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His to Protect
Yesterday I passed out in the supply closet and the head surgeon found me.
In six months, he's never looked at me once, I'm just another nurse.
I've been skipping meals and picking up extra shifts to pay off my mom's medical bills, but I haven't told anyone.
He found me and carried me to one of the beds, but my phone slipped out of my pocket, and the screen lit up with the bills and the past due notices.
I woke up in a hospital gown with him standing over me, his fingers pressed against my wrist as he carefully watched the monitor.
Suddenly, my landlord barged in demanding I sign the eviction papers so he could kick me out of my apartment.
The second my landlord saw him, his attitude completely changed, he started to leave but then turned back, and stammered, "D-Dr. Cross, sir... I didn't know she was... yours."
He didn't even look at my landlord, just kept his attention focused on me, and growled, "Get out."
My landlord scurried away as he turned back to me, his hand still on my wrist,
"Don't worry about your apartment, you're coming home with me.
In six months, he's never looked at me once, I'm just another nurse.
I've been skipping meals and picking up extra shifts to pay off my mom's medical bills, but I haven't told anyone.
He found me and carried me to one of the beds, but my phone slipped out of my pocket, and the screen lit up with the bills and the past due notices.
I woke up in a hospital gown with him standing over me, his fingers pressed against my wrist as he carefully watched the monitor.
Suddenly, my landlord barged in demanding I sign the eviction papers so he could kick me out of my apartment.
The second my landlord saw him, his attitude completely changed, he started to leave but then turned back, and stammered, "D-Dr. Cross, sir... I didn't know she was... yours."
He didn't even look at my landlord, just kept his attention focused on me, and growled, "Get out."
My landlord scurried away as he turned back to me, his hand still on my wrist,
"Don't worry about your apartment, you're coming home with me.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 23, 2026
Normally before I read a book I look at the ratings but this time I barely glanced at it. So I have no one to blame but myself. Honestly this could have been a good story but the writing was AWFUL. Did the teacher assign a specific word count? Because this felt like something from high school when the teacher said you need to write a paper and you need X amount of words so you never use an apostrophe because you need every single word.
When the MC’s FINALLY came together that was awful. They were sure and then they wasn’t sure. Then the investigation. Then his inheritance. It was all just too much with too many extra words thrown in.
I finished the book because like I said I had no one to blame but myself in this.
When the MC’s FINALLY came together that was awful. They were sure and then they wasn’t sure. Then the investigation. Then his inheritance. It was all just too much with too many extra words thrown in.
I finished the book because like I said I had no one to blame but myself in this.
January 28, 2026
It makes me uncomfortable to do this to an indie author who clearly is trying to pour their heart into their work, but this book was not good at all. I truly should have DNF’d it after the first huge timeline inconsistency. But it was only 200 pages so I decided to plow through. It had some good premises, but didn’t land due to terrible editing.
Specific comments:
Timelines are all messed up (e.g when Riven supposedly find Reya in the closet, he’s also having lunch with a colleague and then goes home, as per the previous chapter, and this is only ONE of several examples like this).
The shared space/only one bed trope was so unbelievable.
How did Reya actually find enough money for first and last months rent in 3 weeks, after not being able to pay rent for 3 months due to all expenses?
I was so surprised there was NO spice in this book. Which I don’t need, but it felt like it was building to more.
They said I love you before even dating or kissing? What?!?
The investigation piece seemed unnecessary.
The ending was flat.
Sigh….
Specific comments:
Timelines are all messed up (e.g when Riven supposedly find Reya in the closet, he’s also having lunch with a colleague and then goes home, as per the previous chapter, and this is only ONE of several examples like this).
The shared space/only one bed trope was so unbelievable.
How did Reya actually find enough money for first and last months rent in 3 weeks, after not being able to pay rent for 3 months due to all expenses?
I was so surprised there was NO spice in this book. Which I don’t need, but it felt like it was building to more.
They said I love you before even dating or kissing? What?!?
The investigation piece seemed unnecessary.
