Made Mine

Made Marian #8

by Sloane Kennedy, Lucy Lennox

What happens when a group of tough vigilantes meets up with a big-hearted family with boundary issues?

Reese:
It's supposed to be an easy job. You know, the kind you get after you've been gone a while and the boss is unsure of how capable you still are? But then there's a mugging, an abduction, two thugs, and a blackmail scheme.

And smack-dab in the middle of it is a beautiful lost soul who needs me. The scared, young gamer-geek pushes all my protective buttons and awakens something inside me that's ready to dive right in and inhale the man.

But how could I have anything to offer someone like Ben? I'm a mess. Injured, scarred, practically closeted, the recognizable son of a famous man... There's no way I can ask him to give me a shot at forever. Right?

Ben:
It seems like I've been looking out for myself my entire life. Heck, I was even given away the day I was born. And, yeah, maybe if my adoptive parents had survived, I would have had a nice life. But they didn't. And I don't. Instead, I'm forced to put up with a hateful, scheming foster parent for the sake of sticking around to care for my little sister.

Only, when a blackmail plan lands little Georgie in the hands of thugs, it's clear I'm her only hope. At least... until I meet the big, strong bodyguard someone sends to watch over me.

Reese is everything I've ever daydreamed about: protective, attentive, affectionate, and dedicated. But he's hiding something, and I don't have the time or energy to figure out what. Because time is running out, and Georgie is the only family I have left.

Until the biological brother who never wanted me shows up and turns everything on its head.

After having finally accepted it's just Georgie and me, suddenly falling for my protector and being surrounded by Griff and the Marian clan makes me question everything I've ever known about myself and what defines a family.

Can a guy with a broken past ever build a family with someone who seems too good to be true?

***Reading Order Note***
CAN BE READ AS A STAND-ALONE.

While the authors recommend reading both the Made Marian series by Lucy Lennox and the Protectors series by Sloane Kennedy, it isn't required in order to understand the story. At the least, you may want to consider Grounding Griffin (Book 4, Made Marian series by Lucy Lennox) and Unexpected (Book 10, The from the Protectors series by Sloane Kennedy) to get a little bit of background. However, this novel, despite being a crossover, has been written in a way that it can be read on its own.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, LGBT, Contemporary Romance, Suspense

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2018

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read and liked most of the Protectors books. I wasn't a big fan of the Made Marian series but have enjoyed Lucy Lennox's Forever Wilde series. I've also liked the three Twist of Fate books these authors co-wrote and was hoping Made Mine would have a similar flavor.

Alas, this book had me cringing start to finish.



My friend Christelle wrote an excellent review with which I entirely agree.

This book was a parade of characters from previous Protectors and Made Marian books. Ben and Reese hide out at a vineyard owned by the Marian family. Ronan, the big boss of all the Protectors, tells everyone they have to stay on the down-low and not have too many guests coming through.

So what happens? Everybody, their mama, their dog, their Spiderman doll (that fucking doll will never die), and their chubby baby (so many damn babies!) show up: Aunt Tilly, Grandma, Irene, a bunch of the Marian brothers, and ...

the former PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, with his boyfriends (plural) AND the Secret Service.

Yeah, cause that's not conspicuous AT ALL.



The entire plot was rifuckingdiculous.

Ben was a whiny baby; he kept running away (literally) anytime someone hurt his lil' ol' feelings. He wasn't very nice to Reese, and he was utterly horrible to Griff, who was nothing but gentle and understanding, based on the word of ONE harried social worker and his five-minute stalkerish observation of Griff's "perfect" life four years prior.

Tilly had every right to kick Ben's arse. God knows I wanted to.

And Reese, mother of all that his holy, I just can't get behind a guy who cries cause someone called him Peanut Butter Cup. I get that he was called all kinds of mean nicknames as the President's son, but COME ON. You are an adult. Get over it. (And call Chelsea Clinton; she was harassed by the media for eight plus years and is, by all accounts, living a happy and successful life.)

(Also, Peanut Butter Cup is really kind of funny, no? I admit I laughed, which makes me a bully apparently.)

