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Nashville Security #3
Protected by Him
He can protect me. But who will protect him from the disaster my life has become?
I know a thing or two about bad luck. Watching my ex murder a judge and ending up in hiding because of it taught me plenty about the subject. So, finding a new love was the last thing on my mind.
Until I met him.
Ian Murray was…everything. Handsome. Strong. Protective. Our chemistry? Intense.
And it still hadn’t been enough to get us to a happily ever after.
But that was over a year ago. And now that fate has brought us together again, I’ll do anything to turn our second chance into forever. There is no turning back this time. Because this time, the stakes are higher than ever.
It’s not just our hearts on the line. It’s our lives…
I know a thing or two about bad luck. Watching my ex murder a judge and ending up in hiding because of it taught me plenty about the subject. So, finding a new love was the last thing on my mind.
Until I met him.
Ian Murray was…everything. Handsome. Strong. Protective. Our chemistry? Intense.
And it still hadn’t been enough to get us to a happily ever after.
But that was over a year ago. And now that fate has brought us together again, I’ll do anything to turn our second chance into forever. There is no turning back this time. Because this time, the stakes are higher than ever.
It’s not just our hearts on the line. It’s our lives…
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2025
21 people are currently reading
1204 people want to read
About the author
Sara Evou
6 books32 followersSara Evou loves love more than anything. After years of being unable to express her creativity in her job as an accountant, she decided to channel her love of romance into her own stories. She’s lived everywhere from Reno to Colorado to DC, but currently calls Nashville home. When she isn’t reading, writing, or thinking about writing, she enjoys traveling, pole dancing, baking at home, and playing with her sweet pup.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 29, 2025
I enjoyed this, it was really angsty throughout but wrapped up in a great HEA. The plot was good, I love a good second chance romance, and while I hate the reason they broke up (however justified it was) in my opinion there was not enough grovelling. A one night stand with endless chemistry that turns into something more, only for it to end a couple weeks later. The saddest part was that she broke his heart and he still came crawling back to her. This plot was interesting, very angsty yet heartwarming but the plot twists really shocked me. But what carried this book was Ian’s dedication. It was off the charts: finding her parents and calling in favors from a million people to take care of her and make her smile. He’s a whole green f*cking forest.
I just thought that adding so much angst when readers aren’t too connected to the characters yet isn’t ideal, but it worked. But I would have felt more if we knew more about the characters first. My favourite character (besides Ian of course), is Pamela, first because she’s there for both of them as a therapist and friend, and she’s very real so I connected to her the most. The ending was a little underwhelming for me, because I kind of expected most the twists and I felt like the cool down (falling action) was lacking. We went straight from a major twist to the epilogue. There were many aspects of this book that warmed my heart, I give it a 3/5
I just thought that adding so much angst when readers aren’t too connected to the characters yet isn’t ideal, but it worked. But I would have felt more if we knew more about the characters first. My favourite character (besides Ian of course), is Pamela, first because she’s there for both of them as a therapist and friend, and she’s very real so I connected to her the most. The ending was a little underwhelming for me, because I kind of expected most the twists and I felt like the cool down (falling action) was lacking. We went straight from a major twist to the epilogue. There were many aspects of this book that warmed my heart, I give it a 3/5
September 4, 2025
“ 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗳 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗳 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁.”
This is a new to me author, and I really enjoyed the book. It was a very quick and spicy read full of suspense, insta lust and a heaping handful of angst. Just how I like it 🤭🤭
Maggie is our FMC…a strong woman who is in the witness protection program after witnessing her ex 💀 a judge. Yikes…that man went for the gold rings there.
Maggie is pretty much on her own with her new identity…only having one friend and forbidden from engaging in relationships. One night at a bar, she meets a man…our MMC, Ian…who saves her from a creep who is being way too pushy.
One thing leads to another and she’s tangled in his sheets. What was supposed to be one night only, turns into a weekend of hot passion…but Maggie knows it can’t be more than they, and disappears without a word. Leaving Ian completely distraught and confused.
A year later, Maggie sees Ian again and is determined to never let him go. In my opinion, Ian forgave her way too easy. YES…I get it…she had a valid reason for NOT being in a relationship. But she didn’t have to just ghost him like that. She could have said something. And Ian. The msn you are. This man is a walking green flag and was so happy to see Maggie again that he didn’t hesitate to take her back. Just like we expect men to grovel when they mess up, we should have women doing the same thing. Some grovelling from Maggie would have warmed my little cold black heart 🖤 😂
There was twist turns and suspense that felt predictable but that’s ok. I enjoyed it anyway. It did keep me on the edge of my seat either way. And I loved getting to see their HEA in the end. 💜
Thank you so much to Sara Evou and Greys PR for the opportunity to ARC read this story. 💜
💜Romantic Suspense
🖤Second Chance Romance
💜Witness Protection
🖤Hidden Identity
💜Golden Retriever MMC
🖤Strong FMC
💜Secrets and Lies
🖤One Night Stand
💜Insta Lust
🖤Curvy Heroine
💜Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
🖤Found Family
💜Spicy
🖤Tragic Past
💜3rd Act Breakup
🖤Dual POV
💜HEA
This is a new to me author, and I really enjoyed the book. It was a very quick and spicy read full of suspense, insta lust and a heaping handful of angst. Just how I like it 🤭🤭
Maggie is our FMC…a strong woman who is in the witness protection program after witnessing her ex 💀 a judge. Yikes…that man went for the gold rings there.