The ending was flat.
Sigh….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2026
His to Protect
An exciting, full of intense, drama throughout! The tension during surgical procedures is so high, yet understandable d/t difficulty of cases. She is working extra shifts for the money, to keep from getting evicted, supporting her mom And sister, but proves too much. Sometimes there is a saving grace, just hard to find. Great story about two people needing help, just not knowing how/ where to find it.
An exciting, full of intense, drama throughout! The tension during surgical procedures is so high, yet understandable d/t difficulty of cases. She is working extra shifts for the money, to keep from getting evicted, supporting her mom And sister, but proves too much. Sometimes there is a saving grace, just hard to find. Great story about two people needing help, just not knowing how/ where to find it.
March 3, 2026
Was looking for a quick palette cleanser and wanted Greys Anatomy vibes…what I got was probably the worst book I’ve ever read
January 29, 2026
Thought this ook would have been more interesting by the blurb. Really didn’t enjoy it.
April 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
His to Protect by Stacy Sterling
This book leans heavily into the classic protective alpha romance trope—and it does it well if that’s your thing. The premise is immediately gripping: a struggling nurse pushed to her limits and a powerful, observant surgeon who steps in at just the right moment. The opening scene sets a dramatic tone, pulling you straight into a high-stakes emotional dynamic.
The chemistry between the leads is intense from the start, almost to the point of feeling instantaneous. While that can stretch believability a bit, it fits the fantasy-driven style of the story. The male lead is very much the dominant, “I’ll take care of everything” type, which will appeal to readers who enjoy strong, possessive characters—but might feel a bit over-the-top for others.
What works best here is the emotional hook: financial stress, exhaustion, and vulnerability make the heroine relatable, and her situation adds weight to the romance. The pacing is quick, sometimes rushed, but it keeps things engaging and hard to put down.
Where it falls slightly short is in character depth and realism. Some moments feel more like fantasy fulfillment than fully developed storytelling, and secondary elements (like the landlord conflict) are resolved a bit too conveniently.
Overall, His to Protect is a fast, emotionally charged read that delivers on drama, intensity, and escapism. If you enjoy protective alpha heroes and swoony, high-stakes romance, this will likely hit the mark.
This book leans heavily into the classic protective alpha romance trope—and it does it well if that’s your thing. The premise is immediately gripping: a struggling nurse pushed to her limits and a powerful, observant surgeon who steps in at just the right moment. The opening scene sets a dramatic tone, pulling you straight into a high-stakes emotional dynamic.
The chemistry between the leads is intense from the start, almost to the point of feeling instantaneous. While that can stretch believability a bit, it fits the fantasy-driven style of the story. The male lead is very much the dominant, “I’ll take care of everything” type, which will appeal to readers who enjoy strong, possessive characters—but might feel a bit over-the-top for others.
What works best here is the emotional hook: financial stress, exhaustion, and vulnerability make the heroine relatable, and her situation adds weight to the romance. The pacing is quick, sometimes rushed, but it keeps things engaging and hard to put down.
Where it falls slightly short is in character depth and realism. Some moments feel more like fantasy fulfillment than fully developed storytelling, and secondary elements (like the landlord conflict) are resolved a bit too conveniently.
Overall, His to Protect is a fast, emotionally charged read that delivers on drama, intensity, and escapism. If you enjoy protective alpha heroes and swoony, high-stakes romance, this will likely hit the mark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2026
I WENT INTO THIS BOOK EXPECTING ONE MAN… AND CAME OUT OBSESSED WITH ANOTHER 😭🔥
His to Protect by Stacy Sterling had me in a literal cooked shrimp position—curled up, tense, emotionally wrecked, and absolutely unable to move until I turned the last page.
First of all, WHY did the synopsis betray me like that?? I was mentally prepared for Dr. Cross… but NO. Enter Dr. Graven—and suddenly I’m questioning all my life choices because THIS MAN??? Possessive, intense, protective in that dangerously addictive way… I was gone. Completely gone. 🫠
The chemistry?? UNHINGED.
