Mission: Protect the Ex

by Alina Popescu

Sean never thought his military career would ever have him babysitting his ex who Sean hasn’t seen in six months.

When best friend Tom finds out his younger brother Aiden is targeted, Sean drops everything to protect the man he still loves.

Can two former lovers survive a weekend alone in the woods, or will the threat from within be more devastating than the one from outside?

Word count: ~8000 words

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Short Stories, Military Fiction, LGBT, Contemporary Romance

34 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2015

About the author

I am a writer, traveler, blogger, and coffee addict. I started writing stories when I was 10 and kept doing it as a hobby till a few years ago. I prefer fantasy and sci-fi when it comes to writing and I am currently working on a vampire series, Bad Blood. Book I of the series, The Edge of hope, was published in April 2014.

Reviews

[Dia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 hot stars

What a gorgeous cover and a hot short story!

This is the second book I get to read by Alina Popescu and I loved it.

In this short story we get a glimpse into the character's broken hearts, finding their way back to each other.

Sean and Aiden broke up 6 months ago, but they are not over each other. Not even close.

When Tom, Sean's best friend, asked him to protect his brother, Aiden, because he's afraid for his life, Sean has to get over his broken heart and try to survive with his ex a whole weekend in a cabin in the woods. Their attraction is still huge. Aiden seems pretty angry and he's trying to keep his distance, but he ends up revealing why he chose to break up with Sean in the first place.

Again, this story was a light read, with great chemistry and also some pretty hot scenes.

ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

You know what? I'm not even going to question it.

This was free, this was hot, and it featured some favorite tropes.

Short, sexy, and leaving me wanting more!

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very short story that was sexy, sweet and complete. Though it did leave me wanting more.
Well worth the 99 cents it cost and totally enjoyable!

[Melissa]

5-22-17: Available on Instafreebie. https://www.instafreebie.com/free/ySioM

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I'm still not sure the underlying issue was resolved as the MC is still in the military...but you know, magic peen + Twu Wuv = HEA?

[Sara Aouichi · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute, and made me smile ^^

[Aimee Brissay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, quick read. I wasn't expecting so many feelings from such a short story, or something this sweet from Alina. I loved Sean and Aiden. There is real chemistry between them, and the story, despite its brevity, is complete.
In conclusion, I WANT MORE OF SEAN AND AIDEN!!!!

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounding up to 4
I actually did enjoy this shortie - it was the same old story but the author was very successful with the way she executed it. I honestly would have loved a longer story about Sean and Aiden. I'm going to look for more by this author.

[Meep · Rating 2 out of 5]

Instagram freebie - Christmas'17

Um. It's not awful. It just is. Light breezy short.
Not sure if it's part of a series, the start seemed all sum-up.

To be honest the Ex - and he's called 'the ex' until he returns to being 'the boyfriend' so I've already forgotten his name - seems like too much work. At the same time NOTHING IS RESOLVED he voices the why, then they have sex. Then the brother turns up for the finale. The end.
Thought the why was reasonable and needed discussion if not resolution.
Predictable but didn't like the set-up; the lying, the potential worry.

Logic fails:
- Why as a bodyguard would you trek through the woods when the target is travelling by car and will therefore be at the location alone and in danger while you stroll about looking macho?
- If guarding someone, why would you go for a three hour stroll to clear your head leaving the target alone?
- What's the use of setting motion-sensors at random surrounding points with no way of knowing which one is triggered? Target could be eliminated by the time you've checked them all.
And, and..

[Jesslan Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mission: Protect The Ex
Alina Popescu

When Aiden's life is threatened Sean is put on the job as his bodyguard. The problem is Aiden is Sean's ex and neither is happy about this assignment.

I really enjoyed this story. Loved both Sean and Aiden.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short sweet, heartwarming second chance MM romance and I really enjoyed reading it. The characters are well developed and interesting. There is enough drama, intrigue, verbal conflict, some humor and sexual tension to keep the reader's interest.

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a huge fan of tricking people into getting back together. Family manipulation is a bugaboo for me, but it was ok.

[Antoinette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short witty adorable novella that I absolutely loved,4.5 stars. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Vania Nunes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sean and Aiden had been a couple for two years, but six months ago, Aiden broke up, breaking Sean's heart.
Now, at the request of Tom, Aiden's older brother, Sean was going to the old hut to meet Aiden and protect him from a threat due to Tom's work.
The period that they would be together and alone would be difficult for Sean, but he would take advantage of to know the truth of their breakup.
When at night the motion sensors around the house indicated that someone was about to approach, Sean went into protective mode and would do anything he could to avoid that anything bad happen to the one he loved most.

After all this operation, could Sean get a new chance in Aiden's life and heart?

M/M Romance; short story
4 stars

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and sad and I could seriously use a follow up!

The whole thing is just about how Sean and Aiden broke up and what it's like being forced back together. The thing is, you can see all along that they seriously need to talk. It also kind of sucks that there was a 'job or me' type of ultimatum; that has always felt selfish to me. But, at the same time, you learn why the ultimatum never really came to light, the way that it's being presented now, and the serious consideration on each side rather than just emotional blackmail. Great little short and ripe for a follow up to see what actually happens between these two!

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and imaginative romance. Sean is sent to protect his ex, Aiden, while at the same time he evaluates the relationship that they had and how horrible it feels to be without him. Their conversations were intense, but straight forward, which I appreciate. Communication is something that a lot of characters that I read about don't want to do, so this was engrossing. I don't want to give much more away but I was delighted with the ending. It's exquisitely written with thought provoking characters. Ultimately, this was absolutely heartwarming and left me with a smile. :)

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The writing was fine, but the conflict was resolved too quickly and with superficiality. After two years together, the MCs had broken up six months before the story started and they hadn’t spoken once in the meantime, yet they resolved everything in a single conversation.
Also, I don’t think Sean’s inner thoughts read true to a soldier with years of experience.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this novella from the author through the instafreebie program. It was a wonderful story with believable characters who made mistakes, failed to communicate and a family that was close enough to care. Second chances are out there and the courage to care enough to change makes this a HEA that will make your heart beat faster and you'll smile through your tears. A truly great short!

[GhostMMreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short hot story that proves you should talk things over and express your feelings before shutting a door and feel miserable for the rest of your life. But if the make-up sex is that hot, then perhaps you should have a brother solving your stubbornness.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mission Protect the EX by Alina Popescu. This is a really short story that I got into immediately! Loved the characters Sean, Aiden and Tom. It was a great storyline for such a short story. This is a fantastic story for when you want to read something short!

[Mary Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

"the mission was Protect the Ex, of course. Mostly from himself and your own stupidity. "

easy, short read.
it was kinda predictable, but still funny and sexy.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too short.

[Simera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just sweet. Aiden's brother Tom takes it upon himself to get his brother and his best friend back together.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short gay romance about two guys who have broken up and a scheming brother.
Typo: "Come one, Aiden" should be "Come on."

[Elayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, hot, fun, light. Thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing. This book was a page turner that I just couldn't stop reading until the end. This book was beautifully written. I would highly recommend this book.

[Shana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick story with a couple that displayed chemistry and a bit of a slow burn for such a short story.

[Regencyfan93 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book with meddling family members. I was amused when Sean learned what the threat really was.

[Mak · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

[Maiko-chan [|] · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5stars