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Protectors #1

Protector

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“I never thought I’d be forced to return to my hometown.”

Celebrity designer Reed Luxe has the fashion industry on its knees. Making appearances at the hottest events with the right people around means his budding career is starting to attract attention, professional and otherwise. Reed’s been looking forward to meeting the man of his dreams, but he never counted on coming face to face with a man straight out of his nightmares.

With a stalker on his tail, Reed does the only thing he can think to do: he hires brooding, muscular heartthrob Logan Price to keep him safe.


“Who’d want to love a damaged man?”

The last thing ex-SEAL Logan Price needs is to babysit a privileged and wealthy celebrity, especially one who runs his mouth like Reed Luxe. But with bills to pay and business at his motorcycle shop slowing to a crawl, Logan doesn’t have much of a choice. He’s been through deployments and lived in squalor, and he’s got the scars and emotional barriers to prove it, so how hard could two months spent playing nanny be?

When his battered heart gets dragged into the fray, it turns out to be harder than Logan ever imagined.


“How can two people so different be so right together?”

Forced into close quarters as the stalker’s threats grow potentially lethal, not only will Reed and Logan have to face their pasts—they’ll have to face their present. Can Logan trust himself with more than Reed’s safety and win his heart?


Protector is a steamy, stand-alone gay romance novel, with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhanger.


185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2016

59 people are currently reading
180 people want to read

About the author

Avery Ford

51 books146 followers

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5 stars
156 (31%)
4 stars
166 (33%)
3 stars
126 (25%)
2 stars
39 (7%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,574 reviews1,112 followers
October 7, 2016
- Cheesy, overwrought dialogue

- Totally lame stalker suspense plot; Logan is the worst bodyguard ever! Could the perp have been any more obvious?

- Two grownass men acting like tweens on prom night. The drama! The tears! The running away in the wee hours of the morning!

- Only a couple steamy scenes (I did like the cherry popping, though. Logan took it up the ass like a good boy.)

- HEA (super sweet and romantic)

- Multiple typos

- Terrible cover; the dude in the blue shirt is deliberating whether he's used enough hair gel, and the other guy's all, Hey, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but look at my fucking tats, man.

Profile Image for Denise H..
3,240 reviews268 followers
October 7, 2016
*** Our main concern in this wonderful story, is these two men, so different, yet so in need of each other. *** A gay fashion designer in need of a bodyguard, just terrific!
We have 27 yr. old, blonde, beautiful man, Reed Luxe,

has a stalker leaving bloody gifts and needs protection.

Tall, dark, handsome, muscled Logan, ex Navy SEAL,

runs a motorcycle repair shop and has a peaceful life. He reluctantly accepts the bodyguard job. Events escalate, which means Reed needs a safer place to be. Home to his folks farm, where he and Logan work together as they get to know each other.
Logan is confused at his feelings toward the lively man,

because he's never been with a man, never had the inclination, but Reed is irresistible to him. Local bullies from Reed's childhood appear, and Logan handles it. We have great characters, an interesting tale and sizzling sex to enjoy.
Plus, it's first time "man" sexy times for Logan, and he's open to it all. That is why it is a "gay for you" GFY, story, no one else will do for Logan, only Reed.
This is well written, with a few spelling errors, and a couple of missing words, but I do not blame the author.

The sexy story and deep characters carry the book along beautifully !
I liked this whole story and the epilogue was great !
ENJOY !
=================
Profile Image for BR11.
647 reviews18 followers
October 3, 2016
3 stars
What I liked:
*Logan.
*Logan's cherry getting popped.
*The core story.
*The happy ending.

What I didn't like:
*Reed.
*Reed's dramatic reactions to EVERYTHING.
*The story felt underdeveloped.
*The OTT final scene.

I felt I needed more interaction between the characters to justify their, in my opinion, too-soon declarations of eternal love. The chemistry was there, it just needed to be developed more.



Reed's dialogue with the nurse towards the end was wayyyyy OTT. It just sounded ridiculous.
This is Reed after he was told that Logan is ok (they have known each other for like 3 weeks):

"Mr. Luxe, you need to get your strength up. You need to eat some of this breakfast." Reed shook his head stubbornly. "How am I supposed to eat when the love of my life is in here somewhere and I don't have the chance to see with my own eyes that he’s okay?" He looked at her with pleading eyes. "Please, Joanna, take me to him, even for just a few minutes.”



Profile Image for Amanda Jean .
630 reviews17 followers
November 10, 2016
Not completely horrible. Pretty cheesy and unbelievable though. The "stalker" plot was completely obvious and how no one noticed who it was is beyond me. Logan, while sweet, was not a very good bodyguard. And his PTSD being "cured" by Reed?? Right. Reed was pretty dramatic. Threw a few fits that had me rolling my eyes. Who runs away for a "break" while someone is stalking them??

Anyways, I'll give it two stars since I finished it but I won't read it again.
94 reviews
October 15, 2016
Not Good

I hesitate to write negative reviews, because I know authors put a lot of heart and hard work into their writing. This is one piece, however, that shouldn't have been published. The characters are one-dimensional, the story flimsy, and pacing abysmal. Essentially, it's a bad paperback romance from the dollar store. The author doesn't understand "show, don't tell", and that kills the story. There's just nothing of value here.
Profile Image for Jenn C.
785 reviews5 followers
October 21, 2016
2.5 - storey was a bit juvenile, campy and overly dramatic. Not too hard to figure out the 'who's the stalker' and I absolutely have to agree there is no way I would want Logan being my bodyguard. Just compromised left and right. I did like Logan's character, however.

I hate to be so critical especially with a first book. I can't write a grocery list and anyone who can create something out of thin air deserves kudos for even trying. I will give this author another try.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,008 reviews26 followers
October 17, 2016
God this book was so cheesy and over the top annoying for me. I made it through but the dialogue was oh lawd so so unrealistic. People don't talk like that. Anyway the sexy scenes where good particularly the de-virginizing.
Profile Image for Trip .
904 reviews30 followers
April 7, 2020
This story covers everything for a comfort and easy read, it's unrealistic and cliche along with super cheesy but it's enjoyable in the best way because of it. I loved Logan from the moment we met him, his serious and sweet not to mention hot as hell. Reed I took a bit longer to like, but damn I thought he was adorable especially with Logan.

Their interactions are the heart of the story and so much fun, theres some serious tones here and there with a bit of exploration into both of their history. Also this story could have been really dark considering the subject and yet it sadly fell a little flat, in the mystery/stalker aspect. Those moments were incredible, even though only a few scenes actually explored that plot line and I almost wish had been a bit more serious towards it as would have boosted the story. I didn't find it difficult to guess either, I was slightly disappointed to be right.

I enjoyed the dancing, the barn, shopping and the nightmare comfort is so beautiful. I just really liked that despite how different they're somehow they fit together so well. It all worked out in the end. Oh and Reeds parents are awesome.

Sadly these two are rather foolish at times, especially considering the situation Logan was not always great as a bodyguard and Reed wasn't exactly helpful either. They had some communication issues, but thankfully resolved quickly in the end and I was happy to see them get together. Overall I enjoyed it for a fast paced and sweet romance, I only wish the plot/story had been given more focus instead of just the romance as would have added so much more to their development.

Oh and the epilogue was lovely! Great to have a look into the future for these two and its perfect xx
Profile Image for Lioness7.
563 reviews8 followers
June 30, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I have never read anything from this author and really decided to read it because of Reed being a fashion designer. I tend to like fashion design and the book seemed right along the lines of something I would like.

I loved Reed the most in the book. He was kind of high maintenance, but you understood his feelings and why he did things the way he did. Logan was better towards the end of the book. He was a little to quiet for my liking. He got better the further I read though.

Overall, the book moved at a steady pace. It was somewhat of a mystery as to who the stalker was. At least I think the author meant it to be. I guessed way before the reveal though. I was also a tiny bit disappointed that fashion took a back-burner to the rest of the story. There wasn't much in the book. I am just glad that there was enough action to keep me entertained. I will say the book made me want to read more in the series. I liked the writing style and found the book easy to read. I really can't wait to try something else.
Profile Image for Tam.
Author 21 books104 followers
June 10, 2020
Much as I liked this, I pegged the stalker at first hint. Still, Reed is a high profile fashion designer whose stalker is getting too close. Reed finally agrees to hiring security and Logan's old military boss pulls him in, mostly because he needs the money, he's not thrilled to be with camp Reed. After an attack he takes Reed back to Reed's parents ranch in ... Idaho? Somewhere like that. They spend a couple of weeks hanging out, hoping the stalker will reveal himself although Reed would rather be anywhere than back home where he was harassed as a teen and the local bullies are still at it.

I did like Reed's parents a great deal. They loved Reed and were genuinely nice people who took to Logan. And Logan loved being out on the farm and helping, but Reed is a city boy and there was some drama before the stalker finally reveals himself and both Reed and Logan almost die as a result. So it was cute and I liked Reed and his flamboyant ways which where not quite so flamboyant when he was being his authentic self. It was a fun read.
Profile Image for Wendell Hennan.
1,202 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2019
Reed Luxe is a 28 year old fashion designer who receives several anonymous threats and photos taken inside his home. A friend arranges for Logan Price is an ex marine who is recruited to provide 24 hour protection. They end up going to Reed's parents ranch which he has not visited since leaving home. Attractions develop and ultimately the stalker is exposed.
Profile Image for Elisa.
441 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2024
Really sweet romance. I read this through KU. The characters were fun and deep. The plot progressed nicely. I did notice an occasional editing error, but by far better than most books that I read. The epilogue was great. Best of all it had recognition of instant attraction versus insta-love. I am probably very kind here, but wth 5 stars.
Profile Image for Karen.
2,682 reviews
December 18, 2016
I am loving this author's books. This is the second book I have read by this author and it was just as great as the first one I read. It was well written with well developed characters. This book had a great storyline. I am going to be reading more by this author.
96 reviews
May 4, 2017
Avery Ford is an excellent writer. I loved this book. I especially loved that the two main characters were complete opposites. A fashion designer with an ex-Seal turn motorcycle mechanic. That is so very different. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Profile Image for Kirbie.
163 reviews
August 8, 2017
Opposite do attracted loved!!!

Reed and Logan could not be more different and yet they are perfect for each other Reed is a great guy who found his true love and Logan not hiding his love for Reed and solving who was the stalker they make a great team
154 reviews
October 29, 2017
Wonderful Story!

Avery Ford never disappoints. Our two heroes are great together. Loved the chemistry. Fun times at the parents place, as they try to ward off the stalker. It does keep the reader guessing. And the reveal was interesting. Fun read.
620 reviews
March 7, 2019
Loved it!

This was my first Avery Ford book and it definitely won't be my last. I absolutely loved Logan and Reed and I didn't want their story to end. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for TL Travis.
Author 86 books623 followers
May 30, 2017
Sometimes

The protector, needs to feel protected too. Good story of two lost souls coming together when they needed each other most.
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,229 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2017
I can't believe this is the author's debut book. It's amazing. Perfect blend of romance, drama, sexiness, and fun. I can't wait for more. I hope we get Kellen's story
Profile Image for Colleen.
951 reviews43 followers
October 25, 2016
A somewhat high strung fashion designer falls for his straight bodyguard while the two are hiding out from a stalker. Sweet, cute and fluffy, a good distraction romance with little drama.


Title: Protector
Author: Avery Ford
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance






Plot Summary:


Reed Luxe is at a critical point in his career - he is a well known fashion designer and with that fame seems to have come a stalker. Threatening letters and gifts have hit a high point and it’s time to call in reinforcements.


Logan Price left the Navy and settled into a small town to open a bike shop. He is loving the quiet life after having a traumatic final tour as a Seal, but the bike shop isn’t exactly booming in the quiet, lazy town. So when the opportunity presents itself he decides to take on Reed’s personal security as a means to get some cash flow. But it doesn’t go how he expects it. First of all, his boss is attractive.. And how can that be, when Logan has never considered men before? And second, despite his fame, Reed goes out of his way to include Logan, making Logan feel wanted for the first time in his life.


The two will need to overcome their own fears and miscommunications as well as the physical threat in order to have their happily ever after...
Character Descriptions/Development: 3 stars


Reed is a spoiled brat sometimes (complaining about his manicure, etc) , so the fact that I found him endearing anyway says something.


I admired that Logan was dedicated enough to not want to start something with Reed while he was guarding him, but also that he accepted his feelings for a guy so easily.


My main issue was just that the book moved along so quick at the expense of actual relationship building. It wasn’t love at first sight, but it was love at days-of-kind-close-quarters-but-little-to-no-talking.


Storyline/Conflict: 3 stars


In addition to the stalker part:


> Logan’s past, self loathing, and dealing with finding a man attractive
>Reed’s past at home and insecurities


Nothing here was overly exciting, it all flowed well.




Writing Style:4 stars


Well edited, but as mentioned, a quickly paced romance storyline was a minor downfall here.


Heat: 4 stars


This was mostly a slow-burn, with actual sex not happening until about 80% and prior to that, some heavy petting. Once it did happen though, it was hot and sweet at the same time.


Favorite Quote:
Logan could’ve said it felt wrong but in his heart he knew it wasn’t. Any doubt he’d had and all tension in his body evaporated as Reed opened his mouth and teased him with his tongue. The kiss was nothing like Logan has ever experienced.

Profile Image for Carolyn.
912 reviews
September 29, 2016
Interesting and sexy!

This story had such an interesting plot that I was captivated the entire time. Reed Luxe is a fashion designer gaining not only tons of attention by the fashion world but through a crazed stalker. What Reed thought first to be harmless escalates to scary and his best friend convinces him he needs security. Enter the "protector" Logan Price, a guy that was sexy, sweet, quiet and broody- typical swoon worthy bad ass. Logan is an ex SEAL who has some demons in his past which have shut him down. For some reason, Logan finds that Reed gets past his walls and he feels a connection with him.

When Reed and Logan leave the city life and travel to Reed's hometown, a ranch life, the two men must face the attraction they are feeling for one another. For Reed, an openly gay man, he knows what he is feeling for Logan and what it means, but Logan gives signals that confuse Reed and he doesn't know what exactly his sexual desires are, but Reed wants to be the one to find out.

Logan feels an attraction to Reed that confuses him, scares him, but in many ways emboldens him to just feel and not think. Blurred by the lines of body guard and love interest, Logan needs to pull away until he knows Reed is safe; Reed takes this as a sign of disinterest. When these two have to pull closer together to fight and find the stalker they soon realize the attraction they share is rare and not just carnal, but emotional and deep. Logan discoveries during this time were sweet and he held no fears as to judgment of his choices- showing him to be a truly strong man.

When the stalker makes an appearance both men are vulnerable and not expecting it. Can Logan save Reed or will this end up like his last mission as a SEAL? Will they trust in what they feel and go with it or decide it's not for the best. Good read- I enjoyed this story!
Profile Image for Crazychriss889.
1,483 reviews10 followers
October 9, 2016
Interesting one.

3.5 stars?

I enjoyed reading it but wasn't blown out of my mind. No, didn't mean that like that... Well, you know.

Okay, so the characters?
I liked them. Sure, Reed seemed like a superficial designer who is high and mighty but when we get to know him better, that changes.
Our lovely bodyguard isn't really a good bodyguard - and that ruined the whole plot a bit because it took out all the suspense. I just don't get why Reed would just put his life on hold because of a stalker. Plus, just because you move out of the city doesn't mean you are suddenly safer... That was just a stupid move and then Logan doesn't really act like a bodyguard most of the time which was pretty hard to read as well.

I think our mcs definitely had some chemistry going on there. Plus, there was also some drama so that was good.

Anyways, plot?
Yeah, the plot annoyed me a bit, to be honest.
As mentioned before, the whole moving away thing was just over the top and when they were at the farm, there was just no suspense at all. Plus, Reed was never really bothered or scared or anything. He never even thought about the stalker once he was away from the city so that ruined the whole 'OMG, what's gonna happen next' feeling. It just wasn't there.

Writing style?
Yeah, it's good but that's it ;)
I hated that there were just sooo many mistakes in there. I mean, seriously, some of the typos were just so annyoing...
Profile Image for Lisa1269.
315 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2016
Opposites attract...
I was totally absorbed by this quick paced book, only looking up long enough to acknowledge that the ice in my drink had melted. When fashion designer, Reed, receives ominous threats from an obsessed admirer, he’s brought into close quarters with bodyguard Logan, and it doesn’t take long before the tension between them outweighs the stress of the dangerous situation. As the threat escalates, so does the chemistry between them, and I found myself coaching Reed to just hang in there long enough for Logan to work out what he needs. I loved this unlikely couple, Reed’s larger than life personality, flamboyantly wearing his heart on his sleeve, stands in such direct contrast to Logan, who is so fiercely guarded. These two men are such a great balance for each other, with Logan being such a calming influence on Reed, while Reed injects some sunshine into the darkness with seems to plague Logan.
I’d love to see some follow-up books spotlighting this tight knit group of friends, I’m more than a little fascinated by what it would take to get Kellen a happily-ever-after.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Eva.
Author 1 book2 followers
February 8, 2017
This book is a HEA sweet romance. But it has so many flaws it is hard to enjoy. Logan had a bad childhood and struggles with PTSD but it all seems a bit forced and then just magically goes away because... love? Also he is the worst body guard ever despite apparently being a navy seal, so you know a super well trained special forces.

Then Reese suffers from a case of too stupid to live which is super annoying. He also keeps getting described as down to earth but then acts like a flaky 13 year old.

Then the entire stalking story line is mostly ignored and is pretty boring. Instead the story is full of random events which don't seem to connect to each other or the stalker story line.
596 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2016
Up and coming fashion designer Reed has attracted a stalker who just escalated with a death threat. Worried four his best friend Kellen hires an ex-navy seal as a bodyguard (Logan). Neither Reed nor Logan is thrilled with the situation, especially when a break in forces Reed home to the town he hates. On Reed's parents ranch Logan and Reed find they have more in common than expected and as they open up to each other they start to fall. A real opposites attract first time story with a little mystery/danger element thrown in. Great light read, a little predicable in places but still entertaining and enjoyable.
**this book received in exchange for an honest opinion**
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