Maggie is pretty much on her own with her new identity…only having one friend and forbidden from engaging in relationships. One night at a bar, she meets a man…our MMC, Ian…who saves her from a creep who is being way too pushy.
One thing leads to another and she’s tangled in his sheets. What was supposed to be one night only, turns into a weekend of hot passion…but Maggie knows it can’t be more than they, and disappears without a word. Leaving Ian completely distraught and confused.
A year later, Maggie sees Ian again and is determined to never let him go. In my opinion, Ian forgave her way too easy. YES…I get it…she had a valid reason for NOT being in a relationship. But she didn’t have to just ghost him like that. She could have said something. And Ian. The msn you are. This man is a walking green flag and was so happy to see Maggie again that he didn’t hesitate to take her back. Just like we expect men to grovel when they mess up, we should have women doing the same thing. Some grovelling from Maggie would have warmed my little cold black heart 🖤 😂
There was twist turns and suspense that felt predictable but that’s ok. I enjoyed it anyway. It did keep me on the edge of my seat either way. And I loved getting to see their HEA in the end. 💜
Thank you so much to Sara Evou and Greys PR for the opportunity to ARC read this story. 💜
💜Romantic Suspense
🖤Second Chance Romance
💜Witness Protection
🖤Hidden Identity
💜Golden Retriever MMC
🖤Strong FMC
💜Secrets and Lies
🖤One Night Stand
💜Insta Lust
🖤Curvy Heroine
💜Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
🖤Found Family
💜Spicy
🖤Tragic Past
💜3rd Act Breakup
🖤Dual POV
💜HEA
August 15, 2025
This was a great short spicy read.
Maggie Smith entered into the Witness Protection Program after witnessing her Ex murder a judge.
She has no one except for one friend who she works with.
She meets Ian Murray at a bar one night after he helps her get rid of some creep who was bothering her, their attraction was instant.
Unfortunately after a weekend full of passion and fun it didn’t last considering Maggie was ordered to refrain from any relationships.
After a long time apart she finally gets a second chance with Ian and she makes sure nobody will keep her away from him.
This was a great short spicy read filled with secrets and danger. The intense scenes towards the end definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.
Maggie Smith entered into the Witness Protection Program after witnessing her Ex murder a judge.
She has no one except for one friend who she works with.
She meets Ian Murray at a bar one night after he helps her get rid of some creep who was bothering her, their attraction was instant.
Unfortunately after a weekend full of passion and fun it didn’t last considering Maggie was ordered to refrain from any relationships.
After a long time apart she finally gets a second chance with Ian and she makes sure nobody will keep her away from him.
This was a great short spicy read filled with secrets and danger. The intense scenes towards the end definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.
August 25, 2025
Protected by him ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review
While i read this before i went back and read the other two. You can read this as a standalone and it does not feel like you missed anything which was great! Thank you!
This felt like an insta Love between Maggie and Ian their chemistry was out of control and i was on the edge waiting for them to realise, they took a long time to get there but once they did it was like they had been together forever.
While Maggies past comes knocking on her door, Ian is there to show how strong she is and to protect her anyway possible.
This is a slow burn thats filled with all the emotions, passion and its well worth the wait. there is just enough of danger to keep you at the edge of your seat while the romance has you falling back and enjoying every second of it!
While i read this before i went back and read the other two. You can read this as a standalone and it does not feel like you missed anything which was great! Thank you!
This felt like an insta Love between Maggie and Ian their chemistry was out of control and i was on the edge waiting for them to realise, they took a long time to get there but once they did it was like they had been together forever.
While Maggies past comes knocking on her door, Ian is there to show how strong she is and to protect her anyway possible.
This is a slow burn thats filled with all the emotions, passion and its well worth the wait. there is just enough of danger to keep you at the edge of your seat while the romance has you falling back and enjoying every second of it!
August 21, 2025
*** ARC Review ***
This is my first book by this author and I would suggest you start by reading the first two books in this series. While this can be read as a standalone, there are characters that were obviously introduced in the first two books.
