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A Second Chance Baby Daddy Romance.

I’m being stalked like an animal, and my ex wants to protect me.

My life is crumbling at my feet, and all I can do is look over my shoulder.
Stopping.
Staring.
Fearing for my life.
Then, my ex comes knocking at my door.
Promising he can keep me safe.
With his thick muscles and his brooding stare and a body whose crevices call to mine.
The man who broke my heart wants to shield me from the man who broke my mind.
A man I married.
Trusted.
Divorced.
I can’t say no, but I want to.
I have to say ‘no’, but I can’t.
And when he injures himself keeping his vow, I can’t push him away.
I was being tracked and he never left me.
So I refuse to leave him.

I guess some things never change.

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2018

19 people are currently reading
45 people want to read

About the author

Kelli Walker

43 books74 followers

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5 stars
34 (54%)
4 stars
15 (24%)
3 stars
9 (14%)
2 stars
2 (3%)
1 star
2 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,029 reviews154 followers
May 28, 2018
There's something about a woman that can finally leave the man abusing her. There's something to be said for a woman in danger and not willing to take that help till it almost too late. There's something to be said about a woman that will stand by the man she loves. The read was a faster than normal pace. The suspense was valid. The direction certain. I found a good read that could have been so much more. The blurb allowed for expectations that were not met and that put an edge on the read for me.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
May 6, 2018
Story line is great and I loved the characters. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it! Unexpected twists and turns had me reading this book in one sitting. Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Kaz.
107 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2018
Alicia Whitley has been hiding from her abusive ex-husband Langley for a year, until he finds her. With help from her lawyer a protective security company is engaged to protect her, only the owner of the company is the man who broker her heart, her ex-boyfriend Ryder Smith.

Protected is the story of Alicia's struggles with losing control of her life again to allow Ryder to protect her, and Ryder's determination to protect her at all costs, and the stormy relationship that develops out of that.

Fed up with having her life controlled, Alicia struggles to let Ryder do his job and protect her, feeling that he is just another man trying to tell her what to do. This necessity to take back control of her life comes at a time where she is putting herself and Ryder in danger by doing so.

Ryder's feelings for Alicia never left him and he risks everything to keep her safe, but when he is injured protecting her Alicia steps up and will not leave his side during his recovery.

I enjoyed this story, it was emotional, suspenseful, and the author takes the reader on the adventure with the characters to find each other again. Told from both points of view of the two main characters brings a greater level of emotional connection to both characters. 

I did find it a little confronting in regards to the domestic violence aspect and this could be triggering to survivors of domestic violence.

When I read the blurb I thought this book sounded exciting, and it was but there were a few of things that detracted from the story for me;

These could contain **SPOILERS** so if you don't like spoilers please don't read any further, but it made a difference to my expectations for the book and my enjoyment of the outcome;

First, having 'baby daddy' as part of the title of the book to me sets a certain expectation that there will be a pregnancy. I spent the whole book waiting for the pregnancy and was disappointed that it was only in the epilogue. 

Second, it may be my interpretation but when I read this section of the blurb;

The man who broke my heart wants to shield me from the man who broke my mind. A man I married. Trusted. Divorced. I can’t say no, but I want to.
I read that as the ex who wanted to protect her was a previous husband not a high school boyfriend she hasn't seen since she was 16 (about 15 years). I'm not sure why but that changed my perspective of the earlier relationship between Ryder and Alicia. I think it's more how the blurb is written to set the expectation that is was a long term relationship and Ryder broke her trust before they divorced. 

Lastly, there were some inconsistencies with a secondary character, Alicia's best friend Becca which caused a bit of confusion. Firstly,  when talking about Alicia's state of mind after the break up with Ryder in high school it states "I rebelled throughout my last two years of my high school career and had it not been for Becca, I never would've made it to college" giving the understanding Alicia and Becca were high school friends.

Later, Alicia states she met Becca her freshman year of college and when talking to Becca about Ryder, Becca asks his name. she and Alicia discuss it and Becca says "You're my best friend and he hurt you. It doesn't matter if we weren't friends when he hurt you."  Both these points contradicting what was mentioned earlier in the book.

This is followed by another conversation a few chapters later where Alicia again explains to Becca she dated Ryder in high school and the conversation illudes to the fact Becca didnt know who Ryder was (again contradicting the previous point)

This did detract from the story somewhat because I had to keep going back and forth with chapters to check that what I thought I had read previously was actually what I'd read. It was confusing.

Because of these issues I gave it 3.5 stars, otherwise I would have given it 4.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and would still recommend it to lovers of second chance romance.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
May 8, 2018
OK GUYS, ARE YOU REALLY READY FOR THIS????
OMG! I was hooked, drawn in and immersed so deep in this that my house could have caught fire and I'd never know. If you're looking for hard hitting, action packed, volcanic heat, smooth flowing read that captures you from the first page and holds you prisoner till the end. Man you have just struck gold. This is one adventure you definitely don't want to miss. With heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, pulse racing and a thrilling ride that just keeps bringing it you can't put this bad boy down. The characters and scenes were intriguing and complex and hard core. They didn't play around when life is on the line and a deadly stalker is on the prowl. Following the characters along mesmerized as their personalities transformed and blended. Talk about security 24/7. This guy is not closing his eyes. He doesn't blink when the s**t starts getting really deep. Drawn into Kelli's imagination I held my breath as death came closer and the guys just got harder. With tension running high and twists, turns and unpredictable surprises that kept everyone on their toes and ready for anything. I was on the razor edge of my seat and totally focused on the tale as it unfolded before my eyes. A word of advice when you get your copy. Grab a snack, a comfy seat, kick back and relax cause you won't be moving till the last word. Kelli is definitely bringing her A-game with this bad boy. You can feel everyrhing the characters are feeling, sweat when they swear and above all, duck when they hit the floor. Kelli has left me totally awestruck and dumbfounded with this masterpiece. Phenomenal job bringing this together perfectly with all the right spices and plenty of heat. Remarkable job Kelli and thanks for sharing the awesome read.
Profile Image for Ida Guldberg.
37 reviews
May 11, 2018
**Received this book as ARC to review by booksprout**

Great book - really loved it <3 I loved the characters!

Alicia has for quite some time, been hiding from her abusive ex-husband Langley - But he has now found her. Her lawyer helps her get protection via a protective security company. Problem is, that the owner of the company is a man who broke her heart in high-school = ex-boyfriend Ryder Smith.

Ryder is determined to protect her at all costs, but Alicia wants her independence back and not lose control of her life, again.

The feelings Ryder had for Alicia never left, and now he will risk everything just to keep her safe - especially if it means he will have her back in his life again.

!!!Possible spoiler's ahead!!!
Here is the reason for "only" getting 3 stars: Having baby daddy as a part of the book title, makes me believe that the story will contain a pregnancy early on in the book and not in the epilogue - At every end of the page I expected/hoped the next page would contain something about a possible pregnancy etc. When you spend the whole book reading and waiting for a "pregnancy" and not getting it until the epilogue, then I don't believe that the book title should contain "baby daddy"

Overall I really enjoyed the book, and would definitely recommend it for someone who is into this kind of books :)
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,457 reviews49 followers
May 7, 2018
This is one amazing story and this is Ryder’s and Alicia’s story. Ryder owns a security firm and he took a job from his friend who asked him to protect a woman named Alicia Whitley she’s being stalked by her ex husband. Ryder thought surely that it wasn’t his Alicia she would never let anyone control her the one that he loved in high school and the one who ended up breaking her heart in high school. It was his Alicia and when he went to her place she wasn’t happy to see him but he was a professional and he was going to protect her no matter what. I loved this story I also felt bad for Alicia her husband controlled everything about her, but I also had a chuckle too when Alicia was talking to her best friend Becca about the size of Ryder’s c*ck and what he was like in bed that was funny. I won’t write anymore spoilers but this was an amazing story and it will definitely be going on my to read again shelf, I loved this this story and I know that you will too. I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read a 5 plus ⭐️ read.
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,302 reviews70 followers
May 8, 2018
This was an amazing story about a woman surviving domestic abuse especially when her ex husband doesn't want to let her go. Alicia struggles to maintain her safety when the cops can't protect her because he hasn't done anything to her yet. When she reaches out to her lawyer by accident when she spots him looking up at her new place he moves to find her protection. When Ryder's old navy buddy contacts him about a possible job that he would have to do pro bono he never expected it to lead to his high school sweetheart. Even with sparks flying between them Alicia agrees to let him help and in one day he finds out more about her situation than even the cops do. However can Ryder keep her safe from the threat of her ex? Will they be able to work through their past to have a future together?

Once I started I couldn't put this book down. The chemistry between Alicia and Ryder sizzle with each page turn. I would recommend this to anyone that loves to lose themselves in an amazing story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book I enjoyed it so much I bought my own copy.
Profile Image for Nickole.
1,490 reviews9 followers
May 6, 2018
rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. we meet Alicia, stalked by her exhusband, living day to day in fear searching for her freedom. we meet Ryder, former SEAL, who owns a protection company and his pal has cashed in a favor...find a man and protect the woman and that woman is his high school gf Alicia. alicia lawyer tells her hes hired a company to protect her and find her ex...and when she opens the door she is shocked to see Ryder standing there....no no no not happening...he broke her heart. Ryder cant believe how beautiful she is and this case is personal. he convinces her that she needs to be protected much to her dismay but when her safe haven is threatened Ryder takes her safety into his own hands....or house. Alicia's ex is a shifty buggar, and Ryder will stop at nothing to protect her but will it he enough?
Profile Image for Robin.
276 reviews
May 7, 2018
Not much for non-erotic readings, but Kelli did a great job. Amazing and a pleasure to read. It wasn't rushed, nor overly sexed. I loved Alicia and Ryder together. Their reconnection was so sweet and cherishable for all the years that they were apart. To have Alicia overcome the hell she has endured and for Ryder to help her through it was Primo. A total must read and I will read again.

Some issues with the writing: Spell checking is essential to keeping the story going with no hiccups, make sure the writing is done one character at a time (a lot of mistakes were made between the characters, if it is the male, a few times it started she not he and vice versa), and on page 198, who is Scott? I know it is supposed to be Ryder. Just make sure it is read thoroughly to check for story continuity and spelling errors. Sorry.
Profile Image for Misty Goan.
2,809 reviews13 followers
May 7, 2018
An absolute must buy. A awesome well written second chance romance with suspense, intrigue, drama, romance, second chance, heartache, fear, and of course the best sexy steamy scenes. The characters were real and likable and had me captivated from beginning to end. Alicia married a guy from college who was controlling and bad after 7 years of their 13 year marriage trying to save and find a way out. He now refuses to pay alimony, supposedly disappeared and stalking her. Brendan, her lawyer, for protection calls his seal team buddy Ryder who come to find out has high school history with Alicia. In ensure that the characters come across as strong, determined and committed to achieving their goals, the author creates a real sense of danger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Reva Parks.
1,770 reviews15 followers
May 9, 2018
This was a fantastic book about Alicia, an independent, smart woman, who was chosen early in her college career by a controlling, abusive and manipulative man named Langley who married her immediately after graduation. After 13 yeears she finally saved enough money and had the opportunity to escape and divorce her husband. When her husband quits paying alimony and goes underground, her lawyer calls in a favor from his fellow former SEAL, who now owns a large protection agency to guard Alicia and find her husband. Imagine her surprise when he turns out to be her highschool sweetheart !! Thus begins the reader falling for Ryder, rich, handsome, and loving Alicia. Thrilling action, hot love making, lots of suspense, and endearing comedy as these two come to admit their love for one another, make a real pleasure for the reader.
58 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2018
I kept turning the pages to find out what would happen next. You can’t help but like Ryder even though he left Alicia. This is not only a second chance romance but it’s full of suspense. Alicia and Ryder were high school sweethearts but when he walked away without a reason or without saying goodbye at his high school reunion she was devastated.
When Alicia’s lawyer and Ryder’s ex seal member calls him Ryder knows he will do whatever it takes to protect her. Alicia knew she had to leave her husband who was controlling and both verbally and mentally abusive. When Ryder shows up to protect her Alicia isn’t sure she even wants his protection. Will Ryder be able to protect her? Will Alicia be able to figure Ryder and can they have their happy ending? Will Alicia ever find out why he left? I received a Arc copy and am volunteering to leave a review.
1,006 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2018

Alicia is in hiding from a crazy ex husband whom is stalking her she needs help so she uses a security firm and the first man to break her heart Ryder is in charge of keeping her safe. This story is well written the plot is good and there is some twist and turns that will keep you on your feet.
There is also romance and Ryder and Alicia definitely still have feelings for each other but Alicia feels that Ryder is another man that will control her and she will not be with another controlling man.


Ryder is protective and will do anything to save Alicia and maybe win her heart again in the process. Can Ryder keep away the danger and will these two get back together and live happily ever after
I voluntarily received an arc copy through Booksprout for my honest review.
2,978 reviews11 followers
May 7, 2018
Past and Future

Ryder and Alicia were high school sweet hearts who were in love and looking forward to life together. He decided to disappear after graduation so.she.cpuld pursue her dreams. Except she wound up falling into despair and nothing went her way. Now she is in need of help and he is there for her.the strong feelings and attraction are still there but will she be able to let her walls down? Will he see that he is good for her? Wonderful second chance at love with a dark twist.

I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.
33 reviews
July 12, 2018
There is always something powerful regarding a woman breaking away from a abusive relationship. The suspense in this book is fantastic and it has a good storyline. This author is taking you on a journey while you are reading this book because you can picture yourself exactly in Alicia’s shoes and the circumstances that she goes through. Rider does he’s best to protect her at all cost even when he is injured, he doesn’t stop because she will always be his sweetheart from high school and he will always protect her.
Recommend this to all and this is a fantastic book.
Profile Image for Caryn Block d'ambrosi.
5 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2018
A must read - who wouldn't want a second chance at lost love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review but even if I didn't I would have purchased this book. It's action packed, suspensful, romantic and has a HEA. It is a well written story about a woman trying to survive a domestic abuse relationship that's she's left. The "hero" is all that plus a bag of chips!!!
875 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Alicia is hiding from her ex-husband who has been stalking her. Ryder was Alicia’s boyfriend in high school but he brook her heart when he took off after graduation. Alicia’s lawyer wants to hire a security company to protect her. Ryder is the CEO of the security company. He wants to protect her, and his feelings towards all rush back, but Alicia wants her independence back. Does Ryder win her over?
Profile Image for Beth.
148 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2018
I am a new Kelli Walker fan after this book!

Good, compelling plot that had me turning pages and reading and reading and reading.

Likable, relatable characters that I really wanted to like and cheer for throughout.

Would I recommend this story to anyone? Yes!
Is it a good page-turner? Yes!
Is it hot and steamy? YES!

Don’t hesitate, buy this book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nikki Meyers.
16 reviews
December 12, 2018
A vengeful ex husband returns and the only person she can trust with her life is the last person she wants around and the man who broke her heart 13 years ago but she never stopped loving. What's a girl to do? Move in with him of course, but only temporarily, right?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
558 reviews
November 2, 2019
This was my first book by Kellie Walker and this book hit on soooo many topics...

I enjoyed the read, I enjoyed the length of the book also. There was deep character development for the main characters, there was plot development, I guess in my mind I knew it would be a HEA based on the title, but it was nice to see it reach the conclusion.

I will look for more by this author.
714 reviews10 followers
June 23, 2018
An eye opening, gasp inspiring, kindle melting read

Kelli Walker delivers a story that tweaks all the strings of emotion. From terror, to outrage, to heart swelling passion, Alicia and Ryder will hold you hostage for their incredible journey of self awareness and healing.
6 reviews
November 29, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I love reading Kelli Walker books they are well written. Once I started I couldn't put this book down. I would recommend this to anyone that loves to lose themselves in an amazing story.
Profile Image for Nikki Henton.
36 reviews
June 29, 2019
Nice ready. The story line was great. And ended on a good surprise note. But I felt something was lacking....not really sure what. Almost as if the whole back story wasn’t complete. Maybe that’s just me. But over all a solid 4.
2,638 reviews8 followers
May 8, 2018
A stalker ex-husband, hot billionaire and a women who needs help. This was a good storyline with suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.2k reviews19 followers
May 12, 2018
I enjoyed Ryder & Alisha's story. Lots of twists & turns in this one. I'm voluntarily leaving a review for a copy of the book.
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,927 reviews4 followers
Read
May 6, 2018
Danger, suspense, re-kindling romance and mental-emotional healing

Protected by Kelli Walker is a great book. I love the characters; their backgrounds were well developed as well as their present lives. There were secondary characters that were fun and interesting but their involvement in the story was minimal. I would definitely read books about Abrams, Yorker & Wilde!
This book kept me intrigued for the suspense and how the antagonist’s actions would be resolved. Then I was captivated by the development of Ryder and Alicia’s second Chance. And finally, I just had to know how ‘baby daddy’ in the title worked in this book’s storyline! Kelli Walker had me hooked!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pat.
1,076 reviews35 followers
May 7, 2018
Just couldn’t put down. Such a well written book about spousal abuse. I felt her fears and how she reacted is so real. Moving on is never easy especially with a stalker ex.
So well written. I highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Renata Gill.
1,359 reviews10 followers
May 8, 2018
Protected by Kelli Walker is a brilliantly written second chance romance.The book is packed with drama, suspense, action and a heat searing romance.
Alicia's lawyer asks his best friend ex Navy Seal team mate Ryder to help with tacking down her abusive ex husband. 15 years after leaving her with no goodbyes and broken hearted Ryder shows up on her doorstep ready to protect the only woman he has ever loved and never forgotten.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12 reviews
Read
May 16, 2018
First time reader of this author and she didn’t disappoint me! I could not put this book down until I was finished with it. I wil definitely be following her on Amazon.

This book will have you going through all of your emotions and will keep you on the edge of your seat.

You absolutely must get this book and see for yourself! You’re going to love it!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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