Accidental Grumpy Protector: an off limits forced proximity romance

by Kayla Martyn

EXPANDED 2ND EDITION — New scenes, deeper backstories, and an extended happily ever after.

She's off-limits. I'm her accidental protector. And loving her could cost us everything.

I've faced combat, ambushes, and men who'd kill without hesitation. None of it prepared me for her.

Nora crashes into my world—fiery, stubborn, and impossible to ignore. I should've kept my distance. Instead, I pulled her out of danger and into my cabin.

Now we're trapped together. She's mouthy, determined, and far too brave for her own good. She drives me crazy…and makes me want her more than I should.

We fight. We tease. And somewhere between the silences and sparks, she slips past every wall I've built. She sees me as a man, not just a soldier. Touches me like I'm hers.

One kiss turns into a night I'll never forget. One night turns into a choice I can't take back.

But the danger outside is closing in. If I fail to protect her, I won't just lose the mission— I'll lose the only woman I was never meant to love.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

About the author

Hi romance lovers! 💋

If you enjoy Age Gap, Enemies-to-Lovers, or Forbidden Romance wrapped in high-stakes danger, you’ll feel right at home here. My books are full of heat, heartbreak, and the kind of love stories that will leave you breathless.

I love to write steamy, high-stakes contemporary romance where passion collides with danger. My heroes will risk everything, my heroines never back down, and the sparks between them? Always explosive.

I enjoy showing you strong heroines with minds of their own and all have missions that drive them! Of course, they always find love with handsome, strong men!

Let me know what you think! Love to hear from you!

With love,
Kayla Martyn 💋

Reviews

[Virginia Danyow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora and Colt are two people with similar agendas, just a very different way of going about it. Where she is quick to act, he is a planner and thinks things through. Their story begins when they, quite literally, crash into each other. While exchanging verbal jabs with each other they find themselves under attack from the mafia. Nora had no idea that the girl she was trying to help was connected, just that she was in trouble and needed help. Colt has his own demons, which are the reasons he does what he does trying to take down the criminal organization. His demons care also the reason he does not let himself get too close to Nora, even after they share a few moments of heated passion.

When they finally rescue Liz, the girl Nora is trying to help, all their secrets come to light. I think it was the best accident they ever got into.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice, short read with drama, passion, and a balance of push and pull between the main characters.

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

[RoseVE · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Pain to Protection

Nora was just a social worker who cared about each child she was assigned to. She met Liz, an Eastern European teen who was brought to the United States with a promise of a great job. It was all a lie. She wanted out, and Nora was going to help her. She got an urgent message that Liz was being taken to a brothel in 48 hours. She was on her way to get her out when she was rear-ended by a limousine. She got out of the car and yelled at the entitled rich man in the back. When a black car pulled up and guns started firing at her, she was pulled into the car and whisked away to his residence. This began the journey of Nora and Colt. He explained that the car was Mafia and she wasn't safe to return to her apartment. This is a great story of turning past pain into doing good for others. Their relationship was electric. The plot was filled with danger and suspense. The characters were complex. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Accidental Grumpy Protector” by Kayla Martyn

-This story hits hard with its dark, emotional subject of trafficking yet still manages to deliver hope and heart. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Colt, the stoic ex-military protector, is pure hero material—smart, capable, and quietly intense. Nora’s courage and purpose make her his perfect match, and their chemistry burns slow and strong. Action-packed, emotional, and unforgettable, this is a gripping romantic thriller done right.

Imagine literally running into a guy in a bulletproof Rolls just when you need him.

[Heather Pesaresi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read that has a good dose of action. The attraction between Nora and Colt started almost instantly and builds with forced proximity and the protection. Early on you get glimpses into why Colt is so driven to protect Nora. Nora has stepped into a dangerous situation with the mafia and needs specialized help. She's also trying to help a young girl who's been trafficked. While I find Nora a bit frustrating at times, I think that speaks to how well the characters are written. The story is good and definitely worth the read!.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colt and Nora are well matched in this thrilling story that had me from the first page. She is trying to save a girl caught up with traffickers and finds herself part of the action. Colt rescues her in the nick of time, but Nora is determined to get to the girl and save her. Their personalities clash but close proximity has sparks igniting and walls coming down. Will they find love at the end of their journey.

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

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colt and Nora are brilliant characters. Both strong, Colt is one protector and alpha you want on your side. Nora is a strong woman who has a purpose. This book does have a dark side but these two bring light and the chemistry is brilliant so is the spice.
You will want to keep reading and trust me you will.

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

[Amy Coolbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read book about a hero who manages to fall coincidentally into a woman heroine who is trying to save a young foreign girl from sex trafficking in a huge mafia gang. And the foster raised social worker heroine conveniently falls in love with the hero.
I listened to this on audible and I highly recommend not to do that. The voices were AI and very monotone. I would have given this book 4 starts possibly if it was read by actual people.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Colt and Nora’s hearts collide together sparks fly in this page turning 5/5-star book. This book has such a magnetic pull on your eyes that begins with chapter 1 page 1 and doesn’t end until you are 100% done reading this book. You will be thanking Kayla for writing such an awesome book to read.

[Angee Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book dealt with the heavy, but relevant, topic of trafficking, It was done in a great way. I loved Colt. We all need a hero like him. I was hooked at the very beginning and was not disappointed. 4.5 stars

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well written forbidden dark romance. It’s an action packed thriller that kept me entertained from start to finish. Colt and Nora were great characters. He is an amazing alpha male! Their story is emotional and steamy.

[Gayla Storz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora and Colt come together while she’s trying to help a teenager that has been trafficked and he’s protecting her from the Mafia in the mean time. They were able to rescue the teen and some others at the same time. This book it full of action and some romance.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

This book is heavy. Has a very difficult topic of trafficking. The love part was a perfect slow burn and then explosive!

I really enjoyed reading this one!