What I appreciate most about this book are the ages of the characters; 42 and 36. One thing about being in this age group is that we can realistically walk in to a bar ALONE and decide to go home with someone without given any f**ks about what that person, or anyone else, thinks of us. Will it lead to more? Maybe. Maybe not. But, we will have a memorable time finding out. While I enjoy reading books about people in their teens and twenties, reading about two people in my age bracket definitely feels different, like their stories may be more “adult” even if the book’s content really isn’t.
The FMC in the book seems to be able to hold her own, even with her history of bad taste in men and even worse decisions. The MMC, while not descriptively appealing to me, has so many green flags waving, but thrown in are the red flags of possessiveness and being overbearing. His constant endearments would leave me wondering about the sincerity or what secrets were being hidden. I guess I’m a lot less trusting than Maggie.
The book is a quick read, but I would have enjoyed a bit more adult content in this adult relationship. What can I say? I’m a spicy reader and this feels a little lacking. There were spicy scenes, just done in more of a demure manner. A bit more nail-biting drama would have also been enjoyable. Maybe I’m just used to excess angst, even though these characters should have it in bulk.
3 stars.
This is my first book by this author and I would suggest you start by reading the first two books in this series. While this can be read as a standalone, there are characters that were obviously introduced in the first two books.
What I appreciate most about this book are the ages of the characters; 42 and 36. One thing about being in this age group is that we can realistically walk in to a bar ALONE and decide to go home with someone without given any f**ks about what that person, or anyone else, thinks of us. Will it lead to more? Maybe. Maybe not. But, we will have a memorable time finding out. While I enjoy reading books about people in their teens and twenties, reading about two people in my age bracket definitely feels different, like their stories may be more “adult” even if the book’s content really isn’t.
The FMC in the book seems to be able to hold her own, even with her history of bad taste in men and even worse decisions. The MMC, while not descriptively appealing to me, has so many green flags waving, but thrown in are the red flags of possessiveness and being overbearing. His constant endearments would leave me wondering about the sincerity or what secrets were being hidden. I guess I’m a lot less trusting than Maggie.
The book is a quick read, but I would have enjoyed a bit more adult content in this adult relationship. What can I say? I’m a spicy reader and this feels a little lacking. There were spicy scenes, just done in more of a demure manner. A bit more nail-biting drama would have also been enjoyable. Maybe I’m just used to excess angst, even though these characters should have it in bulk.
3 stars.
August 21, 2025
✨ ARC REVIEW✨
Release date: August 27, 2025
Rating: 4☆
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Thank you to @greyspromotions for the ARC!
Blurb: He can protect me. But who will protect him from the disaster my life has become? I know a thing or two about bad luck. Watching my ex murder a judge and ending up in hiding because of it taught me plenty about the subject. So, finding a new love was the last thing on my mind. Until I met him. Ian Murray was…everything. Handsome. Strong. Protective. Our chemistry? Intense. And it still hadn’t been enough to get us to a happily ever after. But that was over a year ago. And now that fate has brought us together again, I’ll do anything to turn our second chance into forever. There is no turning back this time. Because this time, the stakes are higher than ever. It’s not just our hearts on the line. It’s our lives…
To start off, this is book three in the Nashville Security series, but it can be read as a standalone. I don’t feel like I missed anything by only reading this book in the series. It was written well, and by the time I was halfway through the book I was on my toes. The beginning was hard for me to get through just because the chemistry between Ian and Maggie were OFF THE CHARTS, like insta love type charts. Ian was all about Maggie, even when he wasn’t allowed to be. He was loving, he was protective, he was everything Maggie NEEDED and freakin deserved. But, let’s not leave Maggie out. She’s witty, she’s sweet, empathic and perfect for Ian. I was not expecting the twists that happened in this book, and there were times that I literally said “what the fuck” because I was SHOOK.
Release date: August 27, 2025
Rating: 4☆
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Thank you to @greyspromotions for the ARC!
Blurb: He can protect me. But who will protect him from the disaster my life has become? I know a thing or two about bad luck. Watching my ex murder a judge and ending up in hiding because of it taught me plenty about the subject. So, finding a new love was the last thing on my mind. Until I met him. Ian Murray was…everything. Handsome. Strong. Protective. Our chemistry? Intense. And it still hadn’t been enough to get us to a happily ever after. But that was over a year ago. And now that fate has brought us together again, I’ll do anything to turn our second chance into forever. There is no turning back this time. Because this time, the stakes are higher than ever. It’s not just our hearts on the line. It’s our lives…
To start off, this is book three in the Nashville Security series, but it can be read as a standalone. I don’t feel like I missed anything by only reading this book in the series. It was written well, and by the time I was halfway through the book I was on my toes. The beginning was hard for me to get through just because the chemistry between Ian and Maggie were OFF THE CHARTS, like insta love type charts. Ian was all about Maggie, even when he wasn’t allowed to be. He was loving, he was protective, he was everything Maggie NEEDED and freakin deserved. But, let’s not leave Maggie out. She’s witty, she’s sweet, empathic and perfect for Ian. I was not expecting the twists that happened in this book, and there were times that I literally said “what the fuck” because I was SHOOK.
