The Protector

by Cleo West

I left war behind, but the war never left me

After years as an Army Ranger, all I wanted was silence. No sirens. No screaming. No one looking at me like I might snap.
Then Camila Price walked into my life with soft eyes and a voice that could calm a storm. She's everything I'm not—steady, kind, unbroken. And she’s the first person in years to look at me like I’m still worth something.

I didn’t expect her to stay. I didn’t expect her to wait. And I sure as hell didn’t expect to fall for her—one quiet, careful breath at a time.

She thinks she can touch the parts of me I’ve buried. And maybe… maybe I want her to.

But love doesn’t fix men like me. It just gives them something new to lose.

If I let her in, she’ll see the blood on my hands.

If I don’t, I might never feel whole again.

*** If you love slow-burn grumpy/sunshine romance, emotionally damaged alpha heroes, and soft-but-steamy open-door heat, this small-town story will break you down and build you back up.***

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Elise Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gripping, beautifully written novella packs more emotional punch than most full length novels I've read. Our hero (Aiden) is a former Army Ranger who has suffered from PTSD for ten years because he couldn't save the lives of men in his unit in Afghanistan. Hoping for a fresh start, he takes a job with a fire department in Montana, where he meets an emergency room nurse (Camila), who gradually forms a healing connection with this attractive but deeply troubled man.

Their slow burn romance is powerfully told, in words that touched my heart. Eventually, with Camila's help, Aiden decides that he's "ready to stop running from what happened and start building something new. Ready to face the ghosts instead of being haunted by them. Ready to become someone who deserves her trust. She makes me want to stay."

This is an unforgettable story of the healing power of love. Kudos for likable small town characters, immersive settings, flawless proofreading, very limited profanity, one steamy romantic scene, and a satisfying epilogue. I look forward to reading more books by this very talented author. The Protector easily earns five perfect stars from me!

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiden had been an Army Ranger Medic in Afghanistan during his last deployment when he wasn't able to prevent the death of men in his unit. Now after 10 years, he has joined the fire department in Spruce Hollow,Montana. A full night's sleep hasn't happened in those 10 years. The department got an alarm of a kitchen fire at the local diner where he meets Camilla,an emergency room nurse. She sees how Aiden reacts and understands that he is a veteran who appears to have demons to fight. There seems to be a connection but he will need to decide that he is willing to make the first step on his own. She now understands that her last relationship ended because her ex,Brian, wanted all her attention on himself not that she would sometimes need attraction herself after stressful happenings where she worked. What happens where Aiden allows his walls to come down? A first step to allowing her into his life more fully? A new opening in life going forward? Allowing people to get closer?.

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

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE PROTECTOR is Book 1 of the Homefront Hearts series. It is a steamy, slow-burn, grumpy-sunshine romance. Aiden is a hunky grumpy ex-military medic who is now a firefighter. Camilla is an ER nurse that he meets during his first fire. Aiden has baggage and demons he is fighting. Camilla sees that he is hurting and offers support, making him feel things for the first time in awhile. This was a beautiful story about love and healing. They had great chemistry and the ending was happy in this emotional read.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

Wow! Just, wow! This is a powerful, emotional story that is so very real life … the main characters are believable and imperfect, while the supporting cast is solid and effective when needed. There are so many things that stand out in this tale, but I just can’t seem to find the words - just read this story … if you are looking for a grumpy/sunshine romance with a damaged alpha hero, and soft but steamy heat. But be aware that, as the author puts it, “it will break you down and build you back up.”

[Crazy4bookscruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

WALK THE PATH TOGETHER!!!

Quick, detailed and easy.
Moved through the entire story with ease and excitement. There wasn’t extra fluff or too much of everything it was perfectly shaped around adult characters with work to be done.
I loved their connection and honesty.
There were a few moments of conversations or interactions that things happened that weren’t previously mentioned to each other, seemingly reading each others minds.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiden was a Ranger medic, now he is state side and needs a fresh start. He sides on as a firefighter with the local department. The first call is to a kitchen fire, where he meets Camila an Er nurse that has her own ghost.

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

[Janice Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

I have never read a book that was written so thoughtfully. The feelings of both characters were so in-depth and the compassionate way the author wrote about our veterans coming home and dealing with painful experiences while they served was extraordinary. I was so impressed by Cleo West’s story and look forward to reading more of her books.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my stars this romance read about Aiden and Camila is very well written and pulls at your heart at times. Cleo definitely deserves a round of applause for writing such a wonderful book. Loved the storyline, romance and characters.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Camilla and Aiden story. It had a lot of life, grit and story in a novela and was happy I read it.

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

[Will Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yea, I really enjoyed this story. It has a lot of depth into the very real subject of PTSD. The characters are well developed and believable. There's heat in the bedroom, but no more than necessary to make it feel real. Kudos to West for such an honest read and doing it with just 100 pages.

[B. Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very emotional story with Aiden and Camila as the main characters. Aiden has been battling his PTSD for 10 years and Camila has her own problems to overcome. This is my first story from Ms. West and won't be my last. This story deserves more than 5 stars, thank you Ms. West!!!

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the protector which was Aiden and Camilla’s journey. It was an entertaining and exciting read. I received an early copy. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protector

Wow, this book is short & emotionally driven! The veteran & the nurse are awesome together when they get there! Loved the impact & importance of this read.