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Valentine Bay #1
Protecting My Heart
Ella Fletcher spent all of high school in love with the boy next door - her best friend, Donovan. It was never more than that, but she fooled herself into believing friendship was enough.
Donovan Valentine knew he could never make a move on his best friend Ella. After all, she depended on him. He was the only stable man in her life. If denying his feelings was the price he had to pay for protecting hers, then he was more than willing to pay it.
Celebrating their high school graduation, they drunkenly took part in a marriage ceremony using fake IDs. But now, fifteen years later, it turns out that the IDs weren't so fake, and neither is the marriage.
When Donovan returns to Valentine Bay to straighten things out, will this accident turn into the best thing that ever happened to them?
*** Standalone romance with HEA and no cliffhanger. ***
Donovan Valentine knew he could never make a move on his best friend Ella. After all, she depended on him. He was the only stable man in her life. If denying his feelings was the price he had to pay for protecting hers, then he was more than willing to pay it.
Celebrating their high school graduation, they drunkenly took part in a marriage ceremony using fake IDs. But now, fifteen years later, it turns out that the IDs weren't so fake, and neither is the marriage.
When Donovan returns to Valentine Bay to straighten things out, will this accident turn into the best thing that ever happened to them?
*** Standalone romance with HEA and no cliffhanger. ***
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2018
573 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Shawn
134 books1,850 followersNEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
dnf
February 16, 2018DNF.
Stopped reading a little over half way. Couldn’t stand the hero. He was a shitty big brother (pretty much abandoned his younger brother to raise their younger sister after their parents died five years earlier) and he was an even shittier best friend. And so because of that. I just didn’t care enough to keep reading.
Stopped reading a little over half way. Couldn’t stand the hero. He was a shitty big brother (pretty much abandoned his younger brother to raise their younger sister after their parents died five years earlier) and he was an even shittier best friend. And so because of that. I just didn’t care enough to keep reading.
February 21, 2018
Protecting My Heart is the first story in a new series by Melanie Shawn called Valentine Bay about Ella and Donovan.
Ella is a free-spirited artist who’s been in love with her childhood friend Donovan, the boy-next-door all her life but kept it secret. Donovan is a tough secret service agent who has been in love with Ella as well but also kept it secret. They haven’t seen each other in five years but circumstances cause Donovan to come back home for the week to straighten some personal matters up.
Once Donovan is back home, like a moth to a flame, he is immediately drawn to Ella and her beautiful energy. After all these years will these two finally admit their feelings for each other? Will they be able to have their happily-ever-after with the two of them living on each side of the continent?
My favorite writing duo Melanie Shawn deliver a great story in this new series and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series looks like. I really hope to see stories on some of the other characters we got to know in this first book and I can’t wait to read the next installment.
Ella is a free-spirited artist who’s been in love with her childhood friend Donovan, the boy-next-door all her life but kept it secret. Donovan is a tough secret service agent who has been in love with Ella as well but also kept it secret. They haven’t seen each other in five years but circumstances cause Donovan to come back home for the week to straighten some personal matters up.
Once Donovan is back home, like a moth to a flame, he is immediately drawn to Ella and her beautiful energy. After all these years will these two finally admit their feelings for each other? Will they be able to have their happily-ever-after with the two of them living on each side of the continent?
My favorite writing duo Melanie Shawn deliver a great story in this new series and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series looks like. I really hope to see stories on some of the other characters we got to know in this first book and I can’t wait to read the next installment.
February 15, 2018
Sweet.
February 16, 2018
What an awesome start to this new Melanie Shawn series and a perfect time for it to come out, right around Valentine's Day!
Ella Fletcher and Donovan Valentine have been friends since childhood. They spent countless hours together growing up, including a trip to Vegas to celebrate graduating from high school. In a drunken stupor, the two friends found themselves in a wedding chapel and the next morning they determine they used their fake IDs, so it wasn't real. As the saying goes, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...or does it?!
Ella is happy with her life in her hometown of Valentine Bay, Oregon running her shop and spending time with her friends. She'll be the first to admit that she misses her best friend terribly, but knows that she won't be seeing Donovan anytime soon since he's on the other side of the country living his own life. When two strangers come around asking her questions about her relationship with her best friend, she puts them off, because she does not want to unknowingly get Donovan in any trouble at work.
Donovan left his hometown of Valentine Bay five years ago to chase his dream job - being a secret service agent. When it's time for his security clearance renewal, his superiors come to him and ask him why he had not disclosed the fact that he was married. As the puzzle pieces begin to fall into place for Donovan, he knows he's got to head back to his hometown to figure out what is going on.
Will Donovan be able to get everything worked out and get his security clearance and be able to head back to work? Or, will being around not only Ella, but his siblings open his eyes to other things he might have been overlooking the past several years?
I really enjoyed this book and this friends to lovers story. It made me happy and I'm very much looking forward to the other stories that are yet to come in this series!
Ella Fletcher and Donovan Valentine have been friends since childhood. They spent countless hours together growing up, including a trip to Vegas to celebrate graduating from high school. In a drunken stupor, the two friends found themselves in a wedding chapel and the next morning they determine they used their fake IDs, so it wasn't real. As the saying goes, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...or does it?!
Ella is happy with her life in her hometown of Valentine Bay, Oregon running her shop and spending time with her friends. She'll be the first to admit that she misses her best friend terribly, but knows that she won't be seeing Donovan anytime soon since he's on the other side of the country living his own life. When two strangers come around asking her questions about her relationship with her best friend, she puts them off, because she does not want to unknowingly get Donovan in any trouble at work.
Donovan left his hometown of Valentine Bay five years ago to chase his dream job - being a secret service agent. When it's time for his security clearance renewal, his superiors come to him and ask him why he had not disclosed the fact that he was married. As the puzzle pieces begin to fall into place for Donovan, he knows he's got to head back to his hometown to figure out what is going on.
Will Donovan be able to get everything worked out and get his security clearance and be able to head back to work? Or, will being around not only Ella, but his siblings open his eyes to other things he might have been overlooking the past several years?
I really enjoyed this book and this friends to lovers story. It made me happy and I'm very much looking forward to the other stories that are yet to come in this series!
February 15, 2018
What goes on in Vegas, stays in Vegas! Well, unless you are a secret service agent going through a security renewal & a paper snafu brings to light something from years ago. Graduation, close friends, fake ids & lots of alcohol combined and ended up in a marriage everyone thought was fake. Hazy memories had best friends assuming they'd gotten married using their fake ids so it would be invalid, right? Ella & Donovan had feelings for each other they hadn't acted on until the alcohol striped away the inhibitions. Now, Ella has agents questioning her & Donovan is facing a threat to his security clearance. Now that they are face to face again for the first time in years, are the feelings still there?
Protecting My Heart is a perfect title for this book! Ella & Donovan have both been cautious & hid there feelings so their hearts weren't on the line. They were so afraid of losing the friendship, they didn't want to admit to stronger feelings. Both characters are strong for other people. Neither of them have managed to have a significant relationship over the years. The interactions between Ella & Gen were hilarious. Gen is the supportive best friend, outspoken & a little wild. The interactions between Donovan & his family bring an explanation into why he's stayed away so long & why he thinks his job is more important than anything. Overall, this is a HOT start to a new series with sexy characters, intense love scenes & lots of heart.
Protecting My Heart is a perfect title for this book! Ella & Donovan have both been cautious & hid there feelings so their hearts weren't on the line. They were so afraid of losing the friendship, they didn't want to admit to stronger feelings. Both characters are strong for other people. Neither of them have managed to have a significant relationship over the years. The interactions between Ella & Gen were hilarious. Gen is the supportive best friend, outspoken & a little wild. The interactions between Donovan & his family bring an explanation into why he's stayed away so long & why he thinks his job is more important than anything. Overall, this is a HOT start to a new series with sexy characters, intense love scenes & lots of heart.
February 17, 2018
WOW!!! Oh WOW!! I don’t know how the amazing duo of Melanie Shawn is able to keep writing better, improved, and a sexier story than their last book, but they did it with the first book in their new Valentine Bay series, Protecting My Heart, which I just loved. Ella Fletcher and Donovan Valentine were next door neighbors, best friends, and in love with each other, but would never act on those feelings. On a graduation trip to Vegas, using fake ids, Ella and Donovan drunkenly get married. Believing they weren’t legally married, they used fake ids right, they return to living their lives. Fast forward fifteen years and we find out what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. It turned out that these two used their real ids and are really married. Whatever are these two going to do? Can they admit their true feelings and allow this accident to turn into the best thing that ever happened to them or will they continue to deny their feelings?
Through their amazing and brilliant writing Melanie Shawn did an outstanding job tackling this love story and introducing their fans to a new town, Valentine Bay. I genuinely enjoyed reading Protecting My Heart and was so glad that Melanie Shawn found a way for Ella and Donovan to figure out what was truly, most important for each one to be happy. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next story in the Valentine Bay series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Through their amazing and brilliant writing Melanie Shawn did an outstanding job tackling this love story and introducing their fans to a new town, Valentine Bay. I genuinely enjoyed reading Protecting My Heart and was so glad that Melanie Shawn found a way for Ella and Donovan to figure out what was truly, most important for each one to be happy. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next story in the Valentine Bay series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 15, 2018
I love the first book in this new series of the Valentine brothers in Valentine Bay, Oregon. Donavan Valentine is back in town to try and get a misunderstanding cleared up. The last time he was there was five years ago for his parents funeral. He is in the Secret Service watching over the President and has to get his clearance reviewed. The reviewers find out that he was married in Las Vegas 15 years ago to Ella Fletcher and has never claimed it on any forms. He and Ella always though it wasn’t legal because they used fake names or so they thought.
Ella has always loved Donavan and they have been best friends for years. Donavan loves Ella too, but neither has said anything because they don’t want to mess up their friendship. The two are so cute together. They stick up for each other and Donovan is always protecting Ella. I loved Donavan’s little sister that the youngest brother is raising. She was such a bright spot in the book. I was glad to see Ella’s best friend help her come out of her shell and be more adventurous. I can’t wait for the next book to come out in this series. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
Ella has always loved Donavan and they have been best friends for years. Donavan loves Ella too, but neither has said anything because they don’t want to mess up their friendship. The two are so cute together. They stick up for each other and Donovan is always protecting Ella. I loved Donavan’s little sister that the youngest brother is raising. She was such a bright spot in the book. I was glad to see Ella’s best friend help her come out of her shell and be more adventurous. I can’t wait for the next book to come out in this series. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
February 24, 2018
A sweet and sizzling hot read to heat up a freezing cold winter evening!
This book starts a new series from Melanie Shawn, and it's already promising to have a charming, alluring, and fascinating cast of characters, lots of small town banter and meddling, with humor and lots of heart and smoking hot love scenes.
Ella Fletcher and Donovan Valentine have chemistry and connection that has been developing ever since they were kids. The former best friends soon found the old tone after a couple of awkward moments. Even the love they had for each other was well established and developed though not on the forefront of their lives for the past ten years.
I found this story an entertaining and fun read. It was sexy, it was sweet, it was humorous and lovely.
There was a chance to go deeper with on the emotional side of the tale, with Donavan being 'the only stable man in her life' that was never really gotten into in more details. Donavan's guilt towards his family and mourning of his parents did show some deeper emotions, as well as his sister's need for her family while missing her brothers.
Delightful, enjoyable, and lively start to the series with likable and charming characters showing a lot of promise of intriguing stories to come.
~ Four Spoons
This book starts a new series from Melanie Shawn, and it's already promising to have a charming, alluring, and fascinating cast of characters, lots of small town banter and meddling, with humor and lots of heart and smoking hot love scenes.
Ella Fletcher and Donovan Valentine have chemistry and connection that has been developing ever since they were kids. The former best friends soon found the old tone after a couple of awkward moments. Even the love they had for each other was well established and developed though not on the forefront of their lives for the past ten years.
I found this story an entertaining and fun read. It was sexy, it was sweet, it was humorous and lovely.
There was a chance to go deeper with on the emotional side of the tale, with Donavan being 'the only stable man in her life' that was never really gotten into in more details. Donavan's guilt towards his family and mourning of his parents did show some deeper emotions, as well as his sister's need for her family while missing her brothers.
Delightful, enjoyable, and lively start to the series with likable and charming characters showing a lot of promise of intriguing stories to come.
~ Four Spoons
February 21, 2018
Ella and Donovan are a friendship turned love that woman dream of having. You could feel the chemistry from page one.
Ella and Donovan are best friends and have been since elementary school. They are as close as 2 people could be without the sexual relationship. However, both want more but neither is willing to risk losing the other to tell them the truth. The love these two have for each other is beyond beautiful.
After high school graduation Ella, Donovan and friends head to Vegas with fake ID’s in hand to celebrate graduating. But what happens in Vegas does NOT always stay in Vegas. While fake ID’s helped them get drunk it also “helped” them get married. Luckily (according to Ella and Donovan) since they used their fake ID’s they can pretend it never happened.
But what happens 15 years later when the secret service is going through paperwork for Donovan’s security renewal and find a marriage you didn’t realize actually existed. Best friends reconnect.
Will Donovan chance losing his secret service job to be with Ella? Will Ella risk her heart to be with Donovan? Can a true love find a happy ending?
This is a beautiful story. A must read.
Ella and Donovan are best friends and have been since elementary school. They are as close as 2 people could be without the sexual relationship. However, both want more but neither is willing to risk losing the other to tell them the truth. The love these two have for each other is beyond beautiful.
After high school graduation Ella, Donovan and friends head to Vegas with fake ID’s in hand to celebrate graduating. But what happens in Vegas does NOT always stay in Vegas. While fake ID’s helped them get drunk it also “helped” them get married. Luckily (according to Ella and Donovan) since they used their fake ID’s they can pretend it never happened.
But what happens 15 years later when the secret service is going through paperwork for Donovan’s security renewal and find a marriage you didn’t realize actually existed. Best friends reconnect.
Will Donovan chance losing his secret service job to be with Ella? Will Ella risk her heart to be with Donovan? Can a true love find a happy ending?
This is a beautiful story. A must read.
February 15, 2018
Ella and Donovan have been best friends since they were children. Each keeping how they truly felt about one another a secret so that they wouldn't ruin the friendship. Eventually, time passes and lives move on as careers took Donovan to the East Coast. Though their history ends up coming back up and Donovan comes back to Valentine's Bay for a visit and to 'solve' the problem that he is having with work. The two characters find that they can't seem to stay away from each other.
This is the first book in a new series by Melanie Shawn. The characters that were introduced in this story as well as the main characters make it so that you will want to go back and visit often to see what will happen next. Ella's best friend, Genevieve made me laugh out loud more than once while seeing Donovan connect with his brother and sister while also being weary of being around his strict and old fashioned Grandmother will make you want to revisit these characters as well as the town that they are all from.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in a new series by Melanie Shawn. The characters that were introduced in this story as well as the main characters make it so that you will want to go back and visit often to see what will happen next. Ella's best friend, Genevieve made me laugh out loud more than once while seeing Donovan connect with his brother and sister while also being weary of being around his strict and old fashioned Grandmother will make you want to revisit these characters as well as the town that they are all from.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2018
Another great addition to the world of sexy and fun contemporary romances! Frankly, I cant think of any that do it better than the writing duo of Melanie Shawn. The plot of this story was unique, but really made it for me was the banter between the H, Donovan, and the h, Ella. It was sexy and fun, but also presented on a level that you felt their emotional connection as a reader. You also got to experience the story from equal parts of both of their POVs which is a preference of mine. And I have to at least mention the hysterical contributions of Ella's best friend, Genivieve. Her quick-witted, and often whacky, responses were some of the best in the book without taking away from the main story. I very much look forward to reading her story which will be coming in the next book of the series, Rescuing His Heart. My only complaint, if you can call it that, is the lack of an epilogue. I am an "epilogue girl" and always love that brief peek into the future of the couples HEA. I suspect the lack of epilogue may be due to a possible conflict with the pacing of the next book, so I will have to be satisfied with waiting til the next book in the series comes out and hope that I see more of Ella and Donovan!
February 15, 2018
This book is the beginning of a new series by these talented authors. This time they take us to Valentine Bay, hometown of the Valentine brothers and their matriarch grandmother.
Donovan Valentine and Ell Fletcher were best friends since childhood. As they grew older, they fell in love, but never telling the other one how they felt.
After their HS graduation, a trip with friends to Vegas leads to a “false” wedding, or so they thought.
Donovan , now a Secret Service Agent finds his clearance renewal has hit a snag. Apparently he is still married and needs to resolve this before he loses his job.
Upon his return things gets interesting with Ella.
The story was sweet and heartwarming, with moments of sadness for whom they were, and their past experiences. But it’s mostly a story about family and the love for them, about finding balance in life, about letting go of guilt, which tends to be unfounded and about finding your soulmate.
Looking forward to more stories in this series.
I was gifted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Donovan Valentine and Ell Fletcher were best friends since childhood. As they grew older, they fell in love, but never telling the other one how they felt.
After their HS graduation, a trip with friends to Vegas leads to a “false” wedding, or so they thought.
Donovan , now a Secret Service Agent finds his clearance renewal has hit a snag. Apparently he is still married and needs to resolve this before he loses his job.
Upon his return things gets interesting with Ella.
The story was sweet and heartwarming, with moments of sadness for whom they were, and their past experiences. But it’s mostly a story about family and the love for them, about finding balance in life, about letting go of guilt, which tends to be unfounded and about finding your soulmate.
Looking forward to more stories in this series.
I was gifted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
February 17, 2018
Protecting My Heart is the first installment of a brand new series - Valentine Bay series by Melanie Shawn. What a wonderful new series it is! Valentine Bay is a unique small tourist town on the west coast with some unique, but fun characters!
Ella Fletcher was born and raised in Valentine Bay. 15 years after high school she finds herself with her own business and surrounded by good friends and family, but always missing something...or someone.
Donovan Valentine has a successful career with one of the most prestigious jobs in the country. While he thinks life is going great for him, maybe something is also missing from his life.
Ella and Donovan were best friends all through their childhoods. So what happens when Donovan comes back to Valentine Bay to fix a problem and sees Ella again after five years? Can they get past the friend stage? Do they both feel the same way?
Following Ella and Donovan's reuniting you will meet many unique, but fun and loving characters from Valentine Bay. Protecting My Heart is a quick, fun read and makes me excited for this new series!
Ella Fletcher was born and raised in Valentine Bay. 15 years after high school she finds herself with her own business and surrounded by good friends and family, but always missing something...or someone.
Donovan Valentine has a successful career with one of the most prestigious jobs in the country. While he thinks life is going great for him, maybe something is also missing from his life.
Ella and Donovan were best friends all through their childhoods. So what happens when Donovan comes back to Valentine Bay to fix a problem and sees Ella again after five years? Can they get past the friend stage? Do they both feel the same way?
Following Ella and Donovan's reuniting you will meet many unique, but fun and loving characters from Valentine Bay. Protecting My Heart is a quick, fun read and makes me excited for this new series!
February 13, 2018
I absolutely loved Protecting My Heart!
Take a bunch of high school graduates,
fake id's, & lots of alcohol, in Las Vegas,
& you'll wake up the next day with a
horrible hangover, & a marriage license.
Ella & Donovan, grew up as neighbors,
& best friends. They've always had feelings for each other, but kept it to themselves. Fast forward 15 years, when your past
catches up with you. Donovan works
for the Secret Service, protecting the President. When paperwork work shows
he is married, & that he never disclosed it,
his security clearance is in jeopardy.
Donovan needs to return to Valentine Bay,
to straighten everything out. What he
doesn't know is that the "Men in Black",
have approached Ella, at her art gallery
in town. It been five years since
Ella & Donovan have seen each other.
I really enjoyed reading this story!!
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
Take a bunch of high school graduates,
fake id's, & lots of alcohol, in Las Vegas,
& you'll wake up the next day with a
horrible hangover, & a marriage license.
Ella & Donovan, grew up as neighbors,
& best friends. They've always had feelings for each other, but kept it to themselves. Fast forward 15 years, when your past
catches up with you. Donovan works
for the Secret Service, protecting the President. When paperwork work shows
he is married, & that he never disclosed it,
his security clearance is in jeopardy.
Donovan needs to return to Valentine Bay,
to straighten everything out. What he
doesn't know is that the "Men in Black",
have approached Ella, at her art gallery
in town. It been five years since
Ella & Donovan have seen each other.
I really enjoyed reading this story!!
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
February 16, 2018
Wow Melanie Shawn you have done it again. I love this series. It is funny, hot, sweet, romantic and so much more. From the very first page I was drawn into Donovan and Ella's story. The things that happen in this book made me laugh so hard and it was such an enjoyable book to read. All the secondary characters were amazing from his brother and sister to Ella's best friend. You add in the back story and all the town's people's. We cannot forget Grandma and her antics. You did an amazing job with this book and the only bad part of my read was that this book ended. Then you left me a tiny piece of the next book. The only question I have is how am I suppose to wait until July. I am going to be wishing away my days just to get there. AMAZING BOOK !! I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2018
Honest review for free arc.
Donovan Valentine and Ella have been best friends their whole lives. After high school graduation, a group of the Valentine Bay kids went to Las Vegas to celebrate. Somehow,Donovan and Ella ended up at a wedding chapel using their fake ID’s.
Fast forward 15 years: Donovan is a Secret Service agent who suddenly finds himself unable to gain “clearance” due to a unreported marriage. Meanwhile Ella, a Valentine Bay artist, is visited by agents to find out about their marriage. Suddenly their fake marriage isn’t so fake.
The love between the couple is no longer just the love of best friends, but can Ella handle a “short term” fling while Donovan is home clearing up this clearance glitch? Can Donovan leave his best friend and his family to go back to his job?
Donovan Valentine and Ella have been best friends their whole lives. After high school graduation, a group of the Valentine Bay kids went to Las Vegas to celebrate. Somehow,Donovan and Ella ended up at a wedding chapel using their fake ID’s.
Fast forward 15 years: Donovan is a Secret Service agent who suddenly finds himself unable to gain “clearance” due to a unreported marriage. Meanwhile Ella, a Valentine Bay artist, is visited by agents to find out about their marriage. Suddenly their fake marriage isn’t so fake.
The love between the couple is no longer just the love of best friends, but can Ella handle a “short term” fling while Donovan is home clearing up this clearance glitch? Can Donovan leave his best friend and his family to go back to his job?
Want to read
November 8, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (11/8/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
Welcome to Valentine Bay!
Ella Fletcher spent all of high school in love with the boy next door--her best friend, Donovan. It was never more than that, but she fooled herself into believing friendship was enough.
Donovan Valentine knew he could never make a move on his best friend Ella. After all, she depended on him. He was the only stable man in her life. If denying his feelings was the price he had to pay for protecting hers, then he was more than willing to pay it.
Celebrating their high school graduation, they drunkenly took part in a marriage ceremony using fake IDs. But now, fifteen years later, it turns out that the IDs weren't so fake, and neither is the marriage.
When Donovan returns to Valentine Bay to straighten things out, will this accident turn into the best thing that ever happened to them?
Blurb:
Welcome to Valentine Bay!
Ella Fletcher spent all of high school in love with the boy next door--her best friend, Donovan. It was never more than that, but she fooled herself into believing friendship was enough.
Donovan Valentine knew he could never make a move on his best friend Ella. After all, she depended on him. He was the only stable man in her life. If denying his feelings was the price he had to pay for protecting hers, then he was more than willing to pay it.
Celebrating their high school graduation, they drunkenly took part in a marriage ceremony using fake IDs. But now, fifteen years later, it turns out that the IDs weren't so fake, and neither is the marriage.
When Donovan returns to Valentine Bay to straighten things out, will this accident turn into the best thing that ever happened to them?
February 21, 2018
Ella & Donovan were just friends in high school who ran in different crowds. They got married during a crazy graduation trip to Vegas but since they used fake IDs it didn’t count, right? Unfortunately what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas.
When the marriage comes up on a yearly background check for Donavan’s job, he has to return to his hometown to clear things up. He & Ella reconnect. Will their secret feelings for each other finally be revealed? Will they annul their marriage or can they make it work?
I was immediately drawn into this new series. I am looking forward to getting to know the town and it’s residents even better! Excellent read by the always enjoyable Melanie Shawn!
When the marriage comes up on a yearly background check for Donavan’s job, he has to return to his hometown to clear things up. He & Ella reconnect. Will their secret feelings for each other finally be revealed? Will they annul their marriage or can they make it work?
I was immediately drawn into this new series. I am looking forward to getting to know the town and it’s residents even better! Excellent read by the always enjoyable Melanie Shawn!
February 21, 2018
Donovan and Ella have been best friends for a far back as they can remember. After their high school graduation, they went to Vegas with fake id’s and got totally hammered...and apparently married. They didn’t think anything of it bc they used their fake id’s. Fast forward 15 years and Donovan is in the secret service waiting on his security clearance when it comes up that he is married. So apparently they used their real id’s when they got married. Donovan goes back to Valentine Bay to talk to Ella about their situation. Instead of dealing with that, he finds his little sister, who is not so little, his brother whom he misses and than Ella, his Ella whom he realizes he has missed more than he thought. I loved this story of first loves. It was sweet, funny and heartwarming.
February 24, 2018
Awesome new series by Melanie Shawn! Valentine's Bay is a small town and Donovan Valentine part of the founding family. After high school and a drunken night in Vegas, Donovan and Ella find themselves married but think it was all a joke because they surely used fake ids! Fast forward...Donovan is a Secret Service agent protecting the President and his security clearance pops that he is still married to Ella. He scurries back home to get this "taken care of" and finds that he is still in love with his high school best friend who just happens to be his wife. This story follows the reunion of Donovan and Ella and Donovan and his brother and sister. It's heartwarming and sexy and fun. I'm excited to read more about the rest of the Valentine family!
February 15, 2018
Ella and Donovan are best friends and in love with each other. Not wanting to change the status quo, they don’t do anything except get married one drunken night in Vegas.
15 years later, Donovan is back in Valentine Bay to clear the confusion around his fake marriage to Ella. Will they acknowledge their feeling this time around ?
Protecting my heart definitely stole my heart. I loved this book. The story was sweet, funny and heartwarming. I enjoyed the interactions between Ella and Donovan and the bond they shared. And the supporting characters were awesome, be it Genevieve, Grandma Valentine or Mila. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
February 17, 2018
New series from Melanie Shawn and I am loving this town and all the people in it!! Donovan Valentine and Ella Fletcher have been best friends all through school. Both have secretly been in love with the other. Circumstances occur that bring Donovan home to Valentine Bay and he realizes maybe it is time to come home to stay!! While Donovan and Ella spend time together it is clear that those feelings are only getting stronger and decisions have to be made that could affect they whole lives!! Donovan realizes that he needs to be close to his family also!! Can't wait for the next book in this series!! This book does not have a cliff hanger but you do want to see Donovan's brothers get their HEA!!
February 18, 2018
Protecting my heart is the first book in the new series, set in Valentine Bay and I wasn't disappointed.
Ella Fletcher has loved her best friend Donovan, since the first day they met in high school, bust she couldn't tell him and risk losing him.
Donovan Valentine has denied his feelings for Ella, for fear of losing her and he knew she needed him.
Then one night after graduation, they get drunk and tie the Knott, thinking it wasn't real as they used fake IDs, they carry on like nothing happened..
Fifteen years later they are reunited, after finding out they are really married and the sparks fly.
It's just so sweet how much they love each other and they're both oblivious to the others feelings.
The heat between them is off the charts.
I didn't want their story to end.
Another amazing read from Melanie and Shawna.
Ella Fletcher has loved her best friend Donovan, since the first day they met in high school, bust she couldn't tell him and risk losing him.
Donovan Valentine has denied his feelings for Ella, for fear of losing her and he knew she needed him.
Then one night after graduation, they get drunk and tie the Knott, thinking it wasn't real as they used fake IDs, they carry on like nothing happened..
Fifteen years later they are reunited, after finding out they are really married and the sparks fly.
It's just so sweet how much they love each other and they're both oblivious to the others feelings.
The heat between them is off the charts.
I didn't want their story to end.
Another amazing read from Melanie and Shawna.
February 20, 2018
I had the fortune of receiving a “teaser” of this book when finishing another book my Melanie Shawn. After finishing the teaser, was disappointed that the book wasn’t out yet - So I marked my calendar and patiently awaited release day. I’m excited to say it didn’t disappoint. It was a great and fun read. The pages turned quickly and the story just jumped from the pages. You find yourself immediately falling for the storyline and the characters. Donovan and Ella’s friendship and secret romance will have you have shaking your head as to why it took so long. Add in Ella’s funny and outgoing friend Genevieve and you’ll be laughing throughout many parts of the books. Definitely worth the read as the story goes by way too quickly; but in a good way:)
February 21, 2018
Love this new series by Melanie Shawn! I can't wait for more books! Ella finds herself confronting her feelings from many years ago thanks to a wedding that she didn't think was in her name. Donovan is back in town trying to deal with the drunken wedding that he also didn't know happened. Ella has been in love with Donovan since she was a kid and now 15 years has passed and they find out they really did get married that drunken night in Vegas. Everybody thought they would end up together but they need to get past the potential of hurting each other and find their feelings for each other are mutual.
February 22, 2018
The first installment of the Valentine Bay series was true to Melanie Shawn's writing skills. Easy to read, easy to follow, easy to ENJOY.
The characters are charming and likable. What an unlikely story--Donovan and Ella, school chums who are each keeping their attraction to each other a secret, end up getting married in Vegas during a high school graduation trip. But they can't remember much of the night and believe it was not valid anyway since they were using fake IDs. Fast forward fifteen years later, when come to find, they truly are married!
Donovan comes back to Valentine Bay to discuss this recent development with Ella and sparks ignite. But they are old enough now to admit to their "liking." Some very sexy moments. And a sensual and cringe-worthy swimming pool scene.
Sounds like some of the characters will cross-over into the future books and I really look forward to that.
*I received an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.*
The characters are charming and likable. What an unlikely story--Donovan and Ella, school chums who are each keeping their attraction to each other a secret, end up getting married in Vegas during a high school graduation trip. But they can't remember much of the night and believe it was not valid anyway since they were using fake IDs. Fast forward fifteen years later, when come to find, they truly are married!
Donovan comes back to Valentine Bay to discuss this recent development with Ella and sparks ignite. But they are old enough now to admit to their "liking." Some very sexy moments. And a sensual and cringe-worthy swimming pool scene.
Sounds like some of the characters will cross-over into the future books and I really look forward to that.
*I received an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.*
February 19, 2018
This is a new series written by Melanie Shawn and I love it just as much as I love the others.
This series takes is Valentine Bay. I love the little towns created so much I wish they were real!
This book takes us on a journey with best friends, Ella and Donovan.
A drunken night when they were 18 leads to an interesting reunion 15 years later.
They believed that what happened in Vegas was going to stay there - that is, until it doesn't.
Donovan works for the secret service and when it comes to light that there were some things he thought were over and done with really are not, it takes him home to Valentine Bay.
Both Ella and Donovan struggle to keep their feelings to themselves which proves to be impossible and ends in a fabulous happily ever after!
This series takes is Valentine Bay. I love the little towns created so much I wish they were real!
This book takes us on a journey with best friends, Ella and Donovan.
A drunken night when they were 18 leads to an interesting reunion 15 years later.
They believed that what happened in Vegas was going to stay there - that is, until it doesn't.
Donovan works for the secret service and when it comes to light that there were some things he thought were over and done with really are not, it takes him home to Valentine Bay.
Both Ella and Donovan struggle to keep their feelings to themselves which proves to be impossible and ends in a fabulous happily ever after!
February 19, 2018
Great new series!!! Valentine Bay is a fun new town. Can't wait to read more about this town and the people in it. Ella and Donovan are best friends that do not realize how much they are in love with each other. Their one night in Vegas is coming back to haunt them as Donovan has to renew his security clearance. They have not seen each other for a few years since he went to be in the Secret Service and she started her art business. When Donovan comes back to town will they finally be able to admit what all their friends already know or will Donovan be heading back out of town and back out her life again?
February 21, 2018
Donovan and Ella, what an absolutely fantastic start to the series but Melanie Shawn!
What happens in Vegas definitely doesn’t always stay in Vegas, and in this case, what happens there has Donovan coming back home to sort some things out so that he can leave again.
This book was a fanatastic friends to lovers story, everything was developed well, and I LOVED reading about how Donovan realized that there are more important things in life like family, and Ella. Such a great book and a fun start to the series. Enjoyed it immensely!
What happens in Vegas definitely doesn’t always stay in Vegas, and in this case, what happens there has Donovan coming back home to sort some things out so that he can leave again.
This book was a fanatastic friends to lovers story, everything was developed well, and I LOVED reading about how Donovan realized that there are more important things in life like family, and Ella. Such a great book and a fun start to the series. Enjoyed it immensely!
February 21, 2018
Protecting my Heart is book 1 in the all new series Valentine Bay. These authors have a way of sucking us not only into a book but into a whole new town will all new characters. I can not wait to see what they have planned for this new series. In this story we meet Donovan and Ella. Childhood best friends going to Vegas upon HS graduation with fake ID’s leaves them legally united. Years later when they try to rectify the situation feeling come bubbling back. Loved the characters, storyline and town. Can’t wait to read the next book. I give this book a 5 star rating.
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