August 30, 2025
Book 3 in the Nashville Security series: Ian and Maggie
This is an insta love-to hate- to love, secret identity, trauma healing and tragic past, found family, curvy FMC, second chance romance.
This is book 3 in the series but is an interconnected standalone. There will be some spoilers to previous books but you will not be lost if you read them out of order. I strongly recommend the precious books because they are so good though.
Maggie is in witness protection and is relocated out of Chicago to Nashville until she can testify against her ex boyfriend. Keeping a low profile and only really having one coworker friend, Ella (from book 1 in the series) her life is completely upside down. When she meets Ian one night at a bar it was meant to be a one time thing but it morphed into exactly what they both needed. But Maggie is ordered to break things off with Ian or else her cover will be blown and she’ll be put back in danger. This leads to a year long push and pull, yearning, anger, and healing. Until they can’t resist eachother any more.
I had a strong feeling I would love this book after how much I loved book 2 and I am so happy I was right! There was so much push-pull tension and longing and it really tugged at my emotions. I love Sara Evou’s writing style.
This is an insta love-to hate- to love, secret identity, trauma healing and tragic past, found family, curvy FMC, second chance romance.
This is book 3 in the series but is an interconnected standalone. There will be some spoilers to previous books but you will not be lost if you read them out of order. I strongly recommend the precious books because they are so good though.
Maggie is in witness protection and is relocated out of Chicago to Nashville until she can testify against her ex boyfriend. Keeping a low profile and only really having one coworker friend, Ella (from book 1 in the series) her life is completely upside down. When she meets Ian one night at a bar it was meant to be a one time thing but it morphed into exactly what they both needed. But Maggie is ordered to break things off with Ian or else her cover will be blown and she’ll be put back in danger. This leads to a year long push and pull, yearning, anger, and healing. Until they can’t resist eachother any more.
I had a strong feeling I would love this book after how much I loved book 2 and I am so happy I was right! There was so much push-pull tension and longing and it really tugged at my emotions. I love Sara Evou’s writing style.
September 4, 2025
ARC Review
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Should you read this book? Yes.
Will you love the characters? Yes.
Is the story believable? Yes.
Love at first sight isn't real, right? Maybe for Ian and Maggie, who meet at a bar. Their attraction is instant and their one night turns into a month of barely being out of each other's sight.
Ian is vet who helps run his friends security company. Maggie is a bit of a mystery.
Maggie's past won't stay there and she needs to deal with the consequences of it.
Their story stretches over a year of them coming together to be pulled apart. Ian is struggling and trying to convince himself that what they feel can't be real, but he knows in his heart it is. Maggie thinks she's doing what's best for them to keep him safe.
When the truth comes out and all their cards are on the table they have to decide if they can face everything together or not.
This book is outstanding! Sara Evou wrote two characters that you instantly care about. You will not want to book this book down.
Thank you Sara Evou and Grey's Promotion's for the ARC! I cannot wait to read Tyler's story next.
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Should you read this book? Yes.
Will you love the characters? Yes.
Is the story believable? Yes.
Love at first sight isn't real, right? Maybe for Ian and Maggie, who meet at a bar. Their attraction is instant and their one night turns into a month of barely being out of each other's sight.
Ian is vet who helps run his friends security company. Maggie is a bit of a mystery.
Maggie's past won't stay there and she needs to deal with the consequences of it.
Their story stretches over a year of them coming together to be pulled apart. Ian is struggling and trying to convince himself that what they feel can't be real, but he knows in his heart it is. Maggie thinks she's doing what's best for them to keep him safe.
When the truth comes out and all their cards are on the table they have to decide if they can face everything together or not.
This book is outstanding! Sara Evou wrote two characters that you instantly care about. You will not want to book this book down.
Thank you Sara Evou and Grey's Promotion's for the ARC! I cannot wait to read Tyler's story next.
August 15, 2025
ARC Review
Protected by Him by Sara Evou is the third book in the Nashville Security series.
Maggie Smith entered the Witness Protection Program after witnessing her ex-boyfriend murder a judge. She recently moved to Nashville, with no one in her life except for the one friend she’d made at work. One night at a local bar, she met Ian Murray. Their instant attraction led to a weekend full of passion and fun. Unfortunately, it didn’t last—Maggie was ordered to refrain from any relationships.
After a long time apart, she finally gets a second chance with Ian—and this time, no one is going to keep her away from him.
A great spicy romance filled with secrets and danger, this is a fast-paced love story with plenty of obstacles standing in their way. I loved their chemistry and how protective Ian was of Maggie. The suspense kept me on edge, especially during the intense scenes toward the end. My favorite moment was the grand gesture Ian made for Maggie.
If you love your romance with both suspense and spice, this one’s for you.
Protected by Him by Sara Evou is the third book in the Nashville Security series.
Maggie Smith entered the Witness Protection Program after witnessing her ex-boyfriend murder a judge. She recently moved to Nashville, with no one in her life except for the one friend she’d made at work. One night at a local bar, she met Ian Murray. Their instant attraction led to a weekend full of passion and fun. Unfortunately, it didn’t last—Maggie was ordered to refrain from any relationships.
After a long time apart, she finally gets a second chance with Ian—and this time, no one is going to keep her away from him.
A great spicy romance filled with secrets and danger, this is a fast-paced love story with plenty of obstacles standing in their way. I loved their chemistry and how protective Ian was of Maggie. The suspense kept me on edge, especially during the intense scenes toward the end. My favorite moment was the grand gesture Ian made for Maggie.
If you love your romance with both suspense and spice, this one’s for you.
September 1, 2025
“You help me more than you could ever know.”
And again, a grump transforms into a lovesick guy! Possibly a bit expected considering the earlier two grumps in the series but amazingly enjoyable to witness nonetheless. After the tiniest tease about Ian and Maggie’s story before, finally getting their full truth was such a relief.
And like I always say, returning to the world of a series for not just a new story but a glimpse into the ones we’ve loved before is another beautiful aspect of these interconnected standalone stories. In this one, more than anything, it was certainly great to see how crazy devoted Jack still is to his Gisella.
Another thing I’ve loved about this series from the beginning is a certain attorney who doesn’t practice criminal law anymore. The literal tidbits provided about him are definitely making him all the more interestingly intriguing.
Thank you @greyspromo for letting me be an advance reader for this one. I’ll always be looking out for more of this series ❤️
“You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”
And again, a grump transforms into a lovesick guy! Possibly a bit expected considering the earlier two grumps in the series but amazingly enjoyable to witness nonetheless. After the tiniest tease about Ian and Maggie’s story before, finally getting their full truth was such a relief.
And like I always say, returning to the world of a series for not just a new story but a glimpse into the ones we’ve loved before is another beautiful aspect of these interconnected standalone stories. In this one, more than anything, it was certainly great to see how crazy devoted Jack still is to his Gisella.
Another thing I’ve loved about this series from the beginning is a certain attorney who doesn’t practice criminal law anymore. The literal tidbits provided about him are definitely making him all the more interestingly intriguing.
Thank you @greyspromo for letting me be an advance reader for this one. I’ll always be looking out for more of this series ❤️
“You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”
August 28, 2025
4.5⭐️
3.5🌶️
I don’t know how many times I can say I love, Love me a man obsessed with his woman!
Ian is just that! A man obsessed with his woman, Maggie. This is definitely an instalove book which I love give me 13 of them right now! The chemistry between Ian and Maggie was just scrumptious and once I was done with this I wanted more!
Definitely a quick read and while this is book 3 and I did read the first two before starting this one, you don’t really need to read the first 2 to understand this one. I feel like the author does a job of filling in any info you missed in the first books.
Do yourself a favor and run to grab this for your next read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3.5🌶️
I don’t know how many times I can say I love, Love me a man obsessed with his woman!
Ian is just that! A man obsessed with his woman, Maggie. This is definitely an instalove book which I love give me 13 of them right now! The chemistry between Ian and Maggie was just scrumptious and once I was done with this I wanted more!
Definitely a quick read and while this is book 3 and I did read the first two before starting this one, you don’t really need to read the first 2 to understand this one. I feel like the author does a job of filling in any info you missed in the first books.
Do yourself a favor and run to grab this for your next read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 3, 2025
Thank you Greys promotion and Sara Evou for allowing me to read the digital ARC of this book!
Book 3 in the Nashville Security series gave me everything—insta-love, hate-to-love, second chances, and allll the angst. 🖤 Maggie’s in witness protection, laying low in Nashville, when one night with Ian turns into so much more. But when her cover’s at risk, she has to break it off—cue a year of push-and-pull, heartbreak, and yearning until they finally can’t fight it anymore.
I loved every second of their tension and healing journey. Sara Evou’s writing just pulls you right in, and this one hit me right in the feels. Highly recommend starting from book 1, but you could totally read this as a standalone!
Book 3 in the Nashville Security series gave me everything—insta-love, hate-to-love, second chances, and allll the angst. 🖤 Maggie’s in witness protection, laying low in Nashville, when one night with Ian turns into so much more. But when her cover’s at risk, she has to break it off—cue a year of push-and-pull, heartbreak, and yearning until they finally can’t fight it anymore.
I loved every second of their tension and healing journey. Sara Evou’s writing just pulls you right in, and this one hit me right in the feels. Highly recommend starting from book 1, but you could totally read this as a standalone!
