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Rivers Edge #4
Protect Me
Nate Stevens loves three things: Work, Family, Women. In that order. Having absolutely no desire to follow in three of his siblings’ footsteps by settling down, Nate lives for his work as a firefighter. That’s why his chance meeting with Lia leaves him unsettled like never before. There’s just something about the beautifully shy and reserved woman that he can’t walk away from.
Run. Hide. Keep moving. That’s exactly what Lia Walker has done for the last nine months. Escaping from her past, Lia continues to move from place to place before finding herself in the small town of Rivers Edge, Missouri. Following a chance encounter with her new boss’ brother, Nate, which leaves Lia feeling confused and vulnerable for the first time in months, Lia has to make a decision: to run or to stay.
When pasts are finally exposed, Nate and Lia find themselves at a crossroads. Nate will do anything to protect Lia from her past, but the question remains: Will Lia let him? When Lia’s past finally catches up with her, will running be the only way to protect the ones they love most in this world?
Run. Hide. Keep moving. That’s exactly what Lia Walker has done for the last nine months. Escaping from her past, Lia continues to move from place to place before finding herself in the small town of Rivers Edge, Missouri. Following a chance encounter with her new boss’ brother, Nate, which leaves Lia feeling confused and vulnerable for the first time in months, Lia has to make a decision: to run or to stay.
When pasts are finally exposed, Nate and Lia find themselves at a crossroads. Nate will do anything to protect Lia from her past, but the question remains: Will Lia let him? When Lia’s past finally catches up with her, will running be the only way to protect the ones they love most in this world?
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2015
143 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Lacey Black
79 books1,467 followersAvid reader, writer, mother, and wife! I love to read contemporary romance. Add in a little "spice" or hot guys in uniform pants, and I'm a happy woman. There's just something about diving into a book and engrossing in the magic of your hero and heroine getting their happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
July 4, 2015
the way Lacey Black described NATE in this book... I will be having firefighter dreams tonight. HOLY LORD!
another great brother in this town of Rivers Edge.
this series is fantastic.
another great brother in this town of Rivers Edge.
this series is fantastic.
October 28, 2017
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4 ½ ★
Another great book in the Rivers Edge series. This book was a bit different and darker than the previous books.
Lia is trying to escape her dark past. But that is easier said than done, even when things are in the past she still relives them in her nightmares. She also is still on a run and in constant fear.
It doesn’t make it any easier when she is starting to fall for Nate and also really enjoys the family that comes with him, something she never had. As mentioned because of her past the book is a bit darker and a bit more suspenseful as the previous books but just as good. I really enjoyed it.
I liked Lia she is strong and never really gave up, even when it seemed like she had. She is also really funny and smart. She was a perfect fit not only for Nate but also for the Stevens Family.
Nate of course had also some issues form his past he had to deal with and I was really kind of surprised to learn what it was. I would have never guessed l knowing him from previous books. I also really enjoyed him, also very funny and smart and protective over not only Lia but everyone he cares about. There was just one moment in the book I wanted to smack him, that he could not figure out what is going on, especially knowing her backstory and everything that was going on. But luckily it past fast.
Again I loved the role the entire Family played in this book. I just can’t get enough of this Family. They are the prefect funny all around great family from next door.
Overall, really loved this book and I can’t wait to read Will’s story in the final full length Rivers Edge book.
I rate it 4 ½ ★
July 4, 2015
5 'ALWAYS TOGETHER' STARS!!
Lacey Black has created an incredible cast of characters in her sexy small town romance series, Rivers Edge. This book, the fourth full length novel of the series, adds a bit more edge, a bit more drama, more suspense and a whole lot more steam to what was already a sexy, steamy, suspenseful series.
Protect Me is the story of Nate Stevens and Lia Walker. Nate is the second oldest brother of the Stevens clan. He's a firefighter, he's a confirmed bachelor and he's the "cool" uncle to his niece and nephews. Lia Walker is a woman running from a frightening past. She longs for a home, a place to belong and roots. But her past is chasing after her, hunting her down, and should it catch up to her, the consequences would be scary and painful.
Nate and Lia are drawn to each other from their first meeting. Like being hit over the head with it, their attraction was instant and electric. They couldn't fight it, they couldn't deny it. But Lia knew she'd be leaving, and Nate knew he'd never be able to give her more. Lia never stays in any place for more than a few months before she moves on, and Nate vowed, after a cruel break up early in his life, that he'd never marry or have children so he wouldn't leave anyone widowed and fatherless because of his career choice.
But what happens when you meet the other half of your soul? What happens when you want what you thought you could never have? What happens when, despite all your plans, vows, and decisions, you can't envision life without that other person? Will Nate and Lia fight for their love?
Lacey Black is such a talented author. It has been a pleasure to watch her talent grow, her writing style becoming richer and more complex, with each addition to this series. This book is her edgiest, sexiest work yet, and she nailed it. I adore this author, I adore this series, and Lacey will always be an auto buy for me. Well done, Lacey!
Lacey Black has created an incredible cast of characters in her sexy small town romance series, Rivers Edge. This book, the fourth full length novel of the series, adds a bit more edge, a bit more drama, more suspense and a whole lot more steam to what was already a sexy, steamy, suspenseful series.
Protect Me is the story of Nate Stevens and Lia Walker. Nate is the second oldest brother of the Stevens clan. He's a firefighter, he's a confirmed bachelor and he's the "cool" uncle to his niece and nephews. Lia Walker is a woman running from a frightening past. She longs for a home, a place to belong and roots. But her past is chasing after her, hunting her down, and should it catch up to her, the consequences would be scary and painful.
Nate and Lia are drawn to each other from their first meeting. Like being hit over the head with it, their attraction was instant and electric. They couldn't fight it, they couldn't deny it. But Lia knew she'd be leaving, and Nate knew he'd never be able to give her more. Lia never stays in any place for more than a few months before she moves on, and Nate vowed, after a cruel break up early in his life, that he'd never marry or have children so he wouldn't leave anyone widowed and fatherless because of his career choice.
But what happens when you meet the other half of your soul? What happens when you want what you thought you could never have? What happens when, despite all your plans, vows, and decisions, you can't envision life without that other person? Will Nate and Lia fight for their love?
Lacey Black is such a talented author. It has been a pleasure to watch her talent grow, her writing style becoming richer and more complex, with each addition to this series. This book is her edgiest, sexiest work yet, and she nailed it. I adore this author, I adore this series, and Lacey will always be an auto buy for me. Well done, Lacey!
July 10, 2015
4.5 stars
December 17, 2025
4.5🌟 I loved thisss!! so precious and very good mix of comedy romance and angst
July 2, 2015
Nate Stevens is a self proclaimed life long bachelor. In his mind, his career as a firefighter doesn't leave him any other choice. He will not leave a woman a widow or children fatherless. He has loved before and it broke him, he won't let that happen again. He dates but nothing serious, and nothing where is his heart is involved. Until a close encounter with a piece of kitchen equipment to his head....
"And it was the face I would always associate with the day my heart was broken beyond repair. The day my dream died along the riverbank with a dozen red roses."
Lia Walker has had a rough go of life. She was born to a teen mother, left with her callous grandfather, and entered an abusive relationship in college. She has been on the run for months now. Determined to never let her past catch up with her, she doesn't allow herself to settle down and make roots anywhere. Until one Nate Stevens sneaks up on her at the bakery she works at in Rivers Edge.
"Freedom. Safety. Roots. That's what I want."
Can Nate overcome his previous heart break and learn to love and trust again? Can he find someone strong enough to handle his career and love him with all she has for as long as they have together? Can Lia learn that she deserves the love of a good man? Can she have her freedom, safety, and roots while having love as well?
This book was amazing! I have read all the books in this series but I think Nate's book struck a little closer to home for me. I loved his protectiveness and his strong will to never give up. I loved watching Lia work through the process of surviving after an abusive relationship. Her thought process was so true to life. Amazing job Lacey!!
"And it was the face I would always associate with the day my heart was broken beyond repair. The day my dream died along the riverbank with a dozen red roses."
Lia Walker has had a rough go of life. She was born to a teen mother, left with her callous grandfather, and entered an abusive relationship in college. She has been on the run for months now. Determined to never let her past catch up with her, she doesn't allow herself to settle down and make roots anywhere. Until one Nate Stevens sneaks up on her at the bakery she works at in Rivers Edge.
"Freedom. Safety. Roots. That's what I want."
Can Nate overcome his previous heart break and learn to love and trust again? Can he find someone strong enough to handle his career and love him with all she has for as long as they have together? Can Lia learn that she deserves the love of a good man? Can she have her freedom, safety, and roots while having love as well?
This book was amazing! I have read all the books in this series but I think Nate's book struck a little closer to home for me. I loved his protectiveness and his strong will to never give up. I loved watching Lia work through the process of surviving after an abusive relationship. Her thought process was so true to life. Amazing job Lacey!!
August 20, 2015
3.25-3.5 RATING- I haven't read any of the other books in this series. Protect Me worked fine as a stand-alone but the supporting characters and the group chemistry probably adds an additional layer to the book that I didn't fully get without being familiar with the other storylines. No big deal but worth a mention.
I liked the book but I tend to love "woman on the run" story lines. The story was cute and sweet with some sexy thrown in. I actually think the book may have been a tad too sweet for some taste but for a filler book, it worked fine for me as a quick read. The hero falls hard and fast and the heroine's trying to get over past abuse while stay safe. It's not original in the least but still my favorite tropes. The writing was okay, not a lot of development, but worked for what it was.
Overall, I liked it. It was average and I don't mean that in a negative way. I'm not sure I'd read more in the series without the books being free or the upcoming book having a blurb that really pulled me in, like this one. And I'd only buy if on sale.
July 2, 2015
Have you ever gotten an Arc and never wanted it to end? You know because you have 5 months before the last book will be out? That's how this book was for me. Nate is a firefighter who was never gonna get married have a family until the broken Lia comes into town and turns his life inside out . Once again Lacey killed this book, well written great story.
July 19, 2015
Another brilliant story
July 16, 2015
Review to come.
March 3, 2016
This series is so good! I love it. I have been reading none stop and each one is good. Love the Stevens brothers and of course, Maddox!
Now on to Will's book!
Now on to Will's book!
December 6, 2017
“You stole my heart from that first moment I met you, and I can’t imagine a life without you.”
Protect me is the fourth book in the Rivers Edge Series and even though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. Told in dual points of view from both Nate and Lia we follow along as another hot Stevens brother gets knocked on his ass by love. I couldn’t put this book down I devoured it in one sitting flipping the pages on my kindle like a maniac until I finished. I love the way Ms. Black writes a story about a main couple but also weaves the characters from the previous books in so we get to catch up with them as well but without taking any glory away from our current duo. Prepare for the same amazing style of writing as the first books packed with steam and the same witty banter we’ve become accustomed to.
“I’ll tell you what, next time you’re in St. Charles, stop by the firehouse and I’ll show you my hat. If you’re a good girl, I’ll even show you my pole. And don’t forget about my hose. I have lots and lots of hose.”
Nate is the solo somewhat reclusive brother of the Stevens brood. He loves his family something fierce but his loyalty to his job as a firemen will always come first in his life, which is why he has vowed to never get serious. Casual dating is all he can handle, never wanting to be married or one day have children of his own he is content in the direction of his life and thinks he has everything all figured out and under control. Until the error of his thought process literally smashes him in the head….
Lia has suffered and endured more than her share of heartache and pain in her young life. Desperate for a life of her own making she is constantly looking over her shoulder and waiting on the anvil to fall. Running from her past she tries her hardest not to get close to anyone or form attachments in any place because everything in her world is temporary.
“You are the reason I was put on this earth, Lia. To love you and protect you. To cherish you and make you smile.”
I loved how Nate never gave up on Lia and he didn’t push her past her comfort zone, he was patient and waited until she was ready to open up. Together they learned from one another and both found things in the other they desperately needed. Love can conquer all and in this story it does and will leave you with a smile on your face long after you finish.
Protect me is the fourth book in the Rivers Edge Series and even though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. Told in dual points of view from both Nate and Lia we follow along as another hot Stevens brother gets knocked on his ass by love. I couldn’t put this book down I devoured it in one sitting flipping the pages on my kindle like a maniac until I finished. I love the way Ms. Black writes a story about a main couple but also weaves the characters from the previous books in so we get to catch up with them as well but without taking any glory away from our current duo. Prepare for the same amazing style of writing as the first books packed with steam and the same witty banter we’ve become accustomed to.
“I’ll tell you what, next time you’re in St. Charles, stop by the firehouse and I’ll show you my hat. If you’re a good girl, I’ll even show you my pole. And don’t forget about my hose. I have lots and lots of hose.”
Nate is the solo somewhat reclusive brother of the Stevens brood. He loves his family something fierce but his loyalty to his job as a firemen will always come first in his life, which is why he has vowed to never get serious. Casual dating is all he can handle, never wanting to be married or one day have children of his own he is content in the direction of his life and thinks he has everything all figured out and under control. Until the error of his thought process literally smashes him in the head….
Lia has suffered and endured more than her share of heartache and pain in her young life. Desperate for a life of her own making she is constantly looking over her shoulder and waiting on the anvil to fall. Running from her past she tries her hardest not to get close to anyone or form attachments in any place because everything in her world is temporary.
“You are the reason I was put on this earth, Lia. To love you and protect you. To cherish you and make you smile.”
I loved how Nate never gave up on Lia and he didn’t push her past her comfort zone, he was patient and waited until she was ready to open up. Together they learned from one another and both found things in the other they desperately needed. Love can conquer all and in this story it does and will leave you with a smile on your face long after you finish.
February 7, 2017
I was so looking forward to reading this book because who doesn't like a sexy hot fire fighter? Sadly it just didn't do it for me. I felt like the story just dragged and I had a hard time keeping interested.
Yes, I LOVED Nate and how he is with his family, especially his nieces and nephews. As for Lia I didn't care one way or the other. She just didn't interest me at all.
Things that really confused me in this book was when Nate and Lia were out to dinner and he asked her to go to Jake & Erin's wedding and she said she does't date. OKAY, weren't that out on a dinner date? Not the first one either. So that was confusing.
Then when Nate keeping bringing up Jill, over and over and still no explanation as to what that was about unitl half way through the book.
I also don't get why authors have these situations where the girl has ran away from an abusive relationship and then when the guy gets caught they never explain what happens to them. Especially when they are rich and money can get them out of anything. It feels like an ending that was incomplete. Left feeling to much left out and the story isn't finished.
Very disappointed.
Yes, I LOVED Nate and how he is with his family, especially his nieces and nephews. As for Lia I didn't care one way or the other. She just didn't interest me at all.
Things that really confused me in this book was when Nate and Lia were out to dinner and he asked her to go to Jake & Erin's wedding and she said she does't date. OKAY, weren't that out on a dinner date? Not the first one either. So that was confusing.
Then when Nate keeping bringing up Jill, over and over and still no explanation as to what that was about unitl half way through the book.
I also don't get why authors have these situations where the girl has ran away from an abusive relationship and then when the guy gets caught they never explain what happens to them. Especially when they are rich and money can get them out of anything. It feels like an ending that was incomplete. Left feeling to much left out and the story isn't finished.
Very disappointed.
February 22, 2021
I loved this so much!!!
I absolutely loved this one!! Nate and Lia’s story has become my new favorite in this series so far!! These two had that all consuming love and passion for each other and you could truly feel it. It was so well written. I loved every word. (Well except the horrible things that Lia lived through in her past). But Nate and Lia truly have an amazing love story!! I also can’t get enough of the Stevens family.
I absolutely loved this one!! Nate and Lia’s story has become my new favorite in this series so far!! These two had that all consuming love and passion for each other and you could truly feel it. It was so well written. I loved every word. (Well except the horrible things that Lia lived through in her past). But Nate and Lia truly have an amazing love story!! I also can’t get enough of the Stevens family.
October 11, 2019
5 stars
I think protect me is my favourite of the series so far! It's filled to the brim with heart stopping drama. Lia has had the worst life before arriving in rivers edge and you just want things to get better for her so badly.
I found her so relatable and strong. She keeps fighting and never gives up.
I am loving watching these people falling in love and healing together.
I think protect me is my favourite of the series so far! It's filled to the brim with heart stopping drama. Lia has had the worst life before arriving in rivers edge and you just want things to get better for her so badly.
I found her so relatable and strong. She keeps fighting and never gives up.
I am loving watching these people falling in love and healing together.
January 5, 2020
Wow! I actually felt Lia’s fear through every page. Very gripping and such a beautiful story Lacey. Different to the other rivers edge ones and not my typical 5 star read but the fact that you were able to put across that fear so well and the beautiful story means it so it deserving.
May 5, 2020
Nate couldn't be any more perfect for Lia... I fell in love with them all over again. He's just what she needs to escape her past, she's just what he needs to learn he deserves everything he's ever wanted
December 21, 2022
An amazing, well written book. Love Nate and Lia’s romance story. Their story was a very emotional one. Loved reading about how Lia and Nate first met. This book was also filled with twists and turns as Lia has to navigate the abuse that she had to endure. Worth the read
September 7, 2018
Absolutely love Lie and Hate! There relationship started with a bang and never slowed down! I highly recommend this story
November 26, 2018
Amazing story of breaking through the hurt of your past. Not everyone has a happy beginning but we all deserve a happy ending.
April 24, 2019
One of my favorites by Lacey Black! So good
May 3, 2022
3.5 out of 5 Stars
Protect Me is book 4 in the Rivers Edge Series. I liked Protect Me and can't wait to continue with the series. I loved Lia and Nate.
Protect Me is book 4 in the Rivers Edge Series. I liked Protect Me and can't wait to continue with the series. I loved Lia and Nate.
April 16, 2024
Really enjoyed this read!
December 6, 2025
LOVED IT!
This book had me from the preview! I knew it was going to be so good, and Ms Lacey did not disappoint!😘 Can't wait for the next book in the series!
This book had me from the preview! I knew it was going to be so good, and Ms Lacey did not disappoint!😘 Can't wait for the next book in the series!
March 2, 2017
(Lia and Nate):
Nate Stevens loves three things: Work, Family, Women. In that order. Having absolutely no desire to follow in three of his siblings footsteps by settling down, Nate lives for his work as a firefighter. That's why his chance meeting with Lia leaves him unsettled like never before. There's just something about the beautifully shy and reserved woman that he can't walk away from.
Run. Hide. Keep moving. That's exactly what Lia Walker has done for the last nine months.
Escaping from the past, Lia continues to move from place to place before finding herself in the small town of Rivers Edge, Missouri. Following a chance encounter with her new boss' brother, Nate, which leaves Lia feeling confused and vulnerable for the first time in months, Lia has to make a decision: to run away or to stay.
When pasts are finally exposed, Nate and Lia find themselves at a crossroads. Nate will do anything to protect Lia from her past, but the question remains: Will Lia let him? When Lia's past finally catches up with her, will running be the only way to protect the ones they love most in the world?
She looks out over the water, reflections of the moonlight dancing on the still water, and stares at the sign in the dirt. It's illuminated by the moonlight and while it's dark outside, you can clearly read the four letters on the realtor sign. SOLD.
"What's that?" she whispers as she stares at the sign.
"That's the property I purchased. It's adjacent to this property on the opposite side of the creek and has eighteen acres of timber along the creek bank. It also has a small clearing about fifty yards away that, with a little help, can be cleared out further for a house. A house I want to build for us. Our home. I want us to build a home and start our lives together."
"You want to build a house?" she whispers.
"I want us to build a home together because you are all I want for the rest of my life." I turn her back around and drop down on one knee.
Yeah, I lied. I actually have two questions for her to answer.
"Lia, you entered my life with a bang - literally. You stole my heart from that first moment I met you, and I can't imagine a life without you. We've been through so much together in a few short months, and I want to spend the rest of my life enjoying those moments. Together. At one time, I never wanted any of this, but now, it's all I want. I promise to love and protect you for the rest of my life. Lia, will you marry me?"
"Yes. Yes to both!"
"So, you're going to marry me and we're going to build a house. Together."
"Together. Always together."
I will forever hold her in my arms, protecting her with everything I have, until my last breath. And if that happens tomorrow in five or fifty years from now, from old age, I want Lia to know that she's my everything. I will spend every day that I have proving it to her.
She's my life.
She's my dream.
And I will protect her until the day I die.
Forever.
Nate Stevens loves three things: Work, Family, Women. In that order. Having absolutely no desire to follow in three of his siblings footsteps by settling down, Nate lives for his work as a firefighter. That's why his chance meeting with Lia leaves him unsettled like never before. There's just something about the beautifully shy and reserved woman that he can't walk away from.
Run. Hide. Keep moving. That's exactly what Lia Walker has done for the last nine months.
Escaping from the past, Lia continues to move from place to place before finding herself in the small town of Rivers Edge, Missouri. Following a chance encounter with her new boss' brother, Nate, which leaves Lia feeling confused and vulnerable for the first time in months, Lia has to make a decision: to run away or to stay.
When pasts are finally exposed, Nate and Lia find themselves at a crossroads. Nate will do anything to protect Lia from her past, but the question remains: Will Lia let him? When Lia's past finally catches up with her, will running be the only way to protect the ones they love most in the world?
She looks out over the water, reflections of the moonlight dancing on the still water, and stares at the sign in the dirt. It's illuminated by the moonlight and while it's dark outside, you can clearly read the four letters on the realtor sign. SOLD.
"What's that?" she whispers as she stares at the sign.
"That's the property I purchased. It's adjacent to this property on the opposite side of the creek and has eighteen acres of timber along the creek bank. It also has a small clearing about fifty yards away that, with a little help, can be cleared out further for a house. A house I want to build for us. Our home. I want us to build a home and start our lives together."
"You want to build a house?" she whispers.
"I want us to build a home together because you are all I want for the rest of my life." I turn her back around and drop down on one knee.
Yeah, I lied. I actually have two questions for her to answer.
"Lia, you entered my life with a bang - literally. You stole my heart from that first moment I met you, and I can't imagine a life without you. We've been through so much together in a few short months, and I want to spend the rest of my life enjoying those moments. Together. At one time, I never wanted any of this, but now, it's all I want. I promise to love and protect you for the rest of my life. Lia, will you marry me?"
"Yes. Yes to both!"
"So, you're going to marry me and we're going to build a house. Together."
"Together. Always together."
I will forever hold her in my arms, protecting her with everything I have, until my last breath. And if that happens tomorrow in five or fifty years from now, from old age, I want Lia to know that she's my everything. I will spend every day that I have proving it to her.
She's my life.
She's my dream.
And I will protect her until the day I die.
Forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2017
I was lucky enough to beta read for Lacey once again. I get so excited to get my hands on the novel and help her with the process. I just love this series so much because each couple has their own unique story but always have the family involved including the cute little kiddos.
Lia is determined to leave her old life behind and start a new one even if that means she has to move around the country for the rest of her life. She will do anything to get away from her very connected and abusive husband. When she lands in Rivers Edge, she finds a job at the bakery and one morning she has a run-in with the ever so sexy Nate Stevens before the bakery opens...
Bam! That is what Nate hears when he walks in the back doors of his mom and sister's bakery. He is down for the count. But when he comes to he sees the most beautiful woman looking at him with worry and regret. And this is also the start of something new...
Lia and Nate just click right away but he can sense that she is hiding a past. He doesn't want to push her into talking about it but makes sure she knows he will protect her without even hearing her backstory.
Nate and Lia have everything going to make an epic relationship except they are both holding back. Nate is a fireman and because of his dangerous career he doesn't want to get married and have kids for them to just become a widow and fatherless. And Lia knows she will have to leave Rivers Edge after a few months to move onto the next city or town to stay hidden from her husband. She knows he won't stop until he has her back.
Nate and Lia have never felt the love or chemistry they have found with each other. Ever. Lia has never felt like she was part of a family either and The Stevens have given her that and she is heartbroken to know she will not only have to let Nate go but his family too.
I love Nate and Lia! He is a sexy, funny and sweet fireman and Lia is strong, sweet and caring and together they are amazing! Their chemistry is crazy sexy and they way they blend in other ways is awesome. But, can they get past their fears and move on together? Will Lia's husband find her?
I know there is one more brother that needs a story of his own and I can't wait to read it!
Quotes:
I see the questions, the challenge, the fear, and the heat - all there within those magnificent eyes.
It’s uncontrollable and that’s what confuses me the most. I like control. I like order. Lia makes me want to throw both of those out the damn window.
“I’ll tell you what, next time you’re in St. Charles, stop by the firehouse and I’ll show you my hat.” I lean closer, my mouth just a whisper away from her ear. I can smell the flowers in her shampoo and the sweetness of her lotion. “If you’re a good girl, I’ll even show you my pole.”
Lia is determined to leave her old life behind and start a new one even if that means she has to move around the country for the rest of her life. She will do anything to get away from her very connected and abusive husband. When she lands in Rivers Edge, she finds a job at the bakery and one morning she has a run-in with the ever so sexy Nate Stevens before the bakery opens...
Bam! That is what Nate hears when he walks in the back doors of his mom and sister's bakery. He is down for the count. But when he comes to he sees the most beautiful woman looking at him with worry and regret. And this is also the start of something new...
Lia and Nate just click right away but he can sense that she is hiding a past. He doesn't want to push her into talking about it but makes sure she knows he will protect her without even hearing her backstory.
Nate and Lia have everything going to make an epic relationship except they are both holding back. Nate is a fireman and because of his dangerous career he doesn't want to get married and have kids for them to just become a widow and fatherless. And Lia knows she will have to leave Rivers Edge after a few months to move onto the next city or town to stay hidden from her husband. She knows he won't stop until he has her back.
Nate and Lia have never felt the love or chemistry they have found with each other. Ever. Lia has never felt like she was part of a family either and The Stevens have given her that and she is heartbroken to know she will not only have to let Nate go but his family too.
I love Nate and Lia! He is a sexy, funny and sweet fireman and Lia is strong, sweet and caring and together they are amazing! Their chemistry is crazy sexy and they way they blend in other ways is awesome. But, can they get past their fears and move on together? Will Lia's husband find her?
I know there is one more brother that needs a story of his own and I can't wait to read it!
Quotes:
I see the questions, the challenge, the fear, and the heat - all there within those magnificent eyes.
It’s uncontrollable and that’s what confuses me the most. I like control. I like order. Lia makes me want to throw both of those out the damn window.
“I’ll tell you what, next time you’re in St. Charles, stop by the firehouse and I’ll show you my hat.” I lean closer, my mouth just a whisper away from her ear. I can smell the flowers in her shampoo and the sweetness of her lotion. “If you’re a good girl, I’ll even show you my pole.”
July 30, 2015
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Brought to Rivers Edge by chance or fate, Lia Walker is running from a life that would have left her dead emotionally or physically.
I love this series, and am a fan of the family led types of books. Especially when each has its own HEA and then continue on to the next book. I love how Lacey Black keeps these Stevens' men considerate, generous and loving all while maintaining that Alpha male integrity. I can't wait to read Will's story, Boss Me, due out in October 2015!!!
Brought to Rivers Edge by chance or fate, Lia Walker is running from a life that would have left her dead emotionally or physically.
In this fourth edition of the Rivers Edge series, Protect Me; Nate, our hunky and hot fireman is front and center! Nate like Jake, has floated through life with only his career as his main focus with the ladies as a secondary thought. After a teenage love fell apart for him because of his career and their inherent risks, Nate decides its best that he not engage anything long term. But like his other brothers, sometimes the right girl comes along and sets fire to your preconceived notions.
Lia is just passing through. Too much time in one place leads to being found. Passing through means not getting close to anyone either, but The Stevens' family aren't just anyone. Landing a job working for Avery leads to an interesting meeting between Lia & Nate. What started with a spark quickly grew into a Five alarm fire between the two. Nate is the embodiment of safety for Lia, and she slowly lowers her walls and lets him in. But the monster is still out there and Lia must eventually deal with him, but not at the expense of hurting those she's fallen in love with and consider family.
I love this series, and am a fan of the family led types of books. Especially when each has its own HEA and then continue on to the next book. I love how Lacey Black keeps these Stevens' men considerate, generous and loving all while maintaining that Alpha male integrity. I can't wait to read Will's story, Boss Me, due out in October 2015!!!
July 22, 2015
If you didn’t think you could fall more in love with a Rivers Edge hero more than Maddox, Jake, Travis, and Jase, wait until you meet Nate Stevens! He will make you swoon and sigh, as well as laugh and cry. This book had a little bit of everything (humor, romance, suspense, heat, angst) that makes up a good romance novel, and the story was perfectly paced.
This book is a little darker and more suspenseful than the earlier books in the series. It starts with a glimpse into the heroine’s past, 9 months prior. Lia endures significant trauma and pain to escape, and in order to be free, she assumes a new identity, never letting anyone get too close, and a life on the run. Even if she could allow herself to trust another man, falling in love could put him in danger if her past catches up to her.
Having his heart broken at a young age by his first love Jill, Nate has dedicated himself to his dream job of firefighting, while only casually dating and steering clear of committed relationships. With his dangerous line of work, he can’t stand the possibility of leaving a family behind if something happened to him.
Before they even have a chance to get together (and what a fun meeting they have!), there are obstacles that both have to overcome if they ever want to open their hearts to someone. Their chemistry is instantaneous, but will their growing feelings be strong enough to defeat each other’s demons? Lia wants to open her heart to Nate. Her head tells her that maybe she should walk away and find the strength to keep Nate and his family safe from her dangerous ex, while her heart tells her that she just can’t do it. OH, THE FEELS!!!!!!!!!
This book is a little darker and more suspenseful than the earlier books in the series. It starts with a glimpse into the heroine’s past, 9 months prior. Lia endures significant trauma and pain to escape, and in order to be free, she assumes a new identity, never letting anyone get too close, and a life on the run. Even if she could allow herself to trust another man, falling in love could put him in danger if her past catches up to her.
Having his heart broken at a young age by his first love Jill, Nate has dedicated himself to his dream job of firefighting, while only casually dating and steering clear of committed relationships. With his dangerous line of work, he can’t stand the possibility of leaving a family behind if something happened to him.
Before they even have a chance to get together (and what a fun meeting they have!), there are obstacles that both have to overcome if they ever want to open their hearts to someone. Their chemistry is instantaneous, but will their growing feelings be strong enough to defeat each other’s demons? Lia wants to open her heart to Nate. Her head tells her that maybe she should walk away and find the strength to keep Nate and his family safe from her dangerous ex, while her heart tells her that she just can’t do it. OH, THE FEELS!!!!!!!!!
February 18, 2017
4th brother Nate and Lia. They meet in his sister Avery's bakery. She hired Lia to help. Lia is new in town, on the run and hiding from a vey abusive boyfriend. Mate becomes very protective and Lia shares her secret. Wonderful live story.
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