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The Protector

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I have no idea who I am.
But my story shouldn’t have begun this way…


“Who are you?”

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2018

2627 people are currently reading
398 people want to read

About the author

R.S. Lively

16 books241 followers

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5 stars
476 (32%)
4 stars
464 (31%)
3 stars
354 (24%)
2 stars
125 (8%)
1 star
32 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
Profile Image for Rellim.
1,676 reviews43 followers
December 22, 2018
It was an interesting story premise and the action was good ~ but GAH! I’m so sick of insta-love. I feel like it needs its own “trigger warning”.

Spoiler-ish ~ The pregnancy “math” sucks. Unless there were chapters or something missing, these characters were together for less than two weeks before the big “hey we ran some tests and SURPRISE! you’re pregnant” part.

Which stinks because they could have had more time to get to know each other and the whole thing wouldn’t have felt so rushed.
Profile Image for One chapter more.
788 reviews152 followers
March 21, 2019
Anyway.... can we have a run of applause for the hot guy from the cover?

Even thought full of action, I found myself a little bit bored.

Someone wants her dead. It's pretty obvious to Grant, when he finds Celeste unconscious and bleeding in the forest, near his cabin. Without a memory, except of her name she doesn't know who's behind her state. Will Grant be able to protect her?

I found this read full of action, drama and a bit boring on a top of that. When such a short read usually takes me one evening to go over, this actually took 2 days! And not because I was tasting it slowly... idea for a plot was great and interesting, though I kind of knew straight away what was going to happen so I didn't get that wow factor, that element of surprise and maybe that's why I feel this way for this read.

I like the style that author is writing in and I will check other positions from her lists but this book was one time read.
Profile Image for Renee.
395 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2019
Review time! What can I say that hasn’t already been covered in previous reviews? First impression- this book is much longer than I anticipated! I expected it to be a steamy little story that I could finish in a few hours. Lo and behold it took me a few days.

Grant is a millionaire mountain man who’s also a former marine. (Say that 3 times fast!) Closed off from society, he enjoys the Colorado mountains to the company of humans. Insert gorgeous damsel in distress ... and Grant’s protective instincts kick in.

Celeste’s character is less defined - mostly in part to her memory loss. As a reader you’re left piecing together clues and making your own inferences. I can’t say I have a strong reaction to her as a character. She was pretty “vanilla” and didn’t make a lasting impression on me.

I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to anyone looking for a light read. Where’s my Maria romance readers at?!? This will be one to check out!
Profile Image for Terri Eaches.
571 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2019
Mountain Man vs Mob

A great story that will keep your attention from the first page. Grant and Celeste are two broken people that have lost so much and yet together they become whole. Grant has long given up on the partying lifestyle and would rather be in the Colorado mountains in his cabin if not for his best friend and business partner Sam. When Grant finds Sam murdered in his bed with no clues he retreats to his cabin to a life of simple solitude, until he finds an unconscious woman on his daily walk. Celeste wakes up in the hospital with no memory of what happened, where she's from or who she is. With a sense of danger around her she only had one person to turn to, the stranger that saved her life. Grant and Celeste grow closer during their roller coaster ride to find answers and when their tragedies are intertwined and stone cold mob killers are after them Celeste starts to remember and the connected dots paint a deadly picture. When Grant and Celeste's lives collide is it coincidence or fate??? Living through hell to come out the other side will take a miracle and a love worth fighting for. A great story with strong and stubborn characters that fight for justice and happiness. Loved it and it's a great addition to my library. Must read.
Profile Image for Bookshelf Productions.
401 reviews148 followers
January 28, 2019
Ok. So I liked it, but there were some issues I just couldn't ignore. First, the editing. There are so many typos it was a bit distracting. Second, the pregnant timeline was waaaaaay off. She was 4 months along yet they only knew each other for two weeks.