The MCs spent more time fighting than kissing or talking. The chemistry between them was so flat, I was yawning during (and skimming through) the steamy scenes.



I haven't read Unexpected, the tenth Protectors book where Reese was a secondary character, so I was completely lost regarding his backstory. I think Ben may have been mentioned in the Made Marian books, but I don't remember. Also, I don't care.

Overall, this book was a complete FAIL for me.

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of the "Protectors" series by Sloane Kennedy. Actually I am a big fan of anything Sloane has written. So when I found out there was gonna be a crossover, between Sloane Kennedy's "Protectors" and Lucy's Lennox' "Made Marian", my curiosity was peaked immediately.



Now I am gonna be honest here, and confess that haven't read all the books in the "Made Marian" series. I did read "Grounding Griffin" though, but for those of you who haven't...no worries. I think this book can be read without reading that one (but why would you).

This book is about Reese and Ben. Reese was first introduced as the son of Everett in "Unexpected" and to fully understand who he is and what he has been through...I really do advice everyone to read Everett's book, before starting this one.



Reese has been back on the job (partially) and he has been instructed by his boss to keep an eye on Ben. Ben was admitted to ER after being roughed up and he has left the hospital against their advice. When Ben gets robbed right in front of Reese, Reese has no choice but to break cover and step in. What was supossed to be an easy surveillance job, turns into so much more when Ben's little sister Georgie is in danger...

Now that's all you are getting from me, because I don't want to spoiler any of the good stuff :P

I will say though, that for me this book was the perfect blend of "The Protectors" suspense and hurt/comfort, and the "Made Marian" fun and lightness. Ben especially had me laughing my ass off...I really fell in love with him <3



When we went into the story I was afraid it was gonna be too insta-lovey for me...but then, even though there was extreme attraction from both parties..it turned into a bit of a slow burn.... And boy did they burn when they finally got it on !!! I was also quite surprised with how naughty Reese could be ;) Damn !!!



All in all, for me the start of this cross-over was really great, and I can't wait to see who and what's next. Keep em coming ladies !!

My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession

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[Christelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

**Huge ranting** coming up, because as the saying goes : “the higher you climb, the harder you fall”. And fall BIG I did !!!

I’m a huge fan of Sloane Kennedy and read 26 of her books. Her stories and writing works well for me and I’m always anticipating a new release. As for Lucy Lennox, I enjoyed the first books of her series “made Marian”. Very different style than Sloane Kennedy's, but pleasant enough for me. So, a cross-over, why not ? I thought it could bring a light note from Lucy Lennox to the angst favoured by Sloane Kennedy.

For all the ones that follow the Protectors series, it was due time to get Reese’s story. Reese is part of this vigilante group named the Protectors. He’s the son of a former POTUS and was badly injured during a rescue mission. He has healed and made amend with his father (all this featured in 2 previous books) and he’s back on a job : to look after Ben, brutally attacked but refusing to say a word about his predicament.
Usual Sloane Kennedy’s MO and no complaint here, quite the contrary : I don’t get tired of her recipe mixing action, angst, hot sex and lots of feel with MCs a bit or a lot broken but that thrived when together.

During their ordeal, Ben and Reese decide to hide in the resort owned by Blue Marian, the MC of “borrowing blue” (the made Marian series). That’s the start of the cross-over between the 2 series and the downfall for me.
The plot was completely pushed into the background in favour of an epic soap opera, with all the protagonists of the 2 series (37 in total, yes ladies and gentlemen, 37 - what a crowd !!!) popping up during the 2 weeks of Ben and Reese’s sojourn.

No idea what the intent was there : to show the fans of the “protectors” that all the men were happily married/settled, with one or more children, forming a “made” family, and the fans of the “made Marian” that all the Marian brothers were happily married/settled, with one or more children ??? Well, even Reese was wondering :

” Throughout the past two weeks, I’d noticed more and more Marians turning up at every corner…, the vineyard lodge seemed positively overrun with them…”

Of course, we get to meet with the infamous Aunt Tilly and her sidekicks. For all who thought they were annoying, hold tight. Their 1st appearence : barging into Ben and Reese’s bedroom, even thought they don't know them, they fight for taking a pic of their naked butt !!! Not much eye-rolling, noooooo….