September 3, 2025
Protected by Him by Sara Evou is a steamy, fast-paced romantic suspense that had me hooked from the very beginning. Ian is the ultimate protective alpha—broken but fiercely loyal—and Maggie’s strength and vulnerability make her so easy to root for. Their chemistry is off the charts 🔥 but what really sold me was how much heart and healing was woven into their story.
The mix of danger, passion, and emotional depth kept me flipping pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of protective heroes, high-stakes suspense, and plenty of spice!
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: violence, stalking, murder, PTSD, witness protection, grief, trauma, threats/manipulation from law enforcement figures.
Huge thank you to Sara Evou for the ARC 💖
The mix of danger, passion, and emotional depth kept me flipping pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of protective heroes, high-stakes suspense, and plenty of spice!
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: violence, stalking, murder, PTSD, witness protection, grief, trauma, threats/manipulation from law enforcement figures.
Huge thank you to Sara Evou for the ARC 💖
September 3, 2025
This is the third book in the Nashville Security series by Sara Evou.
Maggie is in Witness Protection after she watched her ex boyfriend murder a judge in Chicago.She moved to Nashville when she joined the program and is under constant security.
One night when she was out she met Ian at a bar. He was trying to help her escape being hit on by another man. It was instalove/connection from the start!
After an amazing weekend, Maggie is informed she needs to end things although she doesn’t want to.
I loved Protected by Him. It is filled with a lot of twists and turns. You definitely don’t see some things coming and it was amazing!
I hope that there are going to be more books in this series and if not, I cannot wait to read more by Sara!
Maggie is in Witness Protection after she watched her ex boyfriend murder a judge in Chicago.She moved to Nashville when she joined the program and is under constant security.
One night when she was out she met Ian at a bar. He was trying to help her escape being hit on by another man. It was instalove/connection from the start!
After an amazing weekend, Maggie is informed she needs to end things although she doesn’t want to.
I loved Protected by Him. It is filled with a lot of twists and turns. You definitely don’t see some things coming and it was amazing!
I hope that there are going to be more books in this series and if not, I cannot wait to read more by Sara!
August 19, 2025
The chemistry between Ian and Maggie was electric. There’s a slow build of tension that kept me hooked, and when it finally boiled over, it was everything I wanted, emotional, passionate, and so worth the wait. I also appreciated that the heroine wasn’t portrayed as helpless; she had her own strength, but his presence gave her the freedom to be vulnerable.
Sara Evou blends suspense and romance so well here. There’s just enough danger and edge of your seat moments to keep the story moving, but it’s the emotional connection between the characters that really makes it shine. 3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to the Sara Evou and Grey’s Promotions for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Sara Evou blends suspense and romance so well here. There’s just enough danger and edge of your seat moments to keep the story moving, but it’s the emotional connection between the characters that really makes it shine. 3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to the Sara Evou and Grey’s Promotions for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
August 24, 2025
Maggie is a survivor, and while she has lots of baggage and trauma to overcome, it does not stop Ian from loving her wholeheartedly. I loved how he remained steadfast in his love and care for her, even after their initial breakup.
There were difficult moments which they both had to go through but those moments helped to make them better people, and eventually allowed them to be better partners for each other.
That gift he gave her was such a grand gesture, and it truly showed her how deep his love for her was. Overall, it was a good read and I look forward to reading more books from the author.
There were difficult moments which they both had to go through but those moments helped to make them better people, and eventually allowed them to be better partners for each other.
That gift he gave her was such a grand gesture, and it truly showed her how deep his love for her was. Overall, it was a good read and I look forward to reading more books from the author.
August 25, 2025
3.75⭐️ rounded up to 4
2.5🌶️
Huge thank you to Sara & Greys Promotions for sending me an ARC!
First book by Sara and I now need to read the first two because she knows how to write a good bloody book!
I enjoyed this so much, I read 79% of it today alone as I couldn’t put it down! Maggie is one of the strongest FMCs I’ve read and I absolutely adored her & Ian, just yes green flags all around. Thank you!
I guessed the twist quite early on but I was still shocked and ended up shouting “I bloody knew it” at 11pm at night, safe to say the husband wasn’t impressed, whoops!
Tropes to expect
💜 Instalove
😔 Tragic past
💜 Second chance
😔 Lovers - Enemies - Lovers
💜 Found family
August 26, 2025
What a fun book this was to read! I couldn’t put it down. Maggie was forced into witness protection. She witnessed some horrible things and now has to testify against her ex. While like Making a life for herself all alone she meets Ian at the bar. What was supposed to be 1 night turns into so much more. And then the heartbreak. She has to hurt Ian to push him away. And that she does.
Ian is a broken man recovering from being enlisted and the trauma from it. Maggie knew the words to crush him and she used them well. He fell hard for her and needs to work on himself.
