Let Me Protect You: A Granite Falls Romance

by Ashlee G. Rosales

Harmony
Walking toward the billionaire I don’t love on national television is unnerving enough.
Having a stalker force me to flee my reality TV wedding and hide in the small town I swore never to return to? Catastrophic.
The stuff ratings are made of.
When the threats escalate, I do the only thing I can… run. Straight into the arms of my bodyguard, the same man who once broke my heart.
Elias is the only one I trust to protect me. But after he ghosted me almost five years ago, can I trust him with my love too, or am I putting my heart in the line of fire again?

Elias
She left without a goodbye, and I spent years convincing myself I was over her.
The first time I see her since we broke up, she's wearing a wedding gown, in serious danger, and suddenly mine to protect.
After getting injured on my last bodyguard job, I traded adrenaline for a quiet life running a coffee shop. A life that doesn’t include babysitting the girl who broke me.
I promise to keep things professional, but with Harmony under my roof, the invisible rope pulling us together tightens with every shared look.
Even if we can get over our past, what could a future look like when she’s determined to leave again?

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2026

Reviews

[Maria (a) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This padded bench wrapped up in thorny roses is a whole new level of hell I never thought I'd experience. Fine, to be fair, the roses aren’t touching me, but I can feel their prickliness from where I sit sandwiched between two women who act like their next breath depends on the ceremony.

I finished the book in pretty much one setting, so that's a good sign. It's an easy read, and the suspense is definitely present enough to keep you turning pages. Unfortunately, though, refusal to communicate is everywhere in this one. You know how sometimes a book could have been solved in like one conversation or two? That's the gist of this one. So many things - from the backstory between Elias and Harmony to the very premise of this book - could have been prevented or easily solved if the people involved would just talk to one another instead of assuming things. If that doesn't deter you, this could be a great book for you; if it does, please skip this one and look for something else.

Aside from everyone's furious lack of communication, I did really love Harmony. Surprisingly, even though he doesn't appear all that much, Victor - the billionaire Harmony was going to marry - was my favourite character in this, and I really love that Rosales didn't make him into the bad guy. I thought Elias was a bit inconsistent, which got on my nerves from time to time, but the chemistry between Elias and Harmony was definitely there.

I received an ARC of this book and am leaving the review voluntarily.

[EwreckaAnnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let Me Protect You is everything I love in a small-town, second-chance romance – with a suspenseful edge that keeps you on your toes.

“Tell me you’ve only ever been mine” and “Tonight, you’re mine”…yeah, those are the vibes, and I was fully here for it.

Ashlee delivers a story that’s equal parts heart-racing and heart-tugging. Harmony’s world starts to unravel when she begins receiving threatening messages urging her to leave her reality TV fiancé at the altar. Desperate and unsure who to trust, she calls in a favor…and in walks her ex – now her bodyguard.

After years of silence, Harmony and Elias are forced to confront the past before they can even think about a future. And the tension? Unreal. Their chemistry is off the charts, but it’s the lingering love underneath it all that really hits.

The pacing keeps things moving, blending suspense and spice in a way that makes it hard to put down. The supporting cast is just as lovable as the main duo – adding even more depth to an already engaging story.

Suspense that keeps you hooked, spice that delivers, and a second-chance romance that feels – this one is definitely worth the read.

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

[Jennifer Amaral · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review — Let Me Protect You by Ashlee G. Rosales

This was emotional, protective, and pulled me in with its strong relationship focus and heartfelt tension. The story leans into the protective-love trope, giving us a hero who would do anything to keep the person he loves safe, and that emotional intensity carried the story from start to finish.

The connection between the characters felt genuine, with moments of vulnerability, trust, and quiet strength woven throughout. The emotional stakes kept me invested, and the protective energy added that comforting, swoony feel while still delivering drama and tension. While a few moments felt familiar to the trope, the emotional depth and character connection made it an engaging and satisfying read.

Overall, this was a heartfelt, emotional romance with strong protective love, tender moments, and a steady, engaging pace.

Read this if you like: protective heroes, emotional romance, relationship-driven stories, soft but intense love, and heartfelt tension.

[Nikki Dunlap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let Me Protect You is a fast-paced small-town romance centered on second chances, forced proximity, and family bonds. The story follows Elias and Harmony as they reconnect under intense circumstances, blending romantic tension with elements of suspense.

The pacing is quick and engaging, and the relationship between the sisters adds emotional depth to the story. Elias is a compelling, protective hero, and the slow-burn romance between the leads feels natural and satisfying. The cozy setting and strong sense of community enhance the overall.

I do wish there was a little more backstory and more on the tv show, but the story remains enjoyable.

Overall, this is a solid, heartfelt read for fans of small-town romance and second-chance love stories.

I received an advance review copy and this is my honest review.

[Betty Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspense with my romance is a perfect combination and this story gave me both. Mix it with a second chance, a bodyguard and a small town and I have everything I want from my book.
There is quite a bit packed in this story so be ready! Elias and Harmony are high school sweethearts and a whole lot has happened since Harmony left their small town.
The suspenseful portion of the book has to do with Harmony and the threats she is receiving which drives the need for a bodyguard - enter Elias, who takes on the job and whoa, what a ride. The MCs have a cute chemistry based on the familiarity they have of each other. Their history really drives that connection.
The book is fast paced and filled with part suspense and part small town romance. There are lots of great characters that make up the supporting cast and quite frankly there are a lot of potential stories to add this book!

[Alexis Scheuplein · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶️
Really, really good!

I enjoyed this from start to finish! I received it as an ARC reader and I truly liked reading this book!

A few twists and turns! True slow burn for the characters. I think it’s really well written and I loved it. I love the small town romances and Ashlee did this one just right!

I truly didn’t see this one going where it went and I love that about a book. Many romance books, especially second chance romances, have predictability. This one did not and it was refreshing to read something different!

There is a little bit of spice, but not too much. If you don’t like it but can handle a little bit, this is a book for you!


Tropes from the author: Second chance, slow burn, small town, forced proximity, bodyguard.
Has a spice level of about 🌶🌶🌶 (disagree, but that’s just me)

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bodyguard, second chance, suspenseful romance. We open with Harmony about to marry Victor, tech billionaire, before saying I don't a running away. Elias, her ex-boyfriend, is tasked with being her bodyguard, though he left that life years ago. As they travel and live together, their feelings for each other start to resurface, but there is too much keeping them apart? Or is there?

I enjoyed this story, watching the characters come back together. The twists and turns had me on the edge throughout the book. It got to a point where I just had to finish the book even though it was 3am. I enjoyed the added dimension of the sister's story. I do wish there was a little bit more backstory, such as flashbacks of their initial relationship and a bit more information on the dating show and her choice to go on it where she met Victor.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let Me Protect You is a small town romance about two ex lovers rekindling an old flame when Elias is assigned as Harmony’s bodyguard. The reason she needs protection is she’s receiving threats following her participation in Everlasting Love, a TV show where she almost married a billionaire.
I’m a sucker for forced proximity stories, and this one did not disappoint! Besides the slow-burn romance, I loved the affectionate relationship of the two sisters (I think both are trying to protect the other, lol), the couple’s Mexican heritage, and the cottage in the woods. The writing is engaging, and we’re thrust right into the story when Harmony becomes a runaway bride. The only thing I missed was a bit more info on what else happened on the TV show - maybe an opportunity for bonus material?

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say first off I am so happy to have been selected as an ARC reader and the first was so cute. I am not a long reviewer but happy to give my review and this is one that I will not be giving away any big spoilers!

I love the writing it felt like a romantic movie on Hallmark, but with much added spice! The book starts of with some action and drama that immediately grab you it is not a slow build of character development but rather you learn what you need about the characters as the story unfolds.
You also have chapter that our from the one character point of view or a section into the mental way of thinking. You never truly feel like you are jumping from character to character even though you are just having the note of who the chapter was from was Great!
Okay my one tiny spoiler like any Hallmark movie romance it was nice that they final got back together.
This book not only deals with romance but grief, fighting, kidnapping, and cancer. Cant wait for more in this series to see how everyone story continues to unfold.

[Marlaina Knowlton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, suspense-touched romance with more heart than I expected going in. I loved the blend of small-town comfort, second-chance tension, and protective-hero energy mixed with just enough mystery to keep me guessing. I was sure I had the twist figured out… and I absolutely did not.

Harmony’s grief and avoidance felt very real to me. Loss can show up in messy, complicated ways, and I appreciated how the story didn’t rush her healing. Watching her slowly grow, face what she’d been running from, and learn she didn’t have to carry everything alone was one of my favorite parts of the book.

Elias brings that steady, grounded presence. Protective without being overpowering and the emotional history between them added depth to every scene they shared. I also really loved the found-family elements woven in. Those unexpected support systems always get me. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rebecca Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me protect you is part of the Granite Hills series. I found it slow to get into but once I was in, I was going through chapters as fast as I could read.

I loved the chemistry between the 2 main characters and the slow build. There was also a good mystery plot that kept me wondering what was happening next. I would have liked to have more information on why the events were happening, rather than it being dealt with in a couple of sentences.

Overall this will suit readers who love a second chance romance with an element of suspense.

I can’t wait to see what else the Granite Hills series brings.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m always a sucker for a small town romance and even more for a second chance!
Fast paced so much happened in a small book, at parts story was hard to understand as there wasn’t much back story that doesn’t include Elias and Harmony but I’m assuming that the following books will tells us more(hopefully).
Love love love Elias, and the connection between the 2 sisters
So many side stories to go from; Sully and Vicki, Serenity and Victor, Abi and John
While parts were easy to guess the story was still enjoyable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let Me Protect You was a romantic thrill ride. When Harmony starts receiving threats to her life, she is forced to accept protection from her ex, Elias, who is assigned as her bodyguard. The story is filled with lovable characters, but you will swoon over Elias, who never got over his feelings for Harmony. Their reconnection during a traumatic time where Harmony's life is in danger is both thrilling and romantic. A very fast-paced book, I was anxious to see whether the MMC and FMC were able to work through the issues from their past and rekindle their love, and just as invested in finding out who was threatening Harmony, and I couldn't put it down, finishing it in just four hours!

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I gave this author a try! I almost bypassed this book because I typically read Dark Romance. Let Me Protect You was soooo much better than I expected! The pacing is great and it's well written. There's just the right amount of emotional content (love and sorrow), drama, action and suspense. You know those books that are 100% predictable? This is not one and it was really refreshing! I hope the next book is about the MMC's best friend because I may have a teeny tiny crush on him💕

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

small town, second chance, stalker...I like this mix. Harmony goes running down the isle on the day of her wedding to a guy she doesn't love because of a stalker... and she runs right back to the man she broke the heart of years ago. he's not really happy that she's there. he doesn't do guarding anymore after an injury on his last job.
I loved the awkwardness between these two at first. the push and pull and the working through feelings. there were hard moments, wonderful moments, and overall a sweet story between the two. I really enjoyed reading this.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story a lot. The author did a nice job of world building and character development. The plot hit the ground running from the first page. It kept me engaged and reading “just one more chapter”. It was so good I read it in one day. Looking forward to book 2 in the series to see what comes next. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys forced proximity, second chance romance, mystery, and slow burn romances.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quick and easy read and I loved the characters and the story. Ashlee Rosales is a new author to me and I enjoyed her writing style. The characters had a strong and powerful connection and at times there was a lot of emotions coming out. Although this was fast paced the story does not lose any of it’s captivating elements and as I am such a sucker for a romance story this was right what I like to read. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

[Emma Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goosebumps - this is written from a real love story.

“After what feels like a million years combined into a split moment, I force my gaze to the woman who tore my heart to shreds and then lit it on fire.”

Excerpt from

Let Me Protect You

Ashlee G. Rosales

This material may be protected by copyright.

Loved it! I feel I read this book quickly, I couldn’t put it down. Every chapter I needed to know what happened next!

[ImSuddenlySue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond thrilled with this book! I was hooked from page 3! Our FMC is real, normal, and strong, but struggles with her strength. Our MMC tried his best and makes it through in the end!

They were sweet, carrying, and thoughtful with a little frustrating thrown into the mix.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. These opinions are my own, and reflect only my thoughts.

[Tina Valley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Let Me Protect You. The story was fresh and interesting. It’s a fast paced story that keeps you turning to the next page for just a little bit more. Harmony and Elias were well matched and their stories were well written and didn’t reveal everything up front. I’m always impressed when a writer can making want the next book in a series. Looking forward to reading more.

[Katelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!! Very easy to keep interest. Slow burn yes, but worth. Some of the twists and turns I was not expecting which was great! I love the dynamic between the characters. Parts had me giggling, some had me crying and some had me thinking get on the same page people!!! Definitely worth the read!

[Ursula Bernier]

This was a quick, enjoyable Valentine’s weekend read with just the right balance of romance and light suspense.

Harmony finds herself in an unsettling situation after appearing on a reality dating show, and the man assigned to protect her is none other than Elias — her former boyfriend. The second-chance dynamic adds emotional depth to the story, especially as unresolved history and lingering feelings resurface under difficult circumstances.

In addition to the romantic tension, the story includes a loving (if somewhat over-involved) family and a touch of open-door spice that complements the story rather than overpowering it. Even with the suspense elements, the heart of the story centers on finding your way back to someone who once meant everything. I enjoyed myself in Granite Falls and absolutely would revisit.

I rated this book 3.5 stars and would recommend it to readers who enjoy second-chance romance with protective hero energy and a light suspense thread.

I received an advanced copy through BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Hannah Winslade · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review!

This book had me hooked from the first page! I would have finished it in one day but I started it at 9pm! the FMC and MMC are definitely written for each other 😍 I love their connection and how much he wants to protect her! I definitely will be rereading this

[Rebecca Briscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a cute shorter read. Definitely a slow burn but it was so worth it. I wish there was a little more on page hurt/comfort for the mmc. This was a 5 star read for me, I read it in one sitting.

[Noreen Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Harmony and Elias's story.
Having been together for years Harmony leaves for New York thus seems to end the relationship.
Brought back together again when Harmony's life is threatened.
Can they get back to where they were previously?

[Sonia O'brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley G. Rosales has delivered an absolute masterclass in tension.
Let Me Protect You had me hooked from the first page.
If you love a story that keeps you guessing and leaves you slightly breathless, add this to your TBR immediately.

[Samuela Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute second chance romance! Elias is ultra protective and Harmony is sweet and sassy -- a great combo. Their relationship combined with the twists and turns in the plot make for a great story. Highly recommend!

[greenapplemojito · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick and decent read. I think for me personally, I felt there was a lack of a lot of context, lack of character and emotional depth, lack of spark and connection between the MCs. I would have even loved to have more context or knowledge of the other characters involved.

[Laura Moncrief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I read it in one sitting!! It made me laugh; it made me cry, and then it made me laugh some more. Love the second chance romance!! Love Elias & Harmony!!!

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slow romance novel that has enough intrigue that you finish reading it. The storyline is a captivating one. If slow paced romance is your thing, this novel is for you.