It didn’t leave much room for the development of the bonds between Reese and Ben, nor for a lot of steamy time, so their declaration of love came out of the blue and of course, in front of all the protagonists, their perfect kids (that were presented way more mature than the adults), and all the pets.

And then, it’s the last chapter. It’s wedding time (not Reese and Ben’s) with our two MCs having a quickie in a linen closet while Ben’s brother is chatting with them on the other side of the door and keeping people away, a paragraph about the initial plot (yes, we finally got to briefly know why Ben was initially attacked, by who and how “justice” was done) and the wedding with the 2 married men exchanging quietly their vows while all the attendees are occupied having fun with the kids’ antics.



I rest my case. Gosh, it's good to unwind !!!

So, 2 stars out of loyalty because the beginning was good and I can’t, just can’t give less to one of my favorite author, but what a disappointment for me.

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made Mine by Sloane Kennedy and Lucy Lennox is book eight in the Made Marian series. I love this series so much but this book is a little different. It’s a crossover series between Made Marian and The Protectors series by Sloane Kennedy. I haven’t read any of the Protectors books but even though I didn’t know any of the secondary characters from those books, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment.

We previously heard about Griff Marian’s missing younger brother who he has been looking for since he was born. His name is now Ben Bassett. He had been given up at birth and was never seen again by Griff Marian. Ben’s life hasn’t been easy. He was adopted into a wonderful family but his parents passed away when he was young and he went into the system. His foster family was terrible. Now at twenty two years old, Ben is living with his foster father only so he can continue to care for his four year old little sister. But now his sister has been taken and Ben is determined to find her. Only his search lands him in the hospital seriously injured.

Reese Shaw is thirty three years old and works for a security company. He is still recovering from some serious injuries himself and his first time back on the job, he is tasked with following a very injured man after he leaves the hospital to try to figure out what is going on. He soon finds out that the situation is much more serious and complicated than he could have imagined. And he certainly didn’t plan on his charge being the most beautiful man he has ever seen with an equally beautiful soul.

On the outside, these two might have seemed completely opposite, one small, a gamer and Reese is huge and burly, all muscles. But on the inside, they were so similar. They both had lost souls but somehow together, they found the missing parts of themselves they had been searching for.

This was such a sweet book. I struggled a bit with Ben. He obviously had so much going on, and was stressed to the limit. But his reactions to the Marian family really bothered me. I know he was young and I tried to remember that. I did love he and Reese together, though. I do admit that this has made me want to start at the beginning and read the Protectors series.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Bev · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I'm not a Ben fan stars

I've not read any of the Marian series but have loved the Protectors so dove into this. I was thrilled that Reese got to tell his story but oh man! The total lack of communication between Ben and Reese irritated the crap outta me. Two grown men unable to have a sensible grown up conversation? Hoo boy! 🙄

Ben's issues with Griff got rather old, he was just so whiney and judgemental over his skewed assumptions and held on to this for way too long. Ridiculous!

On the plus side I loved seeing some of my favourites from the Protectors ...... happy families and babies galore. BUT!! There was overload of characters from both series thrown in along with baddies that didn't really amount to much. There was too much going on and this took the focus away from the MC's.

[Gigi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this, I adore both authors, but it was not for me. Too little action but a lot of talk. I needed hotter sex to make this one work.

[JenMcJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a fan of the Protectors series, I look forward to the next book even when I know they are often too formulaic and mistake instalust for instalove in almost every book. They are still well written and something to look forward to.

I was both hopeful and concerned when I saw that a crossover was in the plans. I had some optimism that the collaboration would shake up the formula and give us something really unique. But that really, really didn't happen. Same formula, same unsubstantiated instalove and now a vast number of added people to try and keep track of. My concern, that the Protectors et al, already a long, large, convoluted, difficult to remember series with many crossovers and interconnected stories would feel unmanageable added to another series in the same vein was well founded. As someone not overly familiar with the Made Marian series, adding all of those characters made this book feel overwhelming and chaotic.

I struggled with this book for many reasons besides the expected formula and instalove. To start, honestly I don't think this writing team gels. They both have very different writing styles and I think that contributed to this book feeling jagged. I know the old ladies are from the Lucy Lennox universe but they were just jarring and rude in this book. In fact, many areas that were supposed to be funny fell flat and were instead cringeworthy. Reese and his 30+y/o virgin confession, the stereotypical overreaction by the group to a spider in a cage, the bursting in on Reese and Ben by the old ladies and half the vineyard (while being protected by the Protectors, wth?) when they are in bed naked and the old ladies remarking on their assets, the way the kids all act way older than they are when convenient wisdom is needed, the way Reese and Ben talked about Reese dad and sex and finally the sex (with loud rimming) in the pantry while Griff listened. UGH. No, this was all just terribly uncomfortable and I couldn't run away from those scenes fast enough. Additionally I couldn't get a handle on the timeline for Ben and his bio/adoptive/foster parents and how that meshed with Griff's timeline and age. I'm sure if I had read Griff's book it may have helped but the authors should not expect that everyone has read all the books in either of these super long, involved groups of books. Or that they would remember all that minutia. Finally, the mystery for Ben was super thin and really doesn't hold up very well.

This book felt like it was a reason to get all the Lucy Lennox fans and Sloane Kennedy fans in a room together and sell some books. Sadly, the room was too small and had no air conditioning leaving everyone a claustrophobic hot mess.

[Vanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 generously-given-despite-the-disappointment-stars!! 😬🙄. I really really wanted to love the book.. but just couldn't. 💔I have loved the works of both the authors and their series (Made Marian and Protectors) so it was especially disappointing that this was a complete hodgepodge of characters, plot and genre. I didn't understand whether the story was angsty or humorous.. it never quite found the right balance. The angst was overshadowed by the constant melodrama and the humor became cliched silliness. 🙄
Reese was supposed to be this "wounded-warrior" on a mission to protect and safeguard a very reluctant Ben, but for some weird reason he was instantly attracted to a very messed up and hurt Ben..🙄😳. Ben on the other hand, was distrustful of everyone while he was trying to find Geordie (his little sister) and her kidnappers, but fell for Reese right away, then ran away and then after Reese helped him rescue Geordie, he decided to not trust him again.. 😬😱. There was no logic to his mind-set. His constant grievance against his brother Griff and non-stop whining seemed very immature for someone who is the main caregiver for a child. And the mystery behind the kidnapping and the following drama was so inconsequential that I felt that the authors didn't put a lot of thought into how to conclude the backstory behind it and the "mafia" that orchestrated it. 🙄 Add to that, the story had too much going on to really hit the spot in the 🔥steam 🔥area. The only good thing was that we were able to get a glimpse of almost all the Protectors and the Marians with their families, so if one has read both series thoroughly they will enjoy the cameo appearances and cross-talk, but if one has only read one series or none at all.. the extra characters are just too many to keep track of😳😢
Overall, I have been generous with the stars because of how promising the story was initially and for the little scraps of humor and realism I found here and there. Not recommended if you are looking for a standalone story 👎 You must have prior knowledge of the Marian and Protectors world before you start this.. and even then I'm not certain whether it will work🤷‍♀️ It didn't for me 👎

[Kaity · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Ehhhh…I remember not loving the great aunts in the Marian family … and this book confirmed it. Haha

Overall kinda cute, but VERY INSTALOVE! Like they knew each other less than 24 hours and Reese was very invested… 😳😂🤦🏽‍♀️

Idk this was an okay read nothing special..got kinda bored at the end and annoyed with everyone besides Georgie!

Georgie was adorable.. but not princess kitty.. I’d die if I saw that creature hahaha

[Antisocial Recluse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed both of these authors series separately so was intrigued to see what the crossover would be. In my personal opinion this didn’t embody the best features of either. I didn’t care too much for Ben as he was written, his petulance and inability to be reasonable about Griff carried on far too long. I also didn’t connect much with Reese. I had other issues but in summary it simply wasn’t the right book for me. Since my objections are largely due to personal preferences, I’ll leave it as a “like”. I’m sure fans of both authors will largely be pleased.

[Jennifer☠Pher☠]

Ugh, I kind of hate this. UGH. I've not read the Protectors series and don't think I ever will. Not fair.

[AvidReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️.
Recommended.

[Lyndy Ann ♫ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It should be obvious by now that I have fallen head over heels with Sloane Kennedy’s fantastic books, heart-breaking stories and gorgeous mysterious men as Made Mine was my NINETEENTH book in less than six months, after reading Unexpected and getting to know Reese a little better I was hoping that he would get his own book SO HOW EXCITED was I when a friend told me about this.

I haven’t read anything from Lucy Lennox so I was a little worried that I would be lost as this is a crossover between Sloane’s The Protectors series (which I know well) and Lucy’s Made Marian series (I know nothing) but it was an easy read yes there were a LOT of characters I did not know but it took nothing away from the story.

Made Mine was all about Reese and Ben for me I loved these two guys and the journey they go through together, both men had never been in a relationship before, so all this was new to them both, I would consider this a slow burn even though the attraction was instant they took their time getting to the sex.

I loved the comedy element in this I guess this is Lucy as Sloane tends to be darker, Ben was hilarious the things he came out with and Reese was an alpha jealous protective guy and I must mention how CUTE little Georgie was and her “Princess Kitty” which I am with Reese and Griff on this it made me CRINGE.

I enjoyed the drama between Ben and Griff this brought more to the story and introduced me to the HUGE Marian family I might read Grounding Griffin, but I have a feeling that Lucy might write in a very sugary sweet way with all the endearments that came from her men.

It was great catching up with some of the Protector gang again especially Everett, Gage and Nash – loved this so much between Reese and Ben.

Reese
I tried to hand the purse to Ben, but he shook his head at me “You and Princess are turning over a new leaf in your relationship, right? Wouldn’t want to come between that.” His eyes danced with laughter. Well, two could play that game. “You’re right, babe.” I looked at Nash and Gage. “Better keep an eye on this one… he’s got this strange fantasy about former presidents, and he’s got some kind of weird bet going on with his brother about landing a kiss on you-know-who.” Gage smiled, but the hot-headed, notoriously jealous Nash turned cool eyes on Ben. “That so?” pushing back the edges of his jacket enough to show the handgun in his shoulder holster. “Jesus, Reese!” Ben said

Overall an enjoyable read and hoping there will be more to come between these ladies.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Protectors so catching up with some of them in this book was great ! I also enjoy the Marians, mind you Aunt Tilly is still on my annoying list. Reece is asked to follow a young man who has come into hospital and seems to be in a world of hurt. Ben is totally distressed that his 4 year old sister has been kidnapped and he has been badly injured by thugs. Reece saves him from being mugged and then becomes his protector. During the security placement, Ben is taken to Blues vineyard and slowly connects with a family he always wanted but thought he’d never have. Bens issues with Griff were somewhat frustrating, poor Griff tries so hard to reconnect with his long lost brother but Ben remained stubborn and petulant!! Of course things move on and an enjoyable story is told.

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous crossover from Lucy and Sloane

I absolutely adore The Protectors series from Sloane Kennedy and I love the Made Marian series from Lucy, so this crossover was Heaven for me.

It had the right blend of hi-jinks from the Marians and the danger and drama of the Protectors to create a fabulous romance with a side order of finding your family and making a future.

Lots of emotions, plenty of sexy times and the completely inappropriate Aunt Tilly and her octogenarian cohort, rounded out this entertaining story.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was kinda weird but very entertaining! Plus I have a massive bias towards Griff Marian so I'm always happy when he's such a big part of a book 😂

I don't know if it would have helped to read the Protectors series first because Reese didn't seem to have much development compared to Ben - maybe it was in the book about his dad?

I really liked the way Ben was taken in to the Marian family and all the family scenes were great as usual, it was just the oddness of the foster dad and the 'bad guys' that kept bugging me.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I was not over excited about this one because while Sloane Kennedy never fails and I'm always super enthusiastic about her books.... Lucy Lennox on the other hand... Well it never really worked on me.
I knew I wouldn't be able to forget the co-writing. I don't know why. There is something about LL's writing... I just can't!

But fortunately, the discomfort about both writing didn't last.
The story was sweet. There was some insta-love/lust that bothered me a little but they let it slow burn for a while... It was pretty intense. Which I like. A LOT

It was great to revisit old characters and to meet new ones....
I'm not really sure how to rate it because my problem was really about the weird issue I have with Lucy Lennox's writing.
But it really is just me because as usual this story delivers a perfect tone of hurt/comfort between the MCs. Filled with children and animals...

[Claude · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 stars!

So confusing. Too much hope for this one. Frustration.
Too much people. I haven't read Marian series so I just didn't understand where all this people were coming from!

I love Reese! He's one of my favorite character in Protectors series. So I had so much hope for this one. What a deception. I didn't fell in love with his love interest: Ben. He was totally overdramatic. The way he treated his brother was just annoying. A big child. But but but his relationship with his little sister was amazing so I can say he's a good guy after all.

Reese was so kind. Too kind in this.
So much people to protect Ben and his sister. Too much. Unreal.

I loved seeing Ronan and his family <3 The President and his 2 men! The Marians was all new for me and they were just too much of them to understand anything.

[Denise H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** We are melding with the marvelous Marian family and the strong guys from the Protectors series.
Reese, 33, is the former president's closeted son,

is on a security detail trailing Ben.
Ben, 22, gamer tech, and Griff Marian's long lost brother,

and is raising his sister, Georgie, 4.
Ben's dad, Kirk, is in some shady business deals, and Kirk's enemies beat Ben horribly, and take Georgie hostage. Reese is there to save Ben from a violent mugging and gets him to safety.

The men are attracted immediately, but big man Reese and smaller man, Ben, are trying to figure out how to progress. Reese has only had a few hand-jobs and blowjobs; never has he been with a man, due to the constraints of being the president's son. We do get to see his first M/M kiss and sizzling sexy times with Ben.
Georgie is delightful, the Marian clan is fun.



We see the rescue of Georgie, the sad reuniting of Griff and Ben, but the clan of people surrounds Ben and his sister with support and care. We learn both sides of the story. Later there is another rescue, action, and justice.

I have loved both of these series, because Sloane Kennedy and Lucy Lennox are wonderful writers and their memorable characters shine. We get everything we want and expect. Is it perfect, no, but extremely entertaining.
It can stand alone, but if you have read some of the books, you would already know what everyone of these fabulous characters have been through.
Highly recommended ! E N J O Y !

=====

[I~❤️~Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

✮4.5 Stars✮

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a massive fan of both Sloane Kennedy & Lucy Lennox I couldn't wait to read this book and I wasn't disappointed. It is the story of Ben, Griff's brother from Lucy's Made Marion series and Reese, Elliott's son from Sloane's protectors series. After recovering from severe injuries Reese is assigned the simple task of following Ben, a man who had been badly beaten. However when Ben gets attacked again Reese intervenes. To keep Ben safe Reese takes him to stay at the vineyard owned by the Marion family. Add in a 4 year old girl, Aunt Tilly and an unusual pet called Princess Kitty, a truly memorable story. Thoroughly recommend

[Aղցela W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book! This was a crossover book between the Made Marian and A Protectors series. I love the Marian family and have read all the books in that series I have not read any of the books in the Protector series and since I do have a few books in the series that's going to change. Reese Shaw is the son of a former President on his last job he was badly hurt on while saving another man's life. When his boss calls him to have him check on a man who was badly beaten in the hospital he knows that this is his chance to prove himself. Ben was badly beaten trying to safe his little sister Georgie her father got her kidnapped. This was a really good read Reese is a 33 year old virgin he is afraid to put himself out there because he is afraid of what the public will say and the fact that he has scares from being hurt. These two didn't know how to trust each other. Turns out Ben is the little brother of Griff Marian from book 4 in the Marian series. He is bitter and upset he thinks that Griff didn't want him. When he shows up to get Georgie back he is hurt again but Reese followed him and was able to get his sister back. They go to the vineyard to rest and heal Reese's boss shows up and his men will do anything to help Ben even though he had a hard time being around the Marian's. Each man learns to trust each other and they begin opening up to each other. As with this family there is some funny things going on. Georgie has a pet tarantula that she named Princess Kitty that Reese was afraid of and she also called him Mr. Kitty and then their was Aunt Tilly who is always in everyone's business. This book kind of made me cry the Marian family accepted Ben, Georgie and Reese and made them part of the family. This was a well written book with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more from both of these authors. This was my second time reading this book and this time I listened to it Ben was whiny but was still a good book.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll probably be in the minority, but this was unfortunately kind of a disjointed mess. The plot to pull these two worlds together was weak. I didn't feel like these two MCs ever really connected.

[Fatimama · Rating 2 out of 5]

Giving this 2 stars as it had it's cute moments but they were few and far in between. This book was so tedious to read with Ben trying to escape and pushing Reese away all the time. Well, they pushed and pulled at each other all the time.. So many side characters and there was not enough actual romance time what with the danger and the kids and all the other people coming and going.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn into the story. I had to know more about Ben and what or who he was dealing with..
Ben and Reece slowly begin to build trust with each other.
Until it's broken...
Reece tries to get back what they started. I felt bad for all of them. Griff included.
The vulnerabilities of both Ben and Reece felt real and endearing. Life goes on but it kind of has to stop for Ben and Georgie while they heal.
I loved Princess Kitty!! She was priceless.
My heart broke for Reece. His privacy stolen just because of who his dad is. And Ben - so gutted for what he's been through and alone for so long.
Reece and Ben are perfect for each other and along with Georgie they make a great family.
Lots of action, adventure and love to keep you invested in their HEA.
I loved seeing the extended families of both men all again, getting a glimpse of how they are all getting along after having their own HEA's.
Highly recommend!!

[DTM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Ben and Reese's story. So many feelings and emotions; tears, laughter, sweetness, sadness, anger and some seriously incredible sexual tension. My hats off to Sloane and Lucy for bringing their 2 worlds together seamlessly, not an easy feat. When I finished this book in the wee hours of the morning, for the next half hour while I was laying in bed I had leaky eyes; happy leaky eyes, but leaky eyes nonetheless. Sloane and Lucy's words, together or separate, always bring out ALL of my emotions; the good and truly difficult. They run me through the emotional mill, but ALWAYS leave me in a happy place. That's what I LOVE about reading! Thank you and BRAVA ladies!! ❤️

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nice story that wasn't so much about danger, kidnapping, and terror as it was about family, love, and building relationships.

I enjoyed the Made Marian series by Lucy Lennox and the Protectors series by Sloane Kennedy and this one is a crossover, or merging of the two, so to speak. All the Marian clan was there, including the three snarky, outlandish old ladies, and most of the guys from the Protectors showed up, some with husbands and children in tow, and some were new characters who will be getting their own book in the future. And as a bonus, we got to witness Cain and Ethan get married at the vineyard.

This one is about Reese, son of the former president, Everett (Unexpected), and Ben, who turns out to be Griff Marian's (Grounding Griffin) lost baby brother. Ben is running from his last foster father and he has the man's daughter who Ben considers his sister with him. The father is running from some life-threatening situation and the little girl is kidnapped. That's when Reece steps in and he and Ronan's other protectors get her back. Most of the story takes place after the initial drama and is all about Ben and Reece learning to love and trust one another and Reese coming out of his own shell and the damages he's suffered in the past, both physically and psychologically. And it's about Ben and his struggle to accept that Griff didn't abandon him on purpose and the two coming to terms and Ben finally accepting Griff as his brother.

So, there's lots here to enjoy, and it's a pretty sweet family reunion sort of story. Those who follow the authors' stories should like this one.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I didn't really love this book. I'm not sure if it was all the hype or what but it fell really flat for me.
Ben (Griff’s brother from Grounding Griffin by Lucy Lennox) and Reese (From Unexpected by Sloane Kennedy) meet in this series mash up.
The story is told through both Ben and Reese's POV. I liked the alternating POVs for the Ben and Reese romance angle but I felt like Griff meeting Ben for the first time could have used a Griff POV.
I loved all of the Made Marian cameos but I didn't find it realistic that everyone could drop everything in their lives to rush to the vineyard because of this guy that was injured and is now hiding out. I know he is Griff's brother but they are estranged. I did feel overwhelmed with all the name dropping and trying to keep everyone straight (ha ha…they aren't). A lot of the protectors mentioned are newish and have upcoming stories.
I think what I found most lacking in this book was all of the humor of Made Marian. It was dark like Sloane's protectors and even Tilly was less funny in this one. I adore Lucy's use of humor and was sad I only honestly laughed out loud 1 time.
While most books are what I would deem instalove some pull it off better than others. I felt like Reese and Ben didn't have enough honest conversations for it to be love. They both come with HEAPS of baggage and that just doesn't go away in 1 month.
I don't want to give away any spoilers so I'm going to call it the Lucy Guac bombdrop situation. I can't believe it was less than a paragraph teaser and the only response was they stared in shock. For that I say LUCY YOU TEASE!
Overall, I felt like this maybe should have been a book and a novella. Trying to cram a whole love story and Griff meeting Ben and all that drama into 1 book made each story shallow. If they met and all went well they could have spent their time at the vineyard playing games and getting to know the Marian's and other protectors. That would have strengthened the instalove story and all our cameo appearances wouldn't have felt so much like name dropping.
The hallmark for me of a just ok book is when I start to feel like I could write it better. I am not sure I like this dark/light- Sloane/Lucy pairing. The humor just wasn't there. I'd read more books by both authors separately but don't feel their style of writing meshes well for my taste.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won’t rehash the premise here because I’m a bit late to this party and just about every other review out there gives you the rundown, not to mention you get the main idea from the blurb. Unfortunately, I really struggled with this one. I’m a huge fan of Sloane Kennedy and have read most, if not all of the Protectors books. I have not read Ms. Lennox or any of her series, but I’ve noticed they have quite the following. She just tends to lean towards the fluffy sweet men with kids side of the road, which I try very hard to steer clear of. But, I was looking forward to seeing Reese’s story play out so thought I’d give this duo a go, especially as it states clearly that you don’t need to have read the other series, though a certain book in each might be helpful.

This starts out okay in usual Sloane Kennedy form. The usual MO is there, and all systems were go. Until these guys had to hide away at a resort owned by one of the Marian guys. From there, it just got too crazy with just about every possible character making an appearance. It was just too much for me to keep track of when all I really wanted was to see the main part of the story play out. This followed through with the main couple not having much alone time or time for relationship development, and I just struggled to stay invested. I’m going to chalk this one up to just not being my cuppa and move on. I have no doubt I’ll be in the minority on this one, so be sure to check out some other reviews if you’re on the fence after reading this one.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am really torn how to rate this. On the one hand, I loved the book - well written and my fave author-pairing book so far, but on the other it was just so predictable and I’ve seen it all before.

It felt like the Marian/Protectors series, both mature series in their own right, used this to inject something a little different into each, but for me it came off as too diluted and too perfect, with each too-good-to-be-true group, and not forget the former Mr President, all harmoniously coming together as one. The only real tension was Griff and Ben, and that was resolved a bit too quick. The rest of the main plot just topped and tailed getting round introducing the Marian-Protectors characters, with Ronan as usual orchestrating everything to save the day, and Aunt Tilly coming across as an interfering, arrogant old cow.

Not sure where each series goes from here. Being more of a Kennedy reader, I’ve wanted to read the Protector series about Matias for a while, but honestly, I’m not bothered in the slightest about the Dex/Marek characters or any other Marians.