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Men of Millbrook Lake #2
Her Holiday Protector: A Contemporary Christmas Romance
THE WRONG TARGET
While investigating a murder at Rikki Allen's house, detective Blain Kent realizes the victim looks a lot like Rikki. Could the secretive widow have been the target? He wants answers, but Rikki is unusually cagey. When the killer comes after Rikki at a safe location, Blain finally gets the truth out of her: she's the daughter of Franco Alvanetti—the notorious crime kingpin. A by-the-book former marine, Blain has made it his life mission to put the Alvanetti family out of business. Yet he has to trust Rikki to protect her from a killer who wants her dead by Christmas.
Men of Millbrook Lake: Four men find love and family
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
About the author
Lenora Worth
275 books397 followersLenora Worth has written 75 books for three different publishers. She reached a milestone when she received her 50th book pin from Harlequin. Her books have won both regional and national awards and she now has millions of books in print and is a NY Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Currently she is writing both Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense and Tule Publishing. Married to her childhood sweetheart, Lenora has two grown children and lives in Florida.
Pen name: Lenora Nazworth
Pen name: Lenora Nazworth
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 20, 2026
Solid romantic suspense. Great characters.
June 9, 2021
Suspense at its best. This book is both scary and action packed. I was totally and completely drawn into this story from the first chapter where someone gets murdered because of a mistaken identity. I found it to be an unpredictable adventure. I loved the characters that I’ve come to know from reading other books in the Men of Millbrook Lake series.
Detective Blain Kent works for the Millbrook Lake Police Department . He gets called in to investigate a murder of a young woman know as Tessa. He meets Rikki Alvanetti who owns the lake front townhouse where the murder took place. He notices that the victim and Rikki look very much alike. Could this have been a Murder of mistaken identity? If so will the killer return and strike again until they take out Rikki too?
Romance is a part of this story when the Detective becomes Rikki’s protector . They spend a lot of time together as they try to follow up leads on who murdered Tessa. They don’t have much in common since Rikki comes from a wealthy family and Blain Kent is from the working class. Will the feelings they share for one another be enough to overcome their differences?
I recommend this book to readers of the suspense genre or readers of Love Inspired Suspense.
I borrowed a copy from the digital library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
Detective Blain Kent works for the Millbrook Lake Police Department . He gets called in to investigate a murder of a young woman know as Tessa. He meets Rikki Alvanetti who owns the lake front townhouse where the murder took place. He notices that the victim and Rikki look very much alike. Could this have been a Murder of mistaken identity? If so will the killer return and strike again until they take out Rikki too?
Romance is a part of this story when the Detective becomes Rikki’s protector . They spend a lot of time together as they try to follow up leads on who murdered Tessa. They don’t have much in common since Rikki comes from a wealthy family and Blain Kent is from the working class. Will the feelings they share for one another be enough to overcome their differences?
I recommend this book to readers of the suspense genre or readers of Love Inspired Suspense.
I borrowed a copy from the digital library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
October 13, 2015
A murder to investigate, a crime family in turmoil, will there be peace by the holidays?
The story starts off with an intensity that I loved. The murder investigation is a complex one, since the lack of evidence. The attempts towards Rikki continue through the story, but mainly because she keeps putting herself into the danger zone, by not listening to the law enforcement, to stay put, to stay safe. And she does it several times, not learning anything from her past mistakes. Frustrating!
The murder mystery had some twists in it, and I have to admit, the ending was surprising, that rarely happens.
The Alvanetti family had gone through a change, that was hard to believe or accept by all. Even harder was the acceptance of the fact, that a detective was romantically involved with a famous crime family princess, but Rikki and Blain are determined to make it work.
I love the Love Inspired Suspense stories, because the suspense is often very intense, the crime not easily solved, the romance is sweet and 'clean', not so much on the center stage of the story, and the characters base their life of faith in God.
Even though this story is not as intense as most, but more focused on collecting evidence and the dysfunctions of the Alvanetti family, it is a great story, with shocking revelations at the end
~ Three Spoons
The story starts off with an intensity that I loved. The murder investigation is a complex one, since the lack of evidence. The attempts towards Rikki continue through the story, but mainly because she keeps putting herself into the danger zone, by not listening to the law enforcement, to stay put, to stay safe. And she does it several times, not learning anything from her past mistakes. Frustrating!
The murder mystery had some twists in it, and I have to admit, the ending was surprising, that rarely happens.
The Alvanetti family had gone through a change, that was hard to believe or accept by all. Even harder was the acceptance of the fact, that a detective was romantically involved with a famous crime family princess, but Rikki and Blain are determined to make it work.
I love the Love Inspired Suspense stories, because the suspense is often very intense, the crime not easily solved, the romance is sweet and 'clean', not so much on the center stage of the story, and the characters base their life of faith in God.
Even though this story is not as intense as most, but more focused on collecting evidence and the dysfunctions of the Alvanetti family, it is a great story, with shocking revelations at the end
~ Three Spoons
August 29, 2015
This novel is suspense, mystery, romance all in a Christmas season package. It took me until the end of the book to figure out who the murderer is. This fact is always happy because it means the book has a few twists.
I tremendously enjoyed both of the main characters. They are intelligent, honest, trying to do the right thing, and not whiny (yay). I thought the author did well showing how people's judgement can be wrong. The supporting characters are also nicely done.
I give this 5 solid stars for a book which held my interest completely until the end.
Rating: 5 Stars
Content: kissing, moderate violence, a bit of religious reference
Source: Netgalley
I tremendously enjoyed both of the main characters. They are intelligent, honest, trying to do the right thing, and not whiny (yay). I thought the author did well showing how people's judgement can be wrong. The supporting characters are also nicely done.
I give this 5 solid stars for a book which held my interest completely until the end.
Rating: 5 Stars
Content: kissing, moderate violence, a bit of religious reference
Source: Netgalley
December 16, 2024
Homigosh, where to *e.v.e.n* begin...!
Let's start with Chapter three. Rikki's bestie was murdered... but we're assured "she's in Heaven", now. Nevermind that scripturally, Heaven isn't open for business. I always love when we start out with that particular false dogma in an 'inspiring' book.
Then we have the nonsense writing: "Rikki had two big brothers, one married and one divorced, depending which brother and which day, and several nieces and nephews, and a whole slew of aunts and uncles. A network of people who loved her in spite of how she'd abandoned all of them."
THEY ARE A C.R.I.M.E. FAMILY!!!!!
Why is this supposed to be reassuring to her?!
She LEFT them because THEY ARE VERY BAD PEOPLE!!!
Not to mention the crime of that sentence. GAH... the 'and's in that one should've made Worth's editor spit her coffee out. Unless it was Melissa Endlich, who doesn't bother to read her author's manuscripts, just soak up the veneer of praise for her 'quiet quit' non-efforts.
What's REALLY fun is that Blain (<< "BLAINE!? Wha-what is that? A kitchen appliance?") doesn't know Rikki Allen is part of the Alvanetti crime family until page 53, but Worth has him hoping 'Rikki Alvanetti' stays put until he gets to her back on page 48.
WHERE. IS. THE. EDITOR?!?!?!?!
Or the author's BRAIN, for that matter???
Moving on:
"If Chad shows up at my family's compound,
they'll probably kill him, too."
"You think your family killed Tessa?"
"No. I was married once, to Drake Allen.
He died six months after we eloped."
"You think your family 'took care of' him?"
"I didn't say that."
(((((((((( S.I.G.H. )))))))))
Bad, stupid, sloppy, awful, crap writing.
That's what this is.
"I'm not like them, Blain. I got away and started my *own* life, on my *own* terms," our heroine says.
As she's on the run from Chad, the boyfriend from her *own* life, who has made death threats to her, isn't afraid of her CRIME BOSS DADDY or CRIME FAMILY... and may have murdered her best friend. But oh, hey, she's doing GREAT! She's back in her daddy's compound after 'leaving' the family for good, right? AmIright?
The lack of brain cells on these pages was K.I.L.L.I.N.G. me.
DNF. It's the only thing to do in a case like this.
At page 58. And even that was too much.
Let's start with Chapter three. Rikki's bestie was murdered... but we're assured "she's in Heaven", now. Nevermind that scripturally, Heaven isn't open for business. I always love when we start out with that particular false dogma in an 'inspiring' book.
Then we have the nonsense writing: "Rikki had two big brothers, one married and one divorced, depending which brother and which day, and several nieces and nephews, and a whole slew of aunts and uncles. A network of people who loved her in spite of how she'd abandoned all of them."
THEY ARE A C.R.I.M.E. FAMILY!!!!!
Why is this supposed to be reassuring to her?!
She LEFT them because THEY ARE VERY BAD PEOPLE!!!
Not to mention the crime of that sentence. GAH... the 'and's in that one should've made Worth's editor spit her coffee out. Unless it was Melissa Endlich, who doesn't bother to read her author's manuscripts, just soak up the veneer of praise for her 'quiet quit' non-efforts.
What's REALLY fun is that Blain (<< "BLAINE!? Wha-what is that? A kitchen appliance?") doesn't know Rikki Allen is part of the Alvanetti crime family until page 53, but Worth has him hoping 'Rikki Alvanetti' stays put until he gets to her back on page 48.
WHERE. IS. THE. EDITOR?!?!?!?!
Or the author's BRAIN, for that matter???
Moving on:
"If Chad shows up at my family's compound,
they'll probably kill him, too."
"You think your family killed Tessa?"
"No. I was married once, to Drake Allen.
He died six months after we eloped."
"You think your family 'took care of' him?"
"I didn't say that."
(((((((((( S.I.G.H. )))))))))
Bad, stupid, sloppy, awful, crap writing.
That's what this is.
"I'm not like them, Blain. I got away and started my *own* life, on my *own* terms," our heroine says.
As she's on the run from Chad, the boyfriend from her *own* life, who has made death threats to her, isn't afraid of her CRIME BOSS DADDY or CRIME FAMILY... and may have murdered her best friend. But oh, hey, she's doing GREAT! She's back in her daddy's compound after 'leaving' the family for good, right? AmIright?
The lack of brain cells on these pages was K.I.L.L.I.N.G. me.
DNF. It's the only thing to do in a case like this.
At page 58. And even that was too much.
September 5, 2018
Another crime to solve and a family who may change sides.
January 4, 2021
A quick suspenseful read. Heartbreaking and frustrating, especially when the leading lady doesn't want to listen, but if she did, we probably wouldn't have a story.
July 15, 2022
Ok. Typical book.
January 28, 2024
An overall enjoyable read that held my interest and had many twists (maybe a couple too many as it got a bit muddy a couple of times). Will be reading more from this author in the future.
August 11, 2017
I love romantic suspense books set around the holidays it makes everything so much better! I really enjoyed both of the main characters and I really wasn't expecting that ending. This book is full of drama, suspense, forgiveness, and action! Definitely a must read for any romantic suspense lovers!
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
January 17, 2016
4 1/2
Rikki Allen hasn't had much to do with her family because she didn't like the family business. Her father is well known as a big crime boss. When she returns home to visit her ailing mother and catch up with her best friend, she walks in to find her best friend dead. Blain Kent was out walking after Thanksgiving dinner and thinking about the strained relationship with his father when he hears a gun shot and a woman's scream. While investigating what happened, he realizes the victim looks a lot like the woman he's helping. Blain suggests he take her some place safe and when she gives him the address, he realizes that she's the daughter of Franco Alvanetti, the well-known crime boss. Blain has wanted to take down the Alvanetti family for a long time but now it’s become complicated. He not only has to protect Rikki but he finds himself developing feelings for her and she for him. Before they explore anything further they need to figure out why someone wants Rikki dead.
This was one of those stories that once you pick it up it's hard to put down. It starts off with a bang, literally, and from there you'll find yourself trying to solve the crime right along with Blain and Rikki. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them. Blain was a very upright guy who lived by high code of ethics. Though he's a little head strong, he's someone I would definitely want on my side. I really liked Rikki. She was a down-to-earth kind of gal who desired to live a simple life. She's someone who liked investing in people and tried to believe the best about them. You'll find the faith element in the story to be very natural to the characters which I appreciated. The twist at the end caught me by surprise which always enhances the story for me. Although this is a holiday themed story it's one you could really be read any time during the year. If you enjoy a good fast-paced mystery complete with likable characters, romance, and an unexpected twist, then I would definitely recommend Her Holiday Protector.
*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
A favorite quote:
"Rikki could feel the heat from his body. If she moved a few inches closer, she could reach out and kiss Blain. He must have felt the same way. She saw a flare of awareness in his eyes and then - And then the echo of a gun blast shattered the countryside and scared the horses into a frenzied dance. Blain did pull her close."
For more information about this book or other books by Lenora Worth I encourage you to visit her website at www.lenoraworth.com
Rikki Allen hasn't had much to do with her family because she didn't like the family business. Her father is well known as a big crime boss. When she returns home to visit her ailing mother and catch up with her best friend, she walks in to find her best friend dead. Blain Kent was out walking after Thanksgiving dinner and thinking about the strained relationship with his father when he hears a gun shot and a woman's scream. While investigating what happened, he realizes the victim looks a lot like the woman he's helping. Blain suggests he take her some place safe and when she gives him the address, he realizes that she's the daughter of Franco Alvanetti, the well-known crime boss. Blain has wanted to take down the Alvanetti family for a long time but now it’s become complicated. He not only has to protect Rikki but he finds himself developing feelings for her and she for him. Before they explore anything further they need to figure out why someone wants Rikki dead.
This was one of those stories that once you pick it up it's hard to put down. It starts off with a bang, literally, and from there you'll find yourself trying to solve the crime right along with Blain and Rikki. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them. Blain was a very upright guy who lived by high code of ethics. Though he's a little head strong, he's someone I would definitely want on my side. I really liked Rikki. She was a down-to-earth kind of gal who desired to live a simple life. She's someone who liked investing in people and tried to believe the best about them. You'll find the faith element in the story to be very natural to the characters which I appreciated. The twist at the end caught me by surprise which always enhances the story for me. Although this is a holiday themed story it's one you could really be read any time during the year. If you enjoy a good fast-paced mystery complete with likable characters, romance, and an unexpected twist, then I would definitely recommend Her Holiday Protector.
*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
A favorite quote:
"Rikki could feel the heat from his body. If she moved a few inches closer, she could reach out and kiss Blain. He must have felt the same way. She saw a flare of awareness in his eyes and then - And then the echo of a gun blast shattered the countryside and scared the horses into a frenzied dance. Blain did pull her close."
For more information about this book or other books by Lenora Worth I encourage you to visit her website at www.lenoraworth.com
September 27, 2015
Since she's been back a couple of unfortunate events keep occurring around Rikki. Blain is the man on the job to find out to investigate the murder and to keep Rikki safe since it seems that she may be connected to whatever is going on. Being that Rikki's father was notorious with crimes in the past her family's name has been smeared and it doesn't look good for her. But with the attraction that is going on can Blain look past that to the who she really is and find a way to catch the killer who is after her?
So apparently there is a book before this one and I didn't know it until I started to write this review and noticed it. That goes to say that this book is a standalone so trust me you won't miss a thing! But I would recommend checking out the previous book because with how this book turned out I'll be sure to put the book on my tbr list.
Onto the content of the book. I really loved it, there was so much going on from the very start of the book. This book is clean so it might appeal to many of you readers out there. There was so much drama and mystery going on keeping the readers on their toes. I both loved and hated Rikki sometimes in the book, I couldn't help but thing why would you do your normal routine if your life's in danger. But then again shes a strong willed independent women who got things to do and wants to keep her head straight by sticking to her routine. I loved the relationship between Rikki and Blain. I loved that they both had their point of view being shown in this book which made me love the characters all the more. The storyline was interesting and this book was very well written. I really loved and enjoyed this book.
Highly Recommend!
So apparently there is a book before this one and I didn't know it until I started to write this review and noticed it. That goes to say that this book is a standalone so trust me you won't miss a thing! But I would recommend checking out the previous book because with how this book turned out I'll be sure to put the book on my tbr list.
Onto the content of the book. I really loved it, there was so much going on from the very start of the book. This book is clean so it might appeal to many of you readers out there. There was so much drama and mystery going on keeping the readers on their toes. I both loved and hated Rikki sometimes in the book, I couldn't help but thing why would you do your normal routine if your life's in danger. But then again shes a strong willed independent women who got things to do and wants to keep her head straight by sticking to her routine. I loved the relationship between Rikki and Blain. I loved that they both had their point of view being shown in this book which made me love the characters all the more. The storyline was interesting and this book was very well written. I really loved and enjoyed this book.
Highly Recommend!
August 29, 2015
I continue to be impressed with the Love Inspired Suspense line of books. For such relatively short books, the authors do a fabulous job of packing them full of action and romance! Her Holiday Protector falls right in line.
Blain and Rikki have an amazing chemistry. I very much enjoyed watching them banter and bicker and fall in love – all while trying to keep Rikki alive, of course, because someone IS trying to kill her. The family dynamics added a nice depth of emotion to the story as well, amid the suspense-induced tension. In fact, one of the characters (I can’t say which one or I’ll spoil things) really grew on me as the book progressed! I’m actually wondering/hoping if maybe this person will get his/her own story eventually.
The only fault I can find with Her Holiday Protector is that sometimes there was just so much going on that it got a bit overwhelming. Especially when you factor in the shorter length of a Love Inspired novel. And maybe part of it strayed a teensy bit over into the “farfetched” range. But hey, this is fiction, after all, and a little “farfetched” in a suspense novel never hurt anyone. Except maybe the characters ;)
Bottom Line: The suspense will keep you riveted, the romance will leave you grinning, and the characters will have you wanting more time with them. A nice, quick read that certainly doesn’t sacrifice on quality, Her Holiday Protector is perfect for fans of romantic suspense.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Blain and Rikki have an amazing chemistry. I very much enjoyed watching them banter and bicker and fall in love – all while trying to keep Rikki alive, of course, because someone IS trying to kill her. The family dynamics added a nice depth of emotion to the story as well, amid the suspense-induced tension. In fact, one of the characters (I can’t say which one or I’ll spoil things) really grew on me as the book progressed! I’m actually wondering/hoping if maybe this person will get his/her own story eventually.
The only fault I can find with Her Holiday Protector is that sometimes there was just so much going on that it got a bit overwhelming. Especially when you factor in the shorter length of a Love Inspired novel. And maybe part of it strayed a teensy bit over into the “farfetched” range. But hey, this is fiction, after all, and a little “farfetched” in a suspense novel never hurt anyone. Except maybe the characters ;)
Bottom Line: The suspense will keep you riveted, the romance will leave you grinning, and the characters will have you wanting more time with them. A nice, quick read that certainly doesn’t sacrifice on quality, Her Holiday Protector is perfect for fans of romantic suspense.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
October 6, 2015
3 STARS
Full of suspense, drama , action. It is hard to know who to trust until the very end. It is a clean read. It is good but at times confusing about who is doing what and why.
Rikki Allen comes home to her townhouse in time to hear a shot and someone run out of her house. She finds her best friend dead.
Rikki is a widow who has distanced herself from her family after her husband died. She keeps in contact with her mother but she has been ill. Her family is Alvanetti. Known notorious crime family. She has no proof of it.
Blain Kent is a police detective and is out running when he hears the shot and scream. He knows Rikki is hiding something. but he plans on finding the murder.
When Blain takes Rikki to her family's mansion he realizes what she has been keeping from him. He now knows he can't trust her but knows her family will protect her.
Someone wants to kill Rikki but ends up killing people around her instead. She has no idea about who wants her dead.
The setting is Millbrook Lake, FL modern day.
This is the second book in the Men of Millbrook Lake series. The only one I have read. These friends meet and realize that they all have served in the military.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. I agreed in return to give honest review of Her Holiday Protector.
October 11, 2015
Her Holiday Protector is part of the Men of Millbrook Lake series. It has an interesting storyline with the female lead, Rikki, the daughter of a notorious crime kingpin. I actually had a hard time liking her character. There seems to be the struggle of making a female strong and drawing the line at her not being stupid. I felt like her stubbornness to go back to work with everything that happened was just plain stupid.
I gave the book good points for having unsuspecting plot twist. I just had a hard time buying into the storyline of mafia family turns good and I saw red herrings where there were not any.
Blain is a police officer and a retired marine that wants to run things by the book. He doesn't care for the alleged mafia family living in their town. He will not show a blind eye to their actions like he thinks his dad did when he was Sheriff. Although I was not a fan of Rikki, I enjoyed the author’s writing and plot twists. I loved Hunter and I really want to read his story. I really like the storyline where the guys all got together and had their cabin in the woods. It was good male bonding.
So I will definitely be watching this series.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
I gave the book good points for having unsuspecting plot twist. I just had a hard time buying into the storyline of mafia family turns good and I saw red herrings where there were not any.
Blain is a police officer and a retired marine that wants to run things by the book. He doesn't care for the alleged mafia family living in their town. He will not show a blind eye to their actions like he thinks his dad did when he was Sheriff. Although I was not a fan of Rikki, I enjoyed the author’s writing and plot twists. I loved Hunter and I really want to read his story. I really like the storyline where the guys all got together and had their cabin in the woods. It was good male bonding.
So I will definitely be watching this series.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
October 28, 2015
Once again Lenore Worth has taken you to Millbrook Lake to meet Blain Kent. The path you follow to "who did it" takes to a "Oh, my goodness...I never saw that coming!"
Blain has a mind set of how things are with his dad and the Alvanetti family. Rikki Alvanetti has a mind set about her family too. Could they be wrong? Can their paths meet and bring them happiness? Will the murderer make it impossible?
A very well-written story with well developed characters which leads you on a journey of faith, love, and family.
Blain has a mind set of how things are with his dad and the Alvanetti family. Rikki Alvanetti has a mind set about her family too. Could they be wrong? Can their paths meet and bring them happiness? Will the murderer make it impossible?
A very well-written story with well developed characters which leads you on a journey of faith, love, and family.
Read
October 1, 2015"This Men of Millbrook Lake insallment is possibly one of Worth’s best! Rikki is a dynamo character who is well intentioned but has poor judgment. Engagement increases as the story unfolds. It may leave readers wondering just what they would do to protect those they love" (RT Book REviews, 4 1/2 stars TOP PICK!).
Miniseries: Men of Millbrook Lake
Miniseries: Men of Millbrook Lake
August 24, 2015
My wife and generally like Ms. Worth's books, and this one did not disappoint. It had an "I did not see that coming!" ending. It has several spots, however, that made me wonder [once again] if the publisher lacked editors.
Read
October 1, 2015received 4 1/2 stars TOP PICK! @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: Men of Millbrook Lake
Miniseries: Men of Millbrook Lake
December 26, 2015
another great suspense from Lenora Worth with wrong perceptions n opinions that draw a great couple together in a story with many twists.
April 13, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a romance book with love inspired suspense. I was surprised by the outcome. This book is one I would recommend to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews