation. For a quick read, Her Protector has a bit of everything: action and adventure, steamy second chances, and most importantly, fabulous characters. Another must-read by Ms Joy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lynn.
788 reviews6 followers
June 24, 2025
Ember Heart Ridge SAR is run by the Blake family, and each brother has his job on the team. The books are hot and steamy, quick reads with an ending that tends to lead into the next book.

Marcus has been helping protect the Ember Heart treasure from treasure hunters for years. He may not know exactly where or what it is, but knows it rightfully belongs to Abby and her family.
So when Abby comes back to find the treasure, Marcus will do anything to help her and protect her along the way.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Grinning Cat.
4,778 reviews125 followers
June 25, 2025
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Marcus and Abby
Genre- Mountain Man Romance
Heat- Open door, explicit
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- mild violence, firearms threat
Tropes- …And Your Little Dog Too, Friends to Lovers, Brother’s Best Friend, You Can Go Home Again, Treasure Hunters.
What I liked- this is a fun story of two friends who are secretly in love with each other searching for her late grandfather’s hidden treasure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marie.
6,053 reviews58 followers
June 27, 2025
She's dangerous!

Marcus knows Abby is very accident prone and frequently leaps before looking, landing herself in trouble, but she is most dangerous to his sanity and his self control. I love that they finally get their second chance, she has always been the only one for Marcus but he never wanted to hold her back. I love that he is brave enough to tell her how he feels, he lays his heart on the line and is rewarded with her heart and her love in return. I also like that Josh admits that he was wrong and apologises to Marcus.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Becky.
2,399 reviews6 followers
June 28, 2025
Abby inherits her grandfather's cabin and discovers a map to the Ember Heart treasure. Her first love, Marcus, lives on the mountain, and it's soon clear that the feelings they had as teenagers have only grown into a deeper, more mature love. There are some fantastic plot twists that I really enjoyed. I love that Marcus and Abby get a second chance at love with each other. An excellent book with a perfect HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,717 reviews
June 30, 2025
Another brother his found his woman. Marcus, one of the twins has been waiting for Abby to return to the mountain. He grandfather left her the cabin and the property that a treasure map. He the geologist will do anything in his power to protect her from the treasure hunters. But at what cost. The intense interaction of the bad guys versus good guys hang in the balance. They've known each other since high school and now is the chance to make up for the lost time and survive the adventure. Loved. It.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Oriana Reads.
4,378 reviews40 followers
June 30, 2025
Abby and Marcus were friends from childhood until Abby went away for college and Marcus stayed in Ember Heart. Now seven years later Abby is back and they are still pining after each other and never really stopped. Abby is on a treasure hunt to finance her mother's treatment and Marcus helps her. Sparks fly and they finally get the chance to be together. But someone wants Abby's treasure and he won't stop to harass Abby to get it. Second chance, brothers best friend ,romantic, sweet, no OP drama,with a bit of steam and with a sweet HEA 😍😍
Profile Image for Michelle.
11.4k reviews28 followers
July 7, 2025
After the death of her grandfather, Abby inherits his cabin and returns to Ember Heart, where she finds love and a treasure too. Marcus has loved Abby for years so when she returned to the small town, he was determined to win her heart. This is a sweet and steamy second chance love story with a hidden treasure twist. The writing is good and the well developed characters got their happily ever after. Her Protector is book four and a great addition to the Ember Heart Ridge Search and Rescue series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Stephanie Plett.
44 reviews
June 9, 2026
I got this book during a stuff your kindle day and was intrigued by the treasure hunt premise of this romance book. The book is very short and therefore easy to read in one sitting. I didn’t love the “insta romance” style of the characters romance. I felt like I wanted to be let in to their world more before we just jumped into their romance story. I did however like the Indiana jones vibes this novella had. Would I read this book again? Probably not, but it was fine for what it was. A short HEA romance with some spice and a fast paced story.
Profile Image for Fran.
2,899 reviews4 followers
June 22, 2025
Abby is in Ember Heart looking for her grandfathers treasure. When Marcus shows up, her best friend from school who broke her heart can they get along enough to find this treasure. This is an exceptional feel good story, there’s some intrigue and action, sweet and steamy and I loved Marcus and Abby. Great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chandra Luna.
3,001 reviews20 followers
June 22, 2025
Abby has inherited her late grandfather's cabin and when she arrives there is a cryptic note about finding the treasure he spent his life searching for. Marcus has loved Abby since they were teens but her brother has interfered for years and kept them apart. When Abby begins looking for the treasure and trouble is on her heels. Marcus is the one who steps in to protect her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,667 reviews36 followers
June 25, 2025
“Her Protector” by Jessa Joy

-Fast-paced, steamy, and sweet—an easy, satisfying escape. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
A treasure hunt reunites Abby and Marcus in the mountains of Ember Heart Ridge. With danger lurking and sparks reigniting, Marcus won’t let Abby face it alone. There’s heat, history, and heart as they search for more than just gold.

The sweetest line: “Seven years, three months, and twelve days.”
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
7,163 reviews80 followers
June 25, 2025
This was such a fun read that involved finding treasure and that hooked me right in ;) Abby is back in Ember Heart to look for her Gpa's treasure and Marcus, her bestie from high school that broke her heart, is determined to help her and keep her safe. Good thing, as there is danger, intrigue and action swirling around them. Expect to have a fab reading escape that brings these two friends full circle to a fab and steamy HEA. Good fun!
946 reviews3 followers
June 27, 2025
Marcus is a hot computer nerd with a heart of gold.
Abby inherited her grandfather's cabin. Which is what brought her back to Emberheart Ridge.
Tropes:
Quick read, protective hero, brother's best friend, curvy heroine, small town, opposites attract, HEA romance, mountain man, damsel in distress, romantic suspense.

A special thank you to Jessa Joy and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Summer Stanley.
831 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2025
I loved this story. It has adventure, spice, romance and don't forget Risky the dog! If you enjoy Jessa's stories then you will enjoy this too. If you haven't tried her books yet this is a good one to read. Very straight forward no wasted words so it's short and to the point but still has the depth needed for a great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara .
7,974 reviews24 followers
June 22, 2025
Marcus and Abby are not only romantic characters, but they are also compelling and interesting to read about. This short romance story will have you hooked right away and when it ends your heart will be swelling with happiness for Marcus and Abby. WOW what a truly romantic read right here by Jessa.

Profile Image for Jenia Tortora.
1,800 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2025
Marcus has been head over heels for Abby since they were seventeen. Now she’s back and he’s not letting her get away again. It’s a treasure hunt in more ways than one. Fun and exciting with steamy bits and a sweet HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Berta Greenleaf Richardson.
1,558 reviews8 followers
July 11, 2025
Short novella about a girl, a guy and a diamond mine. Abby returns home after her grandfather passes away and inherits a mine. She reunites with her first love Marcus who is her protector. They solve a mystery concerning her inheritance and get the bad guys. I recommend this book to all romance readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
11.7k reviews42 followers
June 22, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked that Marcus and Abby finally get together and they find the inheritance her grandpa left for her. There is a bit of danger but they handle it with help. I liked what they did with the inheritance.
13.4k reviews77 followers
June 24, 2025
The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Abby and Marcus. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with a shared past, a treasure hunt, revelations and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews