Hostile Protection

by Mackenzie Hart

Hallie Rose built her career as one of New York’s top prosecutors—tough, brilliant, and unafraid to take on the most dangerous cases. But when her name lands on a mafia hit list, she's forced into hiding under the watchful eye of a private security firm. The only problem? Hallie doesn’t take orders, and she definitely doesn’t need a bodyguard.

Brett Walker, ex-military and owner of the elite security company tasked with protecting her, is used to high-risk jobs—but nothing could have prepared him for Hallie. Tattooed, disciplined, and trained for danger, Brett is determined to keep her safe—even if she fights him every step of the way.

When a threat gets too close for comfort, the pair are forced to retreat to a secluded cabin deep in the snowy woods of upstate New York. With no one but each other to rely on, tensions rise and boundaries are crossed.

The only way to survive is to trust each other—but trust might just be the most dangerous thing of all.

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2026

About the author

Mackenzie Hart is an American contemporary romance author known for writing strong heroines who overcome life’s biggest obstacles. She lives in Arkansas with her high-school sweetheart. When she isn’t spending time with her family, you can find her scrolling through Pinterest for her next book idea or reading on her Kindle.

Reviews

[Nicole Holdaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise starts off strong and immediately pulls you in. At just 223 pages, though, the story reads very quickly… too quickly.
One of my biggest struggles was with the FMC. She’s written as a lawyer, but her behavior often felt much younger, more like a college-aged brat than a composed professional.
I also found myself getting pulled out of the story by inconsistencies in the setting and details. The house, for example, is described as this grand, almost castle like stone structure but then we’re told it has creaky wood floors, which felt a bit contradictory. On top of that, the MMC has high-tech security in place, yet somehow there are no sensors to alert him when doors open… allowing her to sneak out onto a balcony without issue. Those kinds of details made the world feel less believable.
Also- there’s no happily ever after in this book…. For a short book with not enough time to really attach to the characters in a deep way the MMC death was kind of just disappointing that we ended the book this way. Had I made a full connection I think I would have been heartbroken.
That said, I do think McKenzie Hart has a lot of potential. The foundation of a really compelling story is there, it just feels like it needed more time and depth to fully develop. I’d love to see what she could do with a longer, more fleshed-out book.
Overall, a quick read with an intriguing start, but one that left me wanting more in terms of character development and consistency.

[Tay · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Reader (late review)


Where to begin the books a short read with a 2nd in the works.

For a short read I think the pacing is good you only have so many pages to build and grow characters and the plot and I thought it was well thought out.

I loved Brett and Hallie, the Poker scene was my absolute favorite part! Brett opening up to Hallie as well and coming to terms with his traumatic past and starting to confront the things he'd been ignoring. Hallie becoming less flighty and more trusting! Again it's short but I'm the type to get attached quickly.

But ultimately the ending killed it for me. I was flying high enjoying the build before the ending ripped me two.

Will I read the 2nd? Most likely because I need closure.

[Sarah Conti · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5/5 stars rounded down

ok i have a lot of problems with this. i’ve actually been looking forward to this read for awhile and am just really confused. the legal side of everything made zero sense. i get it’s a book and blah blah blah but it was so unrealistic that it was hard to read. at least have someone with an actual law degree help or something. sexond. the pacing was so odd and off. they went from nothing to “in love” in like three chapters with zero chemistry or tension or anything. the insta love made zero sense to me. third. the fuck is that ending? like genuinely feels so unnecessary unless he’s actually somehow alive but the dead lover coming back from the dead is the worst trope ever. and it better not be some divergent four and christina shit where she starts falling in love witb her dead lovers best friend.

idk i guess i just really didn’t understand. could have been a really cool story but needed so much more depth and world building and plot between the characters. maybe the author was trying to be like this on purpose idk but overall i feel disappointed and confused on how everyone is raving over this.

[Angela Schossow · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!

Hostile Protection By Mackenzie Hart

This is the third book I have read from Mackenzie Hart; her cowboy romance is one of my favorites.

I was privileged to get to do my first ARC review for her, and she did not disappoint in her new series

It has taken me a few days to be able to post my review for this book. This book wrecked me in the best way possible. I am talking about the way authors Emma Scott and Kate Stewart have wrecked me. I mean this comparison has a huge compliment.

I had a hard time putting it down. The relationship between Hallie and Brett is the best. I love their banter throughout the entire book. The ending shocked me and left me speechless I need book 2 yesterday.

Hostile Protection releases April 17th on KU.

[Mrs Lopez Overbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am writing this review as an ARC reader, but please know that my soul has currently left my body. I am utterly and completely devastated. To the author: How dare you? I am actually mad. It should be illegal to play with a reader’s emotions this ruthlessly and then leave us hanging. I am sitting here vibrating with indignation because I now have to wait for two more books to ensure my girl Hallie Rose takes her rightful place as the Queen.

The Dynamic

The "unstoppable force meets immovable object" trope has never been executed better.

Hallie Rose is the ultimate FMC. She’s a top New York prosecutor—tough, brilliant, and used to being the one in charge. Seeing her forced into hiding because of a mafia hit list was stressful enough, but her refusal to "take orders" made every page electric.

Brett Walker is… well, he’s everything. He’s ex-military, disciplined, heavily tattooed, and took "protecting his client" to a level that had me breathless.

The Atmosphere

When the threat gets too close and they retreat to that secluded cabin in the snowy woods of upstate New York, the tension doesn't just rise—it boils over. The forced proximity in the middle of a blizzard was the perfect backdrop for boundaries to be crossed and trust to be tested.

Why You Need This Book

This isn't just a romantic suspense; it’s a high-stakes game of survival where the chemistry is just as dangerous as the hitmen hunting them.

Final Thought: If you like your heroes disciplined, your heroines fierce, and your heart ripped out of your chest and stomped on, pick this up. Just be prepared for the cliffhanger of a lifetime. I’ll be over here counting down the seconds until the rest of Hallie’s journey is in my hands. Long live the Queen.

[Nikki Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, Thanks you to the Author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.

This book?? WOW….. it had me in a chokehold from page one.

First of all…..lawyer + bodyguard + forced proximity?? My favorite! That combo alone had me excited, but the execution? Even better than I expected.

I love Mackenzie’s books and this one did not disappoint!

The story pulls you in fast and doesn’t let up. There’s this constant undercurrent of tension mixed with just enough humor to keep things from feeling too heavy, and it WORKS.

The heroine, Hallie, was such a standout for me. She had this lightness to her, even with everything she was carrying, and it made her feel real and easy to root for. She didn’t let her past define her, and I loved that strength paired with her personality.

And Brett…… Whew. Steady, protective, and completely locked down emotionally… at first. Watching those walls crack little by little? Elite. The depth he brought once you start seeing what’s underneath made him so much more than just the “bodyguard” role.

Together, they were everything.
The chemistry? Immediate.
The banter? So fun.
The slow burn + push and pull? Addictive.

You can feel how right they are for each other, and seeing their connection grow into something deeper had me fully invested the entire time.

Also—can we talk about the vibes?? There’s this constant sense of “something could go wrong at any second” and it keeps you on edge in the best way.

And…..that ending 😭
Because excuse me??? I am not okay. I need the next book immediately. Like right now Mrs. Hart!

✨ If you’re into:
🖤forced proximity
🖤protective, emotionally guarded MMC
🖤tension you can literally feel
🖤high-stakes romance with heart

👉 yeah… go ahead and pick this up.

Trust me….. you’re not stopping at one chapter.

[Baileigh Richie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Reader ◡̈ received my copy from Mackenzie Hart!

And yes I’m writing at 3 am because I can’t ever only read a chapter of a Mackenzie Hart book..

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 stars)

Hostile Protection had me hooked from the start and did not let go. The mix of lawyer + bodyguard + forced proximity is already a favorite trope of mine, but this story delivered even more than I expected.

The FMC was easily one of my favorite parts—she brought humor and lightness even while dealing with a chaotic, unexpected situation and a difficult past. I loved how she didn’t let everything weigh her down, and her personality made the story feel fresh and fun.

The MMC balanced her perfectly. He was steady, protective, and kept everything grounded, but what really stood out was watching his walls slowly come down. Seeing him confront his own demons added so much depth to his character.

Together? Absolutely captivating. Their banter was fun, their chemistry was strong, and watching their relationship grow into something meaningful kept me fully invested the entire time.

The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars is that ending… MACKENZIE, WHY 😭 I need the next book immediately because I am not okay!!

Overall, this was an amazing, fast-paced, and easy read that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I loved every minute of Hailee’s story and I’m already impatiently waiting for more—especially hoping we get more of Aaron too.

[Reanna Abare · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I need to say thank you to the author for this ARC, this one is extra special to me as my first author approved read 🥹

Okay let’s talk about this book. Because WOW.

This was my first bodyguard romance and I am officially obsessed with this trope. The tension, the banter, the constant push and pull it had me hooked from the start. Brett and Hallie had such an effortless connection, and I loved how well they could read each other. You could feel how right they were for one another.

I also really appreciated that both characters were older it added so much depth to their relationship and made their backstories hit even harder. I do wish we had gotten a few more glimpses into their childhoods since it played such a big role in shaping who they are, but it didn’t take away from how invested I was in their story.

And the tropes? Bodyguard and forced proximity? SAY LESS. I was eating this up.

Now I do need to emotionally process that ending because WOW. I personally struggle with cliffhangers (they stress me out so bad), but it definitely did its job because I will be counting down the days until the next book. I need answers immediately.

Also really hoping we get more Aaron in the next book 👀

Overall, such a fun and intense read, and I am already so ready for what comes next!

[Jennifer Sande · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hostile Protection was such an engaging and emotional read. The story follows Brett, who owns a security firm and takes on the responsibility of protecting Hallie after she ends up at the top of a hit list. Forced into seclusion at a remote family home, their relationship starts off tense—but quickly evolves into something much deeper.

I really loved how their connection developed, especially through the shared understanding of their past experiences. It added depth to their relationship and made their bond feel genuine. The banter between them was great, balancing out the intensity of the situation. Brett’s care and protectiveness toward Hallie was beautiful to watch, while Hallie’s understanding and compassion toward Brett added such a heartfelt layer to their dynamic.

That said… the ending completely shocked me. I went in expecting a happily ever after, and what unfolded instead was honestly devastating. It definitely left a lasting impression, even if it wasn’t the one I was hoping for.

Overall, this was a gripping, emotional story with strong character connections and high stakes—but be prepared for an ending that will absolutely catch you off guard.

[Jacklyn Amato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hostile Protection by Mackenzie Hart came in HOT right from the start and I was instantly hooked! I’m such a sucker for forced proximity and this one delivers in such a unique, high-stakes way. Throw in a stubborn, confident FMC who’s used to only having herself to rely on and I was immediately invested in Hailee. She’s strong, defiant, and resilient, and honestly her determination, even when she probably should’ve listened, fit her personality and backstory perfectly. And then there’s Brett, the protective, guarded hero who is trying so hard not to cross the line. Watching him slowly lose the battle with himself as he falls for Hailee? I was absolutely eating it up. Their banter was so natural and fun, but layered with tension that made every interaction feel charged and like the water was about to spill over. What I loved most was how despite the intense circumstances, they still found small moments of normalcy together from watching movies, sharing childhood memories, going on “dates” that looked a little different than the real world. Those quieter moments made their connection feel deeper and more authentic, and when Brett finally started opening up about his past and why he felt so protective of her my heart melted! The suspense in this book had me flying through the pages. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something else would happen that pulled me even deeper into the story. The balance between romance, tension, and danger was so well done, and I couldn’t put it down. And the ENDING… excuse me?? I’m not going to spoil anything, but I’m still sitting here trying to process that I am desperate for more because wow. This one had tension, banter, suspense, and a slow-burn connection that came together beautifully under pressure. I loved watching these two strong, guarded individuals slowly let their walls down and find something real in the middle of chaos!

[Shebi91 · Rating 5 out of 5]

After loving Mackenzie’s Cowgirl Series, I went into this book expecting something similar—and for most of it, that expectation was absolutely met. Brett and Hallie were compelling from the start. Their chemistry felt natural, their emotional connection was believable, and I really enjoyed watching Hallie gradually bring Brett out of his shell. Their relationship developed in a way that felt authentic, and I was fully invested in their journey.

The banter was sharp and engaging, and the storyline kept me hooked the entire time I read this book in under 24hrs. I found myself constantly wanting to read just one more chapter, hoping it would all build toward a satisfying, heartfelt HEA.

Then came the ending.

I was genuinely shocked. It completely caught me off guard and left me feeling confused and emotional. I didn’t expect the story to conclude the way it did, and it honestly took a moment to process. With the next book in the series coming, I’m unsure what direction things will take—but after becoming so attached to both the FMC and MMC, the ending left me with a mix of disbelief and uncertainty rather than closure. ( and lots of tears)

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved this boom as an ARC and am
Leaving an honest review. I believe this is my first read from Mackenzie.

Excuse me, you cannot finish a book like that?!

From the first page, I was hooked! What a plot!

Hallie has had a terrible childhood. Bounced from foster home to foster home. No real love or safety. Being starved for food and affection. She decides she wants to do something good with all the bad she’s faced and becomes a lawyer. Unfortunately for her, someone wants to take her out because she’s on the top of a hit list.

Brett is ex military. A trained pilot and bodyguard. His hired by Hallie’s law firm to keep her safe and oh boy does he have a tough job ahead of him. Which he realises the second she tries to escape from him. Brett’s also had trauma in his life and they eventually bond over that.

There’s a few contradictions throughout the story, for example- Brett said his house is securely monitored and high tech, yet Hallie was able to enter two rooms ‘out of bounds’ and go out onto her balcony without him knowing. He also said his IP couldn’t be traced but that’s later revealed to be not true.

I’ll definitely be reading book 2!

[Hollie Feathers · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC READ-4.5 Stars

First of all HOLY COW. I finished this book in one setting, and I had to sit with it for a little bit to figure out how to put it into words!

Brett is a former Navy pilot turned personal security. He is assigned by the company Hallie works for to protect her due to a case she is working. Hallie is a lawyer who is working on a very high profile drug/human trafficking case. She is not found of the idea of having security and pushes him at every turn. The leads to them having to be flown to a remote location, where no one could track where they are (or so you think). This location brings up alot of traumatic memories for Brett as it just so happens to be his childhood home. Make sure you check your trigger warnings because this one could be tough for some people to read!

The banter between these two is unmatched! The forced proximity breaks down both of their walls, and I am here for it! There was so much tension and action in book! I cannot wait for next book in the series! Make sure you put this on your TBR's it comes out 4.17!!!!

[Brittany Furnish · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****ARC Reader Review*****

I absolutely devoured this book, like stayed up way too late, ignored my chores, couldn’t put it down devoured. I went in thinking I had a handle on where the story would go, and it gleefully proved me wrong at every turn. That’s exactly why I loved it so much. It’s unpredictable in the best, most addictive way.

Brett and Hallie… whew. These two are a storm you can’t look away from. They’re angst and honesty wrapped in raw edges and real emotion. One minute they’re burning hot, the next they’re ice-cold and distant, and somehow that push and pull makes every moment between them feel electric. Their chemistry is messy, magnetic, and everything we Romantic Suspense girlies live for.

The tension? Immaculate.
The twists? Delicious.
The emotional punches? I felt every single one.

This book gave me exactly what I crave from the genre and then went even further. Five stars, without hesitation. And honestly, I’m already impatient for whatever comes next because I’m nowhere near ready to let these characters go.

[Getpast40pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick romance read that reminded me a lot of a Harlequin book. The beginning draws you right in and starts off quick and abrupt with the plotline.

The book was well-written, but the characters lacked chemistry and a reason for being together (they had nothing in common really).

The FMC was unlikable in my opinion. She spent most of the book fighting her bodyguard's attempts to keep her safe, even after he proves she's in danger and saves her during a drive-by shooting at the very beginning of the book. Despite that, she continuously and recklessly puts herself in danger and ignores his requests. I've never seen a character so stubbornly try to get herself killed and then do it again 2 seconds later after realizing she's wrong. 😅

But the ending was not what I expected and kinda killed the vibe of the book.

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book and I'm leaving a voluntary review.

[Morgan Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hostile Protection by Mackenzie Hart is a must read! This book grabs your attention quickly!

This story features:
Ex military x Lawyer
Hired Protection
Mafia Bounty

The story begins with Hallie defending in court. She is approached by Brett and is told she has to leave as she is in danger. Brett will do anything and everything to protect Hallie, including facing his fears. He places Hallie in a remote location that causes him to face his childhood pain.

Hallie is not a fan of being locked in a cage and on multiple occasions, she tries to grant herself some speck of freedom.

Will this freedom cause their safely and location to be compromised? Will Brett be able to process his childhood trauma and open his heart again?

Stay til the end of the book for a true WTF moment.

Mackenzie did it again and I cannot wait for the next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Anna Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

POV: you start an ARC “just for a few chapters” and suddenly it’s 2AM and you’ve finished the whole book 😩📖

Lawyer + bodyguard
Forced proximity
Emotional Trauma Healing
On the run together

…yeah, I was DONE for.

The tension??? IMMACULATE. The slow burn??? Worth every second. Watching them go from “strictly professional” to *very much not* had me kicking my feet the entire time.

And let’s talk about the chemistry—because WOW. Every look, every moment, every almost… I was eating it up.

Add in the danger, the high stakes, and the constant “something could go wrong at any second” vibes, and I literally could not put this down.

I’m already feral for book two because I NEED more of them immediately.

If you love:
✨ forced proximity
✨ protective bodyguard energy
✨ tension you can FEEL

…read this. Immediately.

[Katelynn Pahopin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Another incredible read from Mackenzie Hart! Did the ending make me want to have a few words with her?Absolutely. But don’t let that stop you—this series is already shaping up to be something special.

The character development is beautifully done, and the chemistry between Brett and Hallie is impossible to ignore. Watching two strangers build a friendship that slowly turns into a deep, unexpected love was both refreshing and heartfelt. Hallie’s ability to push Brett’s boundaries adds the perfect tension, while Brett’s healing journey makes their story even more meaningful.

This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster—you’ll laugh, swoon, gasp, and maybe even shed a few tears. Just be warned: that ending might leave you questioning your emotional readiness for Book 2… but let’s be honest, once you’re a Mackenzie Hart fan, there’s no turning back.

[Cameron Gardiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Mackenzie Hart for this ARC ✨❤️

My heart is on my living room floor, as is my jaw. The air in my lungs have left my body… romantic suspense, forced proximity, and a man who faces his trauma all for her! Brett Walker is not only her bodyguard but her peace, and she is the one who makes him feel whole for the first time in years. This honestly kept me turning the pages (clicking if you will, kindle girlies iykyk) I devoured this book in mere hours. Made my husband cook dinner so I could keep reading. Mackenzie Hart listen closely, I need book 2 yesterday!! You have done it again! I am pleasantly traumatized and my heart thanks you. Please do yourself a favor and pick this book up on April 17th, I promise you won’t regret it but I will disclose I am not responsible for your therapy bills please and thank you.

Hostile Protection is available on KU on April 17th!! 🤍🤍

[Ashley Vallieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖✨ ARC Book Review:
Hostile Protection by Mackenzie Hart
Release Date: April 17th
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m going to start by saying this book took me on an emotional rollercoaster.

This was my first bodyguard romance & I can’t wait to read more! The tension and banter between Brett and Hallie pulled me in from the start. I loved how protective Brett was over Hallie and could tell pretty early on it was more than just work for him. I truly enjoyed seeing how Hallie went from making Brett’s life so hard in the beginning to slowly opening up and falling for him.

And let’s not forget to talk about that ending! I was expecting a happily ever after and boy was I wrong. I wished we got to see more of what Brett and Hallie could have been in the real world, but now I can’t wait to see Hallie get the revenge she deserves in Hostile Conditions!

Thank you so much Mackenzie for this ARC!

[Heather Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, I loved this book! It was a 4.5/4.75 stars for me! I couldn’t put it down. It kept me engaged and invested in the two main characters. I loved how this story dealt with so many different aspects and how the dynamics grew.
It had me laughing with the banter between characters but also had me in tears. I love a book that gives you all the feels.
It has a strong, impulsive, head strong attorney as the MFC with her ex military, grumpy but disciplined bodyguard. This book deals with past traumas, mafia, corruption, protection, a slow burn and healing.
It is a must read and a chef’s kiss, but I want more!!!!! I can’t wait for the next book!!
Release date is coming soon so add it to your list (April 17th)

[Amie Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drop everything and add this to your TBR!
Hallie is a confident and SASSY prosecutor for a law firm in New York, working a big case on a gang member. Brett is a former Navy pilot who started a security company to help him try and heal from his past. His ultimate goal is to help protect people who can’t protect themselves. So when Hallie’s law firm hires him to protect her from the Mafia hit list she is on, he does whatever it takes to protect her. Even if it brings up dark stories of his past and costs him everything!

I devoured this book in a single sitting. I could not put it down! You are instantly hooked from the second chapter and it’s so easy to fall in love with these characters. This book makes you feel every emotion and is a MUST READ!

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC.

I have to be honest, this was not what I expected. I actually needed a little time after finishing to fully process how I felt about it.

The story grabbed my attention right away, but I would not say it was love at first sight when it came to the characters. That said, as they developed, I found myself getting more and more invested. By the end, I was genuinely attached to them in a way I did not anticipate at the start.

And the ending? Completely shocked me. It went in a direction I never would have predicted, especially compared to other books by this author.

Overall, even though it was not what I expected, I can see the bigger vision unfolding, and I am really curious and excited to see where the rest of the series goes from here.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hallie is in trouble. Her law firm is up against a mafia man and he has his sights on her. They hire a bodyguard for her, but she doesn't want one. When she tries to give him the slip, things go from bad to worst and she ends up in the middle of no where with him. Brett has never had a client like this. She pushes back against everything he does to keep her safe until it almost costs her life. Meanwhile, the chemistry between them can't be denied and she pushes him to face his past. I really enjoy this book and the characters. OMG how dare you end on a cliff hanger like that, I'm not sure I'll be able to get over the devastation I feel! Can't wait for the next in the series to see how the story moves forward.

[Katie Chaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
Tropes:
Bodyguard MMC / Lawyer FMC
Forced proximity
Banter
Steam

I am going to have to sit with this. I don’t even know how to rate it after that gut wrenching ending. All I can say is that I need the next book now and then maybe I can adequately rate it 😂

I thought the story was building super fast because I didn’t realize it was 1 of multiples. Let’s just say, I’m grateful there will be at least one more book because I’m sobbing about the cliffhanger. Hallie and Brett were adorable and the banter was so good. She was a strong AF lead and he loved it. Hopefully we’ll get our HEA 🤞🤞🫣 I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the next book!

[Jessica Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book! This was my first author approved ARC and I was so excited and for a good reason because this book was SO GOOD!

I love a good amount of tension between main characters and our mains definitely had it for a good portion of the book.

The mafia protection type romance was new for me and I have to say I really liked it.


The ending is killing me though! How dare that be the ending I mean come on! It killed me! However it does make me so eager to read the next book because I am already dying for it to come out!

I cannot wait to devour this series!

[Sway_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dynamic between Hallie & Brett is electric. It’s charged with sharp dialogue, emotional depth, and just the right amount of friction. (Although, I do wish there was more spice to the book. This was very tame for me) The “hostile” edge in their relationship adds a compelling layer, making every interaction feel intense and unpredictable. Watching that tension slowly unravel into something deeper is incredibly satisfying. But can I say — THAT CLIFFHANGER! Please tell me that is not how their story ends?!

If you love danger, attitude, and a romance that keeps you hooked, this one delivers. 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



*𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙗𝙮 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧*

[Lyndsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was short but packed a real punch!
I am a big fan of forced proximity and our MCs, Brett and Hallie, are locked up in his remote childhood home to protect her from the mafia hit that has put her at the top of the list.

Brett is the perfect grumpy brooding protective MMC and the childhood traumas they both share help to shape the people they become - and how they are able to bond.
And as for the ending, I CANNOT COPE. I need Book 2 now!

Thank you so much to Mackenzie Hart for providing me with an ARC copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley Thorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did receive an Arc copy of this book, just a little late to posting this.

I was super excited to start this book seeing as I haven’t read too many body gaurd romances. Hallie becomes under Brett’s protection after trying to take down a mafia leader (she’s a lawyer). They instantly butt heads seeing as she doesn’t feel the need to be protected and the banter is great! I loved getting to watch their trust with each other begin to bloom and grow throughout the book. The only downside and what made me rate it 4 stars is the ending. 💔😭🥺

[Jenn_Reads ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brett Walker??? THE blueprint.
Grumpy, protective, “don’t touch her” energy with a soft side he barely lets anyone see 🥵 And Hallie Rose?? She’s not the one to be saved, she’s the one doing the saving. Smart, relentless, and completely self-made 👏

THE TENSION??
He shows love with touch.
She shows love through actions.
So when they finally hit it off… yeah, it hits hard🫠

Heavy pasts, emotional walls, it’s healing, trust, and two people learning how to let someone in.

If you love:
✨ protective MMC
✨ strong FMC
✨ trauma + healing
✨ slow burn with payoff

You must read 😍🥵