The tension?? I could feel it in my BONES.
The protectiveness?? Sir, breathe—I’m already yours.
And the way he shows up?? Not just words, but actions that scream “you’re mine to protect”??? I was internally screaming every two pages.
Yes, the synopsis confusion threw me off at first (like hello?? wrong man alert 🚨), but honestly… I’m not even mad anymore because Dr. Graven made it WORTH IT.
This book had me:
kicking my feet
clutching imaginary pearls
and reading like my life depended on it
Was it perfect? Not completely.
Was I obsessed anyway? ABSOLUTELY.
⭐ 4/5 stars — minus one star for the misleading synopsis, but the emotional DAMAGE and Dr. Graven supremacy made up for it 💅🔥
His to Protect by Stacy Sterling had me in a literal cooked shrimp position—curled up, tense, emotionally wrecked, and absolutely unable to move until I turned the last page.
First of all, WHY did the synopsis betray me like that?? I was mentally prepared for Dr. Cross… but NO. Enter Dr. Graven—and suddenly I’m questioning all my life choices because THIS MAN??? Possessive, intense, protective in that dangerously addictive way… I was gone. Completely gone. 🫠
The chemistry?? UNHINGED.
The tension?? I could feel it in my BONES.
The protectiveness?? Sir, breathe—I’m already yours.
And the way he shows up?? Not just words, but actions that scream “you’re mine to protect”??? I was internally screaming every two pages.
Yes, the synopsis confusion threw me off at first (like hello?? wrong man alert 🚨), but honestly… I’m not even mad anymore because Dr. Graven made it WORTH IT.
This book had me:
kicking my feet
clutching imaginary pearls
and reading like my life depended on it
Was it perfect? Not completely.
Was I obsessed anyway? ABSOLUTELY.
⭐ 4/5 stars — minus one star for the misleading synopsis, but the emotional DAMAGE and Dr. Graven supremacy made up for it 💅🔥
April 24, 2026
I wish I'd managed to read this in a single day (I was so close 50 minutes but I was falling asleep) it deserves to be read like that. It's a this is good enough book with probably way too much medical jargon but a good handle on natural release of information. I needed the fade to black intimate scenes for a break and I fully respect an author who knows their limits. The plot is enjoyable enough and not overly predictable in how it reaches its inevitable happy together ending.
The names annoyed me a little, I couldn't wrap my head around Mireya, I was pronouncingit like Maria in my mind, but that'sa best guess. I think their is an ethnic reason for the choice. Her sister is Lyra, her mother Amara. They are all of Latin origin meaning admirable/miracle, bitter (for Italian/Latin), and lyre/harp respectively.
Only one bed is the author's fave trope. It's used here to force conversation (talking and feelings? these two aren't great with expressing either) and allow intimacy. It's used again in book two with Cassian and Calla. We have met the MMC for book three, though in a most unusual way, he was the first patient Riven and Myiera were operating on.
The names annoyed me a little, I couldn't wrap my head around Mireya, I was pronouncingit like Maria in my mind, but that'sa best guess. I think their is an ethnic reason for the choice. Her sister is Lyra, her mother Amara. They are all of Latin origin meaning admirable/miracle, bitter (for Italian/Latin), and lyre/harp respectively.
Only one bed is the author's fave trope. It's used here to force conversation (talking and feelings? these two aren't great with expressing either) and allow intimacy. It's used again in book two with Cassian and Calla. We have met the MMC for book three, though in a most unusual way, he was the first patient Riven and Myiera were operating on.
March 9, 2026
This book was dangerously close to my 1⭐️ “hate read” rating. But because I didn’t hate hate the book, I’ll be nice and give it a 2⭐️. Don’t mistake this kindness for a suggestion you should read this book. Because this is solidly a don’t read this book review.