Loved how it all came together in the end and a bit of revenge too 😉😏
Ian is a broken man recovering from being enlisted and the trauma from it. Maggie knew the words to crush him and she used them well. He fell hard for her and needs to work on himself.
Loved how it all came together in the end and a bit of revenge too 😉😏
August 26, 2025
Maggie meets lan at a bar when she's getting unwanted attention from a guy. He takes her home for the night and she stays the weekend. They can't get enough of each other over the next few weeks. Then suddenly Maggie ends things.
With no reason. lan left completely bereft and confused, and Maggie hating the fact she can't tell him she's actually in Witness Protection and awaiting to testify in a murder trial.
"This book was amazing. The relationship between Maggie and lan was everything you always wanted, and more. Protective mmc. Curvy, strong fmc. I need to find myself a bodyguard of my very own"
With no reason. lan left completely bereft and confused, and Maggie hating the fact she can't tell him she's actually in Witness Protection and awaiting to testify in a murder trial.
"This book was amazing. The relationship between Maggie and lan was everything you always wanted, and more. Protective mmc. Curvy, strong fmc. I need to find myself a bodyguard of my very own"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2025
3.5 Stars
Spicy and Quick Read!!
Protected by Him is spicy romance about Ian and Maggie, where both of the harbour a secret of their own. Meeting in bar for first time both of them hit it off rather quickly and their entanglement starts off quickly but something or rather because of someone Maggie have to break up her relationship with Ian, which Result is in Ian digging deeper and Opening of secrets at the end. I have read this trope hundred times, so at some aprt I felt nothing very much new for me but there were parts and things that had me excited for more but coming to end I enjoyed reading the book and Would recommend Adult Romance reader this book for sure.
Spicy and Quick Read!!
Protected by Him is spicy romance about Ian and Maggie, where both of the harbour a secret of their own. Meeting in bar for first time both of them hit it off rather quickly and their entanglement starts off quickly but something or rather because of someone Maggie have to break up her relationship with Ian, which Result is in Ian digging deeper and Opening of secrets at the end. I have read this trope hundred times, so at some aprt I felt nothing very much new for me but there were parts and things that had me excited for more but coming to end I enjoyed reading the book and Would recommend Adult Romance reader this book for sure.
August 29, 2025
Maggie Smith entered witness protection program after watching her ex kill a judge. One evening, she meets Ian Murray at a bar. Their attraction was immediate and intense.
However due to WPG, she isn’t allowed to be in a relationship. Therefore, after a weekend of passion, she has to walk away from him.
A year later…..she runs into him again and she won’t walk away again.
Ian is strong, handsome, protective and obsessed with Maggie.
This is a short read filled with secrets, danger intrigue and sitting at the edge of your seat page after page.
Thanks to Grey’s Promotions and Sara Evov for giving me an ARC opportunity.
However due to WPG, she isn’t allowed to be in a relationship. Therefore, after a weekend of passion, she has to walk away from him.
A year later…..she runs into him again and she won’t walk away again.
Ian is strong, handsome, protective and obsessed with Maggie.
This is a short read filled with secrets, danger intrigue and sitting at the edge of your seat page after page.
Thanks to Grey’s Promotions and Sara Evov for giving me an ARC opportunity.
August 29, 2025
This was my first time reading this author and I enjoyed it! Overall, I would say you could read this as a standalone, but I personally wish I had read the other 2 first. I still really enjoyed this one and that is not something I took into consideration when rating.
I loved the immediate chemistry between Maggie and Ian and I love how protective Ian is of her. Maggie really had a tough time and she really deserved an HEA. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed but I still liked how it played out.
This was an exciting, spicy read with a very likeable couple and I would totally recommend it. Thank you to the author and Grey’s Promotions for the opportunity to read it!
I loved the immediate chemistry between Maggie and Ian and I love how protective Ian is of her. Maggie really had a tough time and she really deserved an HEA. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed but I still liked how it played out.
This was an exciting, spicy read with a very likeable couple and I would totally recommend it. Thank you to the author and Grey’s Promotions for the opportunity to read it!
September 4, 2025
Protected by Him is a Witness Protection/somewhat bodyguard romance where Maggie Smith is on the run from her killer ex-boyfriend and Ian works for a security firm but meets Maggie in a bar.
This was a fairly quick read and was overall a 3 ⭐️ , 1.5 🌶️ read for me. It was a bit predictable with the chain of events and I would have loved to have had a bit more mystery and suspense, considering the nature of the book
I did like the interactions between Maggie and Ian and the spicy scenes were great! There was definitely a lot of emotion as I was reading which I always love and it was easy to picture the characters and surroundings!
This was a fairly quick read and was overall a 3 ⭐️ , 1.5 🌶️ read for me. It was a bit predictable with the chain of events and I would have loved to have had a bit more mystery and suspense, considering the nature of the book
I did like the interactions between Maggie and Ian and the spicy scenes were great! There was definitely a lot of emotion as I was reading which I always love and it was easy to picture the characters and surroundings!
August 22, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Protected by him is book 3 in the Nashville Security series but can be read as a standalone. This book is a great short read with some spice, and enough secrets, danger and suspense moments to keep you turning the pages. I liked the attraction and chemistry that formed instantly between Ian and Maggie and how Ian was so protective of her. And OMG I was on the edge of my chair towards the end of the story. I enjoyed the book and recommend it!
Thanks Sara Evou and Greys Promotion for the ARC in exchanged of my honest review!
Protected by him is book 3 in the Nashville Security series but can be read as a standalone. This book is a great short read with some spice, and enough secrets, danger and suspense moments to keep you turning the pages. I liked the attraction and chemistry that formed instantly between Ian and Maggie and how Ian was so protective of her. And OMG I was on the edge of my chair towards the end of the story. I enjoyed the book and recommend it!
Thanks Sara Evou and Greys Promotion for the ARC in exchanged of my honest review!
August 25, 2025
This is Book 3 in the Nashville Security Series by this author, and can be read as a standalone. It is a suspenseful, second chance romance between former lovers, Maggie and Ian. These two flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an interesting read. Once they reconnect, it is a bumpy ride with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, danger and intrigue, twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. An emotional page turner.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Grey's Promotions and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Grey's Promotions and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
August 27, 2025
This is the third book in this series, and this is Ian and Maggie’s story.
Maggie and Ian share a past, and she is a survivor, with baggage to overcome, while he remains steadfast about his love for her.
This is a good story, which is action packed, emotionally charged, and easy to read, with drama, danger, suspense, intrigue, tension, trauma, challenges, second chances, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an enjoyable, twisted, and unpredictable page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
Maggie and Ian share a past, and she is a survivor, with baggage to overcome, while he remains steadfast about his love for her.
This is a good story, which is action packed, emotionally charged, and easy to read, with drama, danger, suspense, intrigue, tension, trauma, challenges, second chances, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an enjoyable, twisted, and unpredictable page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
August 28, 2025
✨️ARC Review✨️
🌶 Rating: 4/5
What a spicy book 🥵
I loved reading Protected By Him so much. It has been ages since I've read a bit of a dark romance book, and Im glad that im slowly but surely getting back to it.
Together bound by tragic pasts, Maggie and Ian are perfect for each other. They both have been through so much, regret and grief, and yet they still found one another and made the most the can through that trauma. Seeing then love one another on page is a story I'll never forget. I adore them with all my heart and cant wait to see them again in the next book. 🫶🏼
🌶 Rating: 4/5
What a spicy book 🥵
I loved reading Protected By Him so much. It has been ages since I've read a bit of a dark romance book, and Im glad that im slowly but surely getting back to it.
Together bound by tragic pasts, Maggie and Ian are perfect for each other. They both have been through so much, regret and grief, and yet they still found one another and made the most the can through that trauma. Seeing then love one another on page is a story I'll never forget. I adore them with all my heart and cant wait to see them again in the next book. 🫶🏼
August 29, 2025
I read Protected by Him as a stand alone book and I didn't make me feel like I missed something vital. Now that I know this is a series, I will go back and read about Jack (book 1) and Nate (book2) and their love stories. In Protected by Him, Sara Evou gives the reader small glimpses into her other characters, but she has skillfully made this a full story about Maggie and Ian. I was drawn in by the first one night stand, and moved when Maggie and Ian got back together after a forced breakup. Plenty of suspense that will keep you thinking "I just want to read one more chapter to find out...)
September 2, 2025
I want to thank Sara Evou, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the ebook Kindle copy of Protected by Him that I won in the Giveaway.
Maddie is in Witness Protection after her ex-boyfriend committed murders in front of her. She meets Ian in a bar when he takes care of a creep that is threatening her. Lots of twists to the plot as they get to know one another, start seeing each other every day. The characters are complex, loving and committed to each other in the end facing all the problems together. Great characters and friends supporting them too. Loved this plot!
Maddie is in Witness Protection after her ex-boyfriend committed murders in front of her. She meets Ian in a bar when he takes care of a creep that is threatening her. Lots of twists to the plot as they get to know one another, start seeing each other every day. The characters are complex, loving and committed to each other in the end facing all the problems together. Great characters and friends supporting them too. Loved this plot!
September 3, 2025
I just finished Protected by Him by Sara Evou and honestly, I really enjoyed it! The story pulled me in right away and I loved the dynamic between the characters. It had that perfect mix of romance and tension that kept me hooked the whole time. The MMC was protective in such a swoony way without overdoing it, and the chemistry between them felt so natural. It was one of those books I didn’t want to put down, and now I’m already excited to read more from this author! Definitely would recommend this to anybody who wants a swoon worthy romance! (With some spice) 😉
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