I liked the storyline of this book and I LOVE insta-love. The characters were likable and had mad chemistry. I just wish it was just a little less rushed.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.1k reviews19 followers
December 20, 2018
Couldn't get enough of Grant & Celeste. Loved these characters. A very intriguing book. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book.
Profile Image for Unrulyreadr Reviews.
1,068 reviews21 followers
December 26, 2018
What a wonderful read

From.start to finish this read was a rollercoaster of emotions and actions. I enjoyed the characters,the plot and the outcome.
Review by GypsyBelle
Profile Image for Jenny Yost.
5 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2019
Love at first site

Loved this book ;) I was on my toes waiting to see what happened next. This is a good read. It want disappoint.
Profile Image for ~ Cariad ~.
1,926 reviews54 followers
September 22, 2019
Not much to say really, it was just... meh

Ooh I thought of something! Actually, the best thing about it was the cover : )
251 reviews
December 27, 2018
3 stars

I like the plot of this story, but it needs much more editing. There are timelines that don't make sense, unrealistic responses and scenarios, and an odd amount of comma placements.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
Author 2 books9 followers
January 11, 2019
Very rushed “insta-love” that wasn’t believable. Writing was lackluster with phrases and ideas being repeated too often. Not enough creativity there. And I’m sorry, but how many times does she need his body to “feel alive”? And the typos? Oh, the typos. I couldn’t get past them!! Fun story, but glad it was free.
Profile Image for Shelly Wolf.
509 reviews7 followers
December 21, 2018
This was a great read,,,,, R.S. Lively has hit another bullseye,,,,,!!!

Grant William's was a former Marine along with his best friend Sam Fredrickson,,,, they went to school together,,, they graduated together, they went thru the Corp together, they saved each others backsides a few times and then they started a business together and made lots of money,,,,, and then Sam gets murdered and Grant doesn't know what to do,,,,,,

18 mo later he's out in the woods for his early morning walk and spots a woman he thinks is dead, but he gets to her just in time,,,, what ensues is a case of finding out who this lady is and who is trying to silence her,,,,, and where is she from,,,, Grant feels a real pull to this woman and really wants to help,,,,,

There is action, adventure and a mystery involved along with the 2 main characters having a few very steamy scenes,,,,, I would so totally recommend this book to anyone,,,,,!!!

I read the ARC voluntarily to do an honest review,,,,,,
3,736 reviews43 followers
December 21, 2018
🌟Great twisting plot and major 🔬chemistry between a lost damsel and her savior😱😘
December 20, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍What a 🎢 rollercoaster of 🚧 danger and suspense interwoven with some major 🔥heat! I love a good romantic suspense story and this one is well-written, really fast-paced, with a great central,🔎 unsolved murder that ties it all together. The hero is a tough, loner veteran with a battered heart of gold. The heroine turns from mystery woman to a damsel in distress with hero Grant just the fella to protect and defend her. Their reaction to each other is explosive and produces a number of very passionate interludes.😘. From the🌇 streets of Chicago to the 🗻 forests of Colorado, this story grabbed me and never let go!😯

Although the conclusion of their story is satisfying, it was a bit slow and low-key after the excitement of the bulk of the story. No cliffhanger.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Donyae Coles.
Author 25 books103 followers
January 15, 2019
This book brought me no joy. I got it because it kept being advertised to me and it was only 99 cents. And I really want my dollar back.

It simply was not good. It spent so much time talking about what happened to Sam, Grant's (the H) best friend before you even meet Celeste (the h) that it was boring before it even started. Also, Grant is weirdly obsessed with Sam from the door so . . . ok.

I stopped reading this at 40% of the way because the story just meandered. The pacing was terrible and the characters were just making strange choices and focused on weird things. Like Grant refuses to answer any of Celeste's VERY BASIC questions even though the answers aren't things that in any way, shape, or form would be an issue. Celeste "doesn't want grant taking care of her anymore" literally 48 hours after she leaves the hospital with no memory. Everyone was just so strange and actually sort of annoying because of it.

So I just stopped. Don't read books that don't bring you joy.
Profile Image for Karen Voitik.
3,219 reviews
January 29, 2019
>Book review – The Protector
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is a standalone romantic suspense with an HEA. Grant is an ex-Marine, retired from his successful real estate business. He retired after his BFF and fellow Marine, Sam, was murdered. Moving to the mountains of Colorado, Grant finds a woman on the brink of death. Celeste has amnesia and doesn’t know what happened to her. The story gets more exciting as Celeste starts to remember bits and pieces of what happened to her.
>Grant is very protective and his alpha side is fun to see as he realizes Celeste is in danger. This story has a lot to keep the pages turning – Mob, mystery and romance. There are a few plot points that were either too easy or hard to understand. Mainly, why was Celeste left alive? The whole book they want to kill her. The book lost a star in my rating due to this weak plot point.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars.
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews40 followers
December 20, 2018
This is a suspenseful mountain man romance & I will admit that I found it a pleasure to read. The plot is well-written & flowed smoothly throughout the story. The characters are portrayed with realistic interactions & emotional flaws.
There is: a mountain man with a painful past (Grant), a abandoned young woman suffering from memory loss (Celeste), FBI, law enforcement, mafia, drama, intrigue, twists & turns, suspense, mystery, danger, enemies, memories, distrust, fear, unease, paranoia, flashbacks, attractions, vulnerabilities, defiance, emotional turmoil, confrontations, shock, abduction, devious plans, blackmail, guns blazing, injuries, discovery, love, happiness, contentment, some steam and a wonderful conclusion.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy reading this genre.

Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,086 reviews9 followers
December 20, 2018
Congratulations to R.S. Lively for crafting such an emotionally charged and addictive book. While I have read R.S.'s work prior, it never ceases to amaze me how easily you get drawn into any storyline released by this incredible Author. In this book you are immediately caught up in Grant and Celeste's journey together. Grant, who is emotionally despondent, comes across an unconscious woman and unbeknownst to him, his life is about to change again. While she continues to heal, the pieces start coming together and you are compelled to keep reading to see what will happen next. I honestly couldn't put my kindle down (nor did I want to).

I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of The Protector in exchange for my honest/voluntarily given opinion and I truly was riveted and believe you'll be as enraptured as myself with this impressive release.
Profile Image for Lisa Gibbs.
802 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2019
This was the first book that I have read by R.S. Lively and I enjoyed it a lot. I will be looking for more books from this author.

Grant and Celeste's story in intertwined and they don't even know it because when Grant finds Celeste she is unconscious in the woods and has amnesia. This book was fast paced with a lot of action as well as lots of hot romance and the mob thrown in as well.

I was hooked from the beginning and was drawn into Celeste's story as it unfolded and her memories came to her in flashes. The characters where well written and had flaws, neither was perfect and well that's true to life. The love story is sweet, fast, and all consuming. The action side of the story was fast, mysterious, and very satisfying. A great mix of action and romance with a hunky mountain man and a damsel in distress. Somehow they come together and rescue each other.

Profile Image for Denise.
3,725 reviews
December 22, 2018
This was a good, if predictable, story about a man who finds a woman bleeding and left for dead. She can't remember what happened to her, or even who she is. Like any decent hero he takes her in when she gets out of the hospital. The two fall for each other, but her amnesia leaves them with a lot of questions, including ones about her marital status. As she starts to remember things she realizes her life is somehow connected to his, but what does it all mean? A trip to Chicago answers some questions, but brings about a more dangerous situation than either of them bargained for. Will they even live long enough to find out exactly how she ended up half dead in the woods of Colorado?

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,296 reviews70 followers
January 2, 2019
Grant is a former marine and he is grieving the loss of a friend when he comes across Celeste. Something happened to Celeste however she has no memory and no clue what's going on. Grant is protective of her and doesn't want to leave her on her own so he stays with her. Soon their attraction is too much for either of them to ignore. Will Grant be able to figure out who is after Celeste? Will they end up together considering how they started out?

This is a great story once I started it I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Terry Sasada.
1,216 reviews8 followers
May 3, 2019
Awesome book. I have gotten addicted to RS Lively books. In The Protector we have an ex marine just rtying to stay away from the public and live his life in solitude after the death of his brother marine and best friend. Deep in the woods in a cabin is just the thing, until he stumbles on a beautiful woman laying in the woods. Celeste does not know what happened except a strong wonderful man savd her life. And that is all she knows. Grant can not get over Celeste so he visits her in the hospital and decides he will help her. She has no memory of the incident or who wants to kill her. The story flows so well considering there is so much at play for both Grant and Celeste and the death of Grant's best friend. Great book.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,284 reviews46 followers
December 20, 2018
Celeste and Grant is a great story that's full of emotion, suspense and drama. Fast-paced and full of action. After finding Sam, his best friend and business partner murdered he become a recluse in the mountains. His life takes another turn when he finds an injured woman lying in the snow near his cabin. This romantic thriller intensifies and takes on a different turn as the mafia comes into the picture. Plenty of danger and fast-paced action as they connect the dots to find the killers and protect themselves. Once you start this book, you'll find it hard to put down. I read a reader copy and voluntarily chose to review.
Profile Image for Zelda.
1,456 reviews
December 21, 2018
I loved this exciting, suspenseful story of ex-Marine Grant and amnesiac Celeste. Uncovering her past and watching how everything comes together makes for a fantastic plot. Even though Celeste knew she could be in danger, she persisted with her investigations. Grant was a total stand up guy who starts out by doing the right thing and stays by Celeste's side, not just to protect her but to support her in what she felt she needed to do, even if it was dangerous. Great plot with its twists & turns, and the characters throughout.

I am voluntarily leaving my opinion of a review copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
663 reviews7 followers
January 29, 2019
Grant is a former marine who is tired of the city life, but his business is booming with his best friend, Sam. But when the unthinkable happens, Grants retreats to his cabin in the woods. Will he be safe there? Will people ever find him?

Celeste wakes up in the hospital, but how did she get there? Why is she in the hospital? But when Grant, a handsome rugged stranger, offers to help her, why should she turn him down?

Will Grant be able to help Celeste get her life back? Will they be safe? This is full of twists and turns, love, lust, romance, drama and mystery. You will not be disappointed. I received an ARC of this book from the author.
767 reviews3 followers
December 20, 2018
When Grant finds his best friend and business partner murdered he decides he needs sometime alone. He ends up going to an isolated cabin in the woods, where he discovers Celeste near his cabin injured and lying in the snow. This was a fabulous mountain man romance. The story was well written with interesting characters and an engaging storyline. The book had drama, action, suspense, twists, obstacles, passion and love. Highly recommend.
I received an advanced readers copy of this and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
Profile Image for Renata Gill.
1,359 reviews10 followers
December 29, 2018
This book is an emotional rollercoaster filled with drama, suspense, mystery and naturally a romance that overcomes all odds.
Grant has left the city to live in the mountains after the death of his best friend and business partner and now trouble lands in his back yard in the form of an unconscious beautiful woman. Celeste cant remember who she is or where she is from but she knows that her life is in danger.
With the slow return of Celeste's memory Grant realises that he has to fight to keep the woman he has fallen in love with alive.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
December 29, 2018
Grant is a former marine who finds a woman badly injured while on a walk. Taking her to safety the woman suffers from amnesia, and can only remember that her name is Celeste. Will Grant be able to protect Celeste from danger? No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed. This is a well written story which is filled with danger, suspense, twists, drama, intrigue, and is an intense and entertaining read. I was totally hooked and intrigued throughout, and look forward to reading more from this talented author, whose work I highly recommend for all.
Profile Image for Becky.
179 reviews7 followers
January 13, 2019
So, I hardly ever have a DNF. I powered through but it was to no avail. The story was rushed, priorities were all jacked! Like, hornballs when you should of been thinking straight. It's life and death and y'all only thinking of your privates. I didn't care for the plot, she was beyond annoying, and he was too perfect that basically made him less attractive. And, his description and thought process when introducing his BFF, like gah! Next!

P.S. the only reason why I bought was because of the .99 cent price!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alexis.
240 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2019
This story was just a little to rushed for me. It started off talking about how Grant and Sam were great friends and ran a company together. Then all the sudden out of no where Sam dies. I understand the author doesn’t want to tell us how because part of the story will be about that but then Grant just falls in love over like a few day span it feels like.

The characters were good but I just don’t think there was enough build up for me personally. I don’t think I would reread this story in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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