This book is a lively as a medical text book, which this book is trying to be with all the medical jargon. Envision the most neurotic, type A, focused medical types you know and you have these characters. Riven (🙄) is so stunted and emotionally blocked that I find it hard to believe that he suddenly figures it out. And Mireya (🙄🙄) is literally putting herself and patients in danger for back to back to back to back shifts.
We have this weird “move in with me” moment because her landlord didn’t know she “was” Riven’s. Um, excuse me? There is no build up or chemistry or spice or much of anything.
There is the confusing character of August. Do we hate him? Do we kind of tolerate him? Why is he interfering? And then…it’s all resolved.
Skip
This
Book
This book is a lively as a medical text book, which this book is trying to be with all the medical jargon. Envision the most neurotic, type A, focused medical types you know and you have these characters. Riven (🙄) is so stunted and emotionally blocked that I find it hard to believe that he suddenly figures it out. And Mireya (🙄🙄) is literally putting herself and patients in danger for back to back to back to back shifts.
We have this weird “move in with me” moment because her landlord didn’t know she “was” Riven’s. Um, excuse me? There is no build up or chemistry or spice or much of anything.
There is the confusing character of August. Do we hate him? Do we kind of tolerate him? Why is he interfering? And then…it’s all resolved.
Skip
This
Book
January 30, 2026
So sweet and technically great!
Ok, so I won’t pretend to know anything about cardiac surgery so I could be wrong about how technically on point this book is, however, I know enough medical jargon to know it’s pretty dang accurate! I love when a book lets the technical jargon fly! Anyways, their relationship was so filled with tension and angst. I loved the outcome. *no spice in this one folks* SPOILERS There were very few errors. Mostly just timeline issues. The fiancé didn’t quite fit and somehow her death 3 yrs ago and his father’s death 9 months prior kept getting mixed together which made it confusing. I finally just stopped paying attention to those timeframes. Honestly, the dead fiancé could have been left out completely. It wasn’t necessary to explain his distance and didn’t really add anything. It wasn’t even talked about except that one single instance and never brought up again. Anyways, still a 5 star read for me.
Ok, so I won’t pretend to know anything about cardiac surgery so I could be wrong about how technically on point this book is, however, I know enough medical jargon to know it’s pretty dang accurate! I love when a book lets the technical jargon fly! Anyways, their relationship was so filled with tension and angst. I loved the outcome. *no spice in this one folks* SPOILERS There were very few errors. Mostly just timeline issues. The fiancé didn’t quite fit and somehow her death 3 yrs ago and his father’s death 9 months prior kept getting mixed together which made it confusing. I finally just stopped paying attention to those timeframes. Honestly, the dead fiancé could have been left out completely. It wasn’t necessary to explain his distance and didn’t really add anything. It wasn’t even talked about except that one single instance and never brought up again. Anyways, still a 5 star read for me.
May 12, 2026
Overall Good Book
Nice quick read- no shocking plot twists just a nice (its the only word that comes to my mind to describe this lol) little romance between a surgeon and a surgical nurse. There is a reason she needs a place to stay, he offers and sparks fly from there. Actually my favorite character was Emma the dr’s little sister- she is 15 has lots of opinions and is not afraid to voice them! She added the comic relief needed and made Riven seem a bit more human.
Did not care for the third act “try to rip them apart” plot…seemed contrived. Also we were being led to believe one character was kinda evil but then that just kinda went poof towards the end and everything was tied up in a neat little bow. This book is a good palette cleanser if you typically read darker themes and it is a very fast read- I finished it in a day.
Nice quick read- no shocking plot twists just a nice (its the only word that comes to my mind to describe this lol) little romance between a surgeon and a surgical nurse. There is a reason she needs a place to stay, he offers and sparks fly from there. Actually my favorite character was Emma the dr’s little sister- she is 15 has lots of opinions and is not afraid to voice them! She added the comic relief needed and made Riven seem a bit more human.
Did not care for the third act “try to rip them apart” plot…seemed contrived. Also we were being led to believe one character was kinda evil but then that just kinda went poof towards the end and everything was tied up in a neat little bow. This book is a good palette cleanser if you typically read darker themes and it is a very fast read- I finished it in a day.
April 4, 2026
Oh the catastrophe
Two people in situations that are easily fixable if only they had brains. Oh I guess they all went to cardiology rather than common sense.
Honestly there wasn't enough "story" to get me invested and I'm so tired of authors not using editors or checking that their books don't have errors before uploading. Repeated sentences, phrases on the same page stuff that easily noticed and should be corrected drives me nuts. Also written so I felt that I was a outside looking in from a window at what was unfolding, did not feel emersed in the story at all.
Two people in situations that are easily fixable if only they had brains. Oh I guess they all went to cardiology rather than common sense.
Honestly there wasn't enough "story" to get me invested and I'm so tired of authors not using editors or checking that their books don't have errors before uploading. Repeated sentences, phrases on the same page stuff that easily noticed and should be corrected drives me nuts. Also written so I felt that I was a outside looking in from a window at what was unfolding, did not feel emersed in the story at all.
March 31, 2026
interesting professional conundrum
He’s the head cardiac surgeon she’s he’s RNFA. He’s emotionally “constipated” (book description). She is over burdened, incredibly smart and competent but also taking on too much responsibility. They are both awkward, choosing professional distance. It takes awhile for them to unburden themselves with each other. Riven’s sister Emma is a hoot! It’s a slow burn mildly spicy story with an HEA, that suggest more to come.
He’s the head cardiac surgeon she’s he’s RNFA. He’s emotionally “constipated” (book description). She is over burdened, incredibly smart and competent but also taking on too much responsibility. They are both awkward, choosing professional distance. It takes awhile for them to unburden themselves with each other. Riven’s sister Emma is a hoot! It’s a slow burn mildly spicy story with an HEA, that suggest more to come.
March 18, 2026
DNF
I made it to 52%. I did try but right from the start I questioned whether this was written by AI. The grammar is atrocious, there is barely any actual interaction between the main characters. Just because they live together they are supposed to fall in love with each other? I read this because I like a good Dr romance but this was not that book.
I made it to 52%. I did try but right from the start I questioned whether this was written by AI. The grammar is atrocious, there is barely any actual interaction between the main characters. Just because they live together they are supposed to fall in love with each other? I read this because I like a good Dr romance but this was not that book.
March 19, 2026
2.5 stars.The premise of the story is good, but the execution is lacking. While a lot of the banter is great, some of the dialogue is stilted (often not using contractions when that sounds more natural). Some of the content was repetitive. I would definitely read more of this author's work if it improved.
April 22, 2026
Good
I felt this book was a little unorganized/scattered in some areas. The fluidity of the story jumped around and there was no flow with some of the scenes- but other than that I enjoyed this book. First one I’ve read by this author and I would read more. I enjoyed Riven and Mireya’s story. They bonded in a unique way that made their connection enjoyable.
I felt this book was a little unorganized/scattered in some areas. The fluidity of the story jumped around and there was no flow with some of the scenes- but other than that I enjoyed this book. First one I’ve read by this author and I would read more. I enjoyed Riven and Mireya’s story. They bonded in a unique way that made their connection enjoyable.
May 1, 2026
Is this AI?
When you realize you've gotten through 50% of a book in an afternoon and realize you're waiting for anything to happen. There's no emotions. Barely any interactions. Two people don't fall for each other without ever interacting. What's the point of a book if all the interaction is off page or vaguely referenced by small supporting characters?
When you realize you've gotten through 50% of a book in an afternoon and realize you're waiting for anything to happen. There's no emotions. Barely any interactions. Two people don't fall for each other without ever interacting. What's the point of a book if all the interaction is off page or vaguely referenced by small supporting characters?
May 7, 2026
His To Protect by Stacy Sterling
A very good story that kept my interest from start to finish. A reader could feel the tension building between the surgeon and nurse who could anticipate the instruments he needed during surgery before he actually called for it. A personal relationship became obvious.
A very good story that kept my interest from start to finish. A reader could feel the tension building between the surgeon and nurse who could anticipate the instruments he needed during surgery before he actually called for it. A personal relationship became obvious.
January 31, 2026
snoresville
I confess I only read to 41% and even that was a struggle. Some authors know how to keep you engaged and others do not. 🧐. This was a do not. Sorry everyone, don’t bother
I confess I only read to 41% and even that was a struggle. Some authors know how to keep you engaged and others do not. 🧐. This was a do not. Sorry everyone, don’t bother
February 6, 2026
Healthcare
A doctor/ nurse trope, no spice. Some of the "concern" for ethics felt like it was teaching since the whole surgical team would have seen their interactions for ages before any gossip.
A doctor/ nurse trope, no spice. Some of the "concern" for ethics felt like it was teaching since the whole surgical team would have seen their interactions for ages before any gossip.
February 6, 2026
A good first book
It was a nice first book.
Don’t move too quickly. Clearly they both had things to work through.
I liked the premise. I liked how the MMC was prepared to make the big change and it wasn’t just expected of the FMC.
It was a nice first book.
Don’t move too quickly. Clearly they both had things to work through.
I liked the premise. I liked how the MMC was prepared to make the big change and it wasn’t just expected of the FMC.
February 7, 2026
DNF. I got halfway through this thing. I kept waiting for it to get better. It was stifling. The main male character was an idiot and a robot. The main female character wasn’t much better. I just couldn’t take it anymore. It was so boring and pedantic.
February 25, 2026
Mediocre at best for me. Both the main characters have emotional issues, trust issues and pride issues. How that works as a couple I don't know. It was very formal in its writing making them seem robotic in their speech and communication. Unfortunately I won't be reading the rest of this series
March 2, 2026
Love me a good medical/doctor romance with a rich doctor and a nurse needing help! Such a cute storyline with the seemingly broody doctor that is actually a big squishy marshmallow on the inside and strives to be the best big brother.
March 10, 2026
Good story
This was a good story but not quite my thing. I love trying new authors and genres from time to time as you never know what you will find. This time the storyline was good but very pedestrian for my tastes. For others this will be a fantastic read.
This was a good story but not quite my thing. I love trying new authors and genres from time to time as you never know what you will find. This time the storyline was good but very pedestrian for my tastes. For others this will be a fantastic read.
March 14, 2026
His to Protect- good!!!
Riven and Mireya’s relationship turns into a love story their pit falls are they work to much and have no life outside the hospital. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ There is no spice 🌶️ and has a good ending.
Riven and Mireya’s relationship turns into a love story their pit falls are they work to much and have no life outside the hospital. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ There is no spice 🌶️ and has a good ending.
March 21, 2026
cute short book
I liked how this book got going immediately when he helped her out. This was a great short book if you’re looking for a cute work place romance with some real life in the middle of it
I liked how this book got going immediately when he helped her out. This was a great short book if you’re looking for a cute work place romance with some real life in the middle of it
March 22, 2026
not very well done
The book is about a surgeon and a nice who work together in the OR. It kind of reads like a summery except for the surgical portions which have the most detail. Very disappointing
The book is about a surgeon and a nice who work together in the OR. It kind of reads like a summery except for the surgical portions which have the most detail. Very disappointing
May 16, 2026
Sweet Slow Burn Story
This is a sweet closed door slow burn romance.. The characters are believable and realistic. I liked that it was a slow burn verses a third act break up. Quick enjoyable read
This is a sweet closed door slow burn romance.. The characters are believable and realistic. I liked that it was a slow burn verses a third act break up. Quick enjoyable read
May 17, 2026
dodging each other
The story went on to long with looks and wanting and neither would talk about their feelings. They were adults. It kind of spoiled it for me. And her debts, and another apartment, where they disappear too and how did she afford it?
I almost gave it a 2.
The story went on to long with looks and wanting and neither would talk about their feelings. They were adults. It kind of spoiled it for me. And her debts, and another apartment, where they disappear too and how did she afford it?
I almost gave it a 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews