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Protecting Abigail

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When locked eyes with Abigail, there was no turning back.
The loss of my wife left me and my daughter broken.
A despair so deep, the billions I had couldn't come close to fixing.

331 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2018

1684 people are currently reading
302 people want to read

About the author

R.R. Banks

45 books1,115 followers
As a man who is a hopeless romantic, your support is my inspiration. I'm excited to have you read my books so we can go on the hottest romance adventure together! ;)

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5 stars
556 (48%)
4 stars
354 (30%)
3 stars
193 (16%)
2 stars
43 (3%)
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12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
1,254 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2018
Plot: abusive (kinda)/controlling ex, hot rich dude hires her as nanny, sex ensues etc etc
Mc's: both had characteristics that should've made me be into them as characters in a book but they fell flat for me and I never forgot that they were characters in a book unlike some authors who are able to make their characters come alive for me. The info dump of their respective pasts really didn't give the serious subject matter the sensitivity it deserved. The hero struck me as having many of the same behaviors as the ex, the intention behind the actions were better than the ex and he wasn't abusive or controlling but he could've acted better considering. And him treating her like she was imagining things, when he knew others has done so and he even felt there was something to her fears ultimately made me give this one up though it wasn't the only reason I dnf.
Relationship: they basically went from zero to fucking like bunnies. We're talking chapter long sex scenes. I expected a slower pace given how long it took to get them to the first date but it it was like a dam with the tiniest leak just suddenly exploded...with endless adjectives.
Writing: anytime a book is in first person present tense I'm skeptical that I'll end up enjoying the writing style. This one unfortunately didn't surprise me there. The author over uses adjectives, especially in the sex scenes. The abusive ex trope was set up but there was no real follow through by where I quit at 77%. Yeah the ex was a shit head who needed to be in jail but at worst it was mild stalking, it never really escalated like a stalker would in real life. It was just that...a trope to get the characters together none of the characters really acted in a situationally appropriate manner. After awhile between the actual writing, the lack of anything terribly interesting happening, and the random time lapses I was just...bored. When the hero started purposely doubting the hero I took that as my cue to give up on this one even though I didn't have much left.

Tldr: mediocre writing in a style that's already hard to pull off, largely boring plot, flat characters, way too many adjectives. Skip it. Dnf
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
August 21, 2018
Learning To Recognize Danger🔪🔫🔥 When You're In It!

Her Own Personal Stalker....
The sick aspect of being in a twisted relationship with a deeply disturbed and controlling man isn't crystal clear until you've lived it.

Abigail must be an eternal optimist, because she can't seem to see what her boyfriend is doing to her mind, her life. She just wants to hide from everything.

She waits until it's nearly too late to leave the relationship. But maybe it is too late, because her ex, Trevor👹, isn't letting her go, he is going to follow her and bide his time. He's become her own Personal stalker.

ARC Received via Bookfunnel.
I also got The book📑 with KU.

The book📑 is very relevant and creepy at the same time. Author Banks hits🔨 the bad relationship nail on the head and smashes it, bends it, breaks it!

Most women who have done a fair amount of dating or have been in several relationships, can relate to this well written and thoughtful book.

The book📑 could possibly be a trigger point for some readers, or it might be a wake up call..........
Profile Image for Avigail.
1,206 reviews58 followers
June 21, 2019
It is my second R. R. Banks book that I read. I like his writing and the perplex stories he writes.
As I enjoyed his other work, I decided to browse once again at kindle unlimited to find other books for the challenges I have to read for my reading bingo board. The next entry to the bingo board is to read a romance book featuring a single father. The other reason I picked the book was the female character is named the same name as me.
I am pretty new to this genre, and the book looked interesting because once again, the author takes issues as domestic emotional and physical violence and brings to the papers of the romance genre.
It is a story of Abigail and Xavier (it is interesting that is the second book that one of the characters has this name) each of them trying to get their lives forward after stressful situations. Annie, Xavier's daughter, and Evan, Abigail's brother are the people that bring the two main characters together.
It is time to write that this book has a trigger warning for domestic violence as well as emotional and physical.
Yes, I will certainly continue reading R. R. Banks books.
Profile Image for Romance Rehab.
351 reviews81 followers
October 19, 2018
I made it to 51% of the story and realized that I’d been skimming since about 20%, trying to get to something that didn’t bore the crap out of me. I never found anything that made me want to stick it out to the end.

While I commend Abigail for having the courage to leave a bad relationship, it irked me that she didn’t do more to protect herself. She let a couple of judgy cops shame her out of filing charges against the stalker ex and getting a restraining order. I wish she would have stuck to her guns and taken legal action. Then, I wish she would’ve taken self-defense classes and bought a big, vicious dog that didn’t like men. But sadly, Abigail did none of those things. She ran home to let her brother protect her, then she ran to the hero, Xavier, her brother’s friend, and let him protect her. She let the stalker run her out of her home and her job and did nothing to stop him. “Protecting Abigail” wasn’t high on Abigail's priority list, in other words.

Xavier is a generic billionaire hero. I had to go back and look up his name before writing this review. I would’ve sworn it was Xander. That’s how much of an impression the guy made on me.

And I’m still a little confused as to why Abigail’s brother asked his friend to help protect Abigail to begin with. He was an alpha, over-protective big brother. Handing the job of protecting his baby sister over to someone else seemed out of character. (And it seemed like a super convenient plot device to move the romance forward, which just smacks of lazy writing.)

So, long-story-short, this one was a whole lot of “ugh” with a side of “meh” for me. Looking back, I realize I’ve read a few of this author’s books, and none of them clicked for me. My bad for not skipping this one, I guess. I think I get sucked in by all the glowing reviews, high-end covers, and the fact that you can’t do a single Amazon search that doesn’t end up showing you this author’s books. (Seriously, his ad spend must be astronomical) But you can bet that this guy’s on my “no fly” list from now on.

And don't forget to follow the Romance Rehab blog for more rants, raves, and other fun romance-y stuff: http://www.romancerehab.com/
Profile Image for (Grace) Kentucky Bohemian.
1,988 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2018
This is one of those stories that could be ripped from a headline. Or it could be your neighbor’s story, or your co-worker’s, or friend’s. Or maybe even yours. Sadly, the main character, Abigail, is a woman who knows domestic abuse all too well. Anyone not familiar with the ways of this type of abuse may be confused by the way she acts and the ways she allows her boyfriend, Trevor, to control her. But Abigail’s story is all too common, and the author has done an amazing job of capturing the elements of this type of abuse.

In case you’re wondering, Abigail is not a stupid woman. She’s actually very intelligent, and quite strong. She has a lot of wonderful traits that serve her well, and she’s an easy character to engage with—even to believe in. This beautiful, amazing woman finds herself near the bottom of a slippery slope she never saw coming, but she’s too smart to stay there. With the help of her brother Evan, and his best friend Xavier, Abigail attempts to build a new and better life.

Xavier is a veritable prince among men, who finds himself in the unwitting position to be able to help Abigail. He’s hoping she’ll help him too, since he has a young daughter that really needs the loving attention of a woman that’s not a tutor or cook. Gotta’ love fate. The resulting relationships that grow and the healing that takes place in this story is beyond wonderful. Abigail and Anna are ideal for each other. Xavier and Abigail are each just what the other needs. It just doesn’t get any better.

Readers can expect perfectly scorching love scenes along with adult situations and language. Sensitive readers should consider the possibility of triggers regarding domestic abuse issues, as some scenes can be intense. Because of these factors, this would be a story that can be shared with your best friend. While the storyline does deal with a very heavy issue, the story when taken as a whole is actually compellingly beautiful—dealing with strength, compassion, protection, and the healing power of love.
Profile Image for Susan Foulkes.
995 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2018
RR Banks has taken a break from steamy romance with this book, and he shows himself to be equally at home with psychological thrillers.

The story captivated me from the beginning and I read it in one sitting.

The characters are so well drawn, especially Abigail and Xavier, the story arc is pacy, and believable, and the difficult subject of domestic abuse is handled with sensitivity, and empathy.

The abuse in this case is not physical, but psychological and verbal. This sort of abuse is insidious as it takes a while to realise how isolated you've become, how your confidence has been shattered, and how controlling your partner has become.

Abigail makes a fresh start after finding the courage to leave Trevor, but it doesn't last, he won't let her go.

Through her brother, Evan, Abigail meets Xavier who offers her a safe haven, a job, and an apartment.

Romance is in their future, but will Trevor let them find their HEA?

The tension mounts as Abigail is again in danger. Can Xavier save her?

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for gwendolyn Robin.
475 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2018
This book deals with family as well as domestic abuse. Having someone take away your freedom, your friends and even your job puts you in a place of isolation where you have to depend only on them can take away your self worth leaving you with nothing. You get all of this and so much more in this book. There is a white lining in the form of Xavier who will do anything to give back everything to Abigail while protecting her from the one thing out to destroy her.

Merged review:

This book deals with family as well as domestic abuse. Having someone taking away your freedom, your friends and even your job puts you in a place of isolation where you have to depend only on them can take away your self worth leaving you with nothing. You get all of this and so much more in this book. There is a white lining in the form of Xavier who will do anything to give back everything to Abigail while all the while protecting her from the one thing out to destroy her.
Profile Image for Karen L Ledee.
906 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2018
Abigail has escaped her abusive childhood home trading it for a relationship Trevor with a controlling man. After him progressing to paranoia about her cheating, she runs away to her brother Evan. Trevor covertly stalks her wherever she goes. Evan asked his friend Xavier to put her up in one of his apartment buildings. Instead he offers her an arrangement where she lives in the apartment under him and be a nanny to his young daughter. The police are reluctant to believe her story leaving her vulnerable to the continued stalking. So, they have to wait for Trevor to slip up. Well written and suspenseful. Keep paging to see what happens next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
Profile Image for DENICE.
1,373 reviews5 followers
August 22, 2018
ONLY YOU CAN FIX YOUR LIFE.

An excellent book that shows one how some people will go through so much before realizing what is really going on in their lives and once they try to fix it, how that life affects their future. The interactions between the characters – Xavier, Evan, Abigail, Anna and Trevor, you will be astounded by the progression of the story.
Profile Image for Djg.
2,044 reviews32 followers
August 26, 2018
It’s ok, really slow I found myself putting it dow and getting distracted.
One thing that stands out is I have no idea what any one of the character looks like, there are more descriptions of the rooms and furnishings. It was odd.
2 1/2 stars. Not sorry I read it but not a keeper.
Profile Image for TIERN.
521 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2018
A delightful mystery.

A surprise from this author’s usual flavor, and I’m reaping the benefits, ten fold...LOL
This exiting full of mystery, fear, angst, lust and love will stir up very complexed emotions.

The storyline had quite the suspense it needed. ‘Genius ‘ A tragic death leads to Xavier meeting the soon to be , the love of his life in Abigail.

Abigail’s story is full of nerves, pain, sorrow, abuse, of course love will come. Slowly but surely , she will surmount those bad feelings.
Xavier and Abigail , a masterpiece together, as one they will enchant you with their heartache, their affections and tenderness.

Mr. Banks💯 % obviously has something here that will impress and enchant you my dear readers.

He never fails to surprise me again, and again, and again. Need I say more Beauties!

The plot, the characters, the background plot, sweet love and I sigh reading those tender moments.
Merci Cheri! Like🥛. Lol! You do the mind good!

This is my KU copy, and being on the ARC team is my outmost pleasure to review for such an accomplished writer💁‍♀️ and Best selling author, that is .

🥁 R.R. Banks🙇‍♀️🥃
1,332 reviews4 followers
August 22, 2018
Like looking through a window

This was an intense and emotional story , looking into the mind of an abusive psychopath and then the mind of the abused. The police were not portrayed in a good light. In all fairness if people would stop falsely accusing or using them for family disputes only to be repeat offenders maybe they'd be more inclined to listen to those like Abigail. Police are human. We know there are some crappy humans out there which unfortunately leak into the force. I think that's the rarity as to the norm. The story was written as though you were reading from Abigail's diary or looking through a window. Seldom did you feel like you were there or part of it. No cheating or cliffhanger, proofreading was good and you got a happy ending. Enjoy
Profile Image for Ann.
2,257 reviews8 followers
August 25, 2018
This was a good book. There were times that I was not able to put it down and other times it was a bit slow. I always like this author’s work so I was not disappointed. It gave a glimpse into abuse and stalking but in a way that was not difficult to read. My actual rating is 4.5 stars on this one. The 1/2 star is because the brother and sister seemed so close in about 3/4’s of the book but it was never explained why he was not in his sister’s life during her years with the abusive boyfriend. The brother was a good guy so it does not make a lot of sense for him to suddenly appear and then be willing to do anything to protect his sister. Overall this was a good read and I would recommend it.
Profile Image for CLEO.
640 reviews37 followers
August 24, 2018
It's insane the mental abuse Abigail goes through with Trevor (ex) and knowing what she went through as a child you understand why she was in the relationship for so long. She felt unworthy for love, happiness and life itself until her relationship with Little Anna opened her eyes and of course the bonus Xavier himself! A beautiful fairy tale evening jump starts an amazing romance.

description

R.R. Banks
40 reviews
October 10, 2018
I loved the Christian Grey date night in the helicopter Powerful

This was a powerful book evoking emotions on how women continue to stay in an abusive relationship because that's how their dad treated their mom. I loved how Abigail finally saw through that and tried to move on and found love with Xavier. How Xavier realized he needed to give more to Anna his daughter. Abigail showed Xavier that just because his wife had died when Anna was a baby doesn't mean the memories shouldn't be buried with her. I was up until 2 am reading and I couldn't put it down . Definitely a HEA ending and both characters helped each other to grow and learn from each other😍
Profile Image for Ren || Reading What I Want.
1,925 reviews152 followers
November 17, 2018
This was was pleasantly surprising. Abigail comes from a...psychotic relationship with a crazy man, Trevor. After her brother helps her to escape, she finds herself in the Big Apple where she thinks she's safe years later. But when Trevor starts stalking her...again, her brother sets her up to live/work with his widower friend, Xavier. She becomes the nanny to his daughter and the love of his life.

I got some major 50 Shades Vibes with the helicopter and certain mannerisms of Xavier (no BDSM though), and the angst was a wee bit far-fetched, but the story was engaging and the romance was slow, but sweet.
210 reviews
January 19, 2019
Simple story, and it's awesome.

Sometimes a simple story is the best story.
Man meets woman. Instant chemistry. But what makes the story a story are the lives.
Abigail is in a tortured relationship. She finds the courage to leave. Trouble follows. Abigail's brother asks his friend for help. Instead of giving them the "easy way out," Xavier felt an instant need to protect.
When trouble finds them again, Abigail decides to leave the life she's started to feel comfortable in, for their safety. Before her plan can be put in place, Abigail's past comes back to bite her.
This is a great read.
50 reviews
January 25, 2019
Excellent

Thank you Mr Banks for an exceptional book. The story line was well told. It shows how stalking a person takes a psychological toll on the person being stalked. It also shows how much the police can and can not do. Abigail was truly a heroine in her own right. This book had enough heat in it to classify it as erotic and it enhanced the story. Throw in the dynamics of the characters and it made for a truly amazing reading experience. I have recently found this author and I have read 5 books thus far starting with the Anderson brothers but I can't wait to read many more books created by Mr Banks. Thank you for sharing your amazing gift with your readers.
2,535 reviews87 followers
August 23, 2018
For years, Abigail has been on the run from her ex. Xavier struggles with being a single father and business owner after his wife passes. He is determined to protect her. Will Xavier be ready to open up his heart again? Will Abigail finally be free of her ex to live her life?

Have to admit at first I thought that Xavier was cold, but the more I read the more I understood. I loved the bond that he had with his daughter and how he was willing to protect Abigail before he really knew her. I loved how Abigail tried to move on with her life and I couldn't blame her for being scared. Great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
854 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2018
A Fantastic Read

This book by R. R. Banks is a fantastic read with a well developed story line that runs the gamut from suspense to sensual, blazing chemistry to a beautiful romance. My heart broke for Abigail and all she endured from her painful childhood and then the horrible nightmare she had to endure until she was able to run from her abusive boy friend. With her new job she establishes a wonderful relationship with Anna and along the way she and Xavier are able to tear down the walls to their heart.
Profile Image for Zee Williams.
170 reviews
August 31, 2018
So good

I swear this man writes some of the best books I have read. Omg I have been in Abigails shoes and while I'm so glad it didn't get like hers after I left I could feel her pain. This book had me tearing up, smiling and laughing. I wasn't triggered by this book so I hope that helps anyone who may not read it because of the situation. Those parts are not very long. I'm glad she had her brother and Xavier to be there for her. Plus little Anna is adorable. I'm glad Trevor got what for and the book ended the way it did. I highly recommend this book.
79 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2018
This story was captivating!! Author Banks made me feel like part of the story. The raw emotions... The reality of this story drew me in ...i could not put the book down. Not too many authors can capture raw emotions...and the way it was written finding self worth and proving the character worth it deserving of a better life...from both sides... Best book to date I loved it from start to finish... I think that Evan and Lilith's story needs to be told now too ;)
1,144 reviews5 followers
August 26, 2018
Xavier and Abigail

An unexpected love 💘 story for Abigail. The heroine (Abigail) of this story has been through so much. Even when she down on her luck, she manages to put one foot in front of the other. Xavier also has been through so much. He also manages to put one foot in front of the other. When these two lonely and damaged people get together, they find love 💘. Loved Abigail's brother and her best friend. Their story would be delightful in a novel of their own.
99 reviews
August 27, 2018
Adrenaline rush

Loved this book from start to finish. Abagail needs protection from her abusive boyfriend. She gets an elementary teacher position after staying with her brother Evan and is happy until her ex resurfaces. Xavier takes her in as a favor to Evan. A romance develops and Xavier will do everything in his power to keep her safe. Xavier does not disappoint. This story becomes action packed with a high anticipation that builds and draws the reader in. Loved this book.
Profile Image for Karen Kearns.
346 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2018
ESCAPE FROM ABUSE

As is often the case, an abused child ends up in an abusive adult relationship. Abigail followed the script for four years. When she finally admits to herself that her boyfriend not only won’t stop being mentally abusive, but that he is actually getting worse, she runs, only to be stalked by him.
This is a moving saga of a woman gaining confidence in herself and choosing to grow beyond being a victim of abuse, all tied up in a Happily Ever After ending.
132 reviews
October 6, 2018
Good read!

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and won’t be the last. This book has a good storyline and characters that you can care about. What I really like is how upfront and honest they are with each other. I hate it when characters hold back information and keep secrets for stupid reasons and this book has none of that. I’m hoping this author is like that in all of his books. I’m looking forward to finding out.
1,324 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2018
Great Read!

Abigail and Xander,s , story is one of the great books I,ve,read this year.
R.R. Banks brings these characters to life
With a twist of sadness and happiness.Two broken people found in each other. And healed each other
When they were at there lowest point in there lives, this is a book worth reading again,,With a happily ever after😊💕
Profile Image for WordGobbler.
16 reviews
August 24, 2018
Meh...

I don't usually feel so uninterested in a character like this one but something about her just came across as flat. Rehearsed, not like a character all this terrible stuff happened too. I liked the boys and Anna's characters, but they weren't the main character so they couldn't bring up the book enough for me to make a difference.
Profile Image for Linda Kam.
680 reviews
August 26, 2018
Great book

Loved this story so much. Kept me on the edge of my seat a few times. Also needed the tissues a few times.
Loved Xavier, Abigail, and Evan. Loved the connection between all of them. Absolutely adored Anna. She was such a lovable little character.
Glad to see Evan find his love too.
Really lovely story and well worth the 5 stars I've given.
Profile Image for Susan Curtis .
349 reviews7 followers
August 30, 2018
🔥😍🔥

Having a very hard time writing this review. Totally a knight in shining armor story. In the real world, no way would Abigail be caught in a relationship with Trevor. First hand 🤚 experience and knowledge. But this is just a story with well developed characters and storyline with an intriguing and suspenseful plot. Totally recommend it 🔥😍🔥
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews

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