Talia Shaw has spent her adult life working as a scientist for a big pharmaceutical company. She's focused on saving lives, not living life. When her lab is broken into and it's clear someone is after the top secret formula she's working on, she turns to the one man she can trust. The same irresistible man she turned away years earlier because she was too young and naive to believe a sexy guy like Shane Landon could want her.
Shane Landon's bodyguard work for McKay-Taggart is the one thing that brings him satisfaction in his life. Relationships come in second to the job. Always. Then little brainiac Talia Shaw shows up in his backyard, frightened and on the run, and his world is turned upside down. And not just because she's found him naked in his outdoor shower, either.
With Talia's life in danger, Shane has to get her out of town and to her eccentric, hermit mentor who has the final piece of the formula she's been working on, while keeping her safe from the men who are after her. Guarding Talia's body certainly isn't any hardship, but he never expects to fall hard and fast for his best friend's little sister and the only woman who's ever really gotten under his skin.
NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.
Another super short Masters and Mercenaries spinoff novella. This one worked A LOT better for me than RESCUEING SADIE did. This was a complete (albeit very rushed) story that worked well as a standalone. Obviously, you won't know who some of the secondary characters are if you haven't read the M&M series, but we are not dropped into an already ongoing story with this one, thankfully.
The writing was fantastic. The plot was quite decent considering the length of the book. I loved the little glimpse of Ian and the kids and Hutch. Both Talia and Chase were likable. The sex scenes were hot. There is a smidge of angst but no OW or OM drama, and it ended on a delightful one year in the future epilogue. Therefore yours truly is going to give this one two thumbs up.
“I promise you, I’m going to make it worth the wait.”
Lexi Blake has come together with an AMAZING group of authors to bring us the Lexi Blake Crossover Collection. It’s pairing one of my favorites, the Masters & Mercenaries Series, with some of your beloved series from authors we all love and adore! Two different worlds come crashing together, giving fans something extremely special to read about.
I was so HAPPY to see Carly Phillips’ name on the author list! She is bringing us Talia and Shane’s story in HIS TO PROTECT. Who doesn’t LOVE a good bodyguard romance, am I right?! And trust me when I say, Carly Phillips’ knows how to make us fall head over heels with her gorgeous and alphalicious bodyguards. This best friend’s little sister, second chance romance will have you SWOONING from head to toe. Talia is extremely relatable and endearing and Shane is SMOKIN’ HOT and protective. Together, these two are PERFECT for each other. I loved the banter and their dynamic was so entertaining. HIS TO PROTECT is short and sweet, but it’s bursting with romance and charm. I couldn’t put it down!
got this book as part of a 1001 Dark Nights bundle.
really enjoyed the book. I felt little left out that I didn't know the some of the secondary characters since I haven't ventured into this series before but the good thing is, I didn't feel like I was at a lost with the storyline. His to protect was hot. A tad rushed with overall fun quick book.
I'm a huge fan of Lexi Blake's Masters & Mercenaries series. So when I heard she'll be coming out with a Crossover collection, suffice it to say I was something between giddy and ridiculously giddy.
His To Protect was the first novella that I read in the crossover and it certainly hit the spot. This was a steamy take on the older brother's friend trope, and that's practically always a guaranteed win for me. Talia is on the run from men that won't hesitate to kill her in order to get their hands on a life changing secret formula she's been working on. Desperate, terrified, and with nowhere to turn, she runs right into the protective arms of Shane Landon; the sexy jock she tutored and then pushed away back in high school. Now an elite bodyguard for McKay-Taggart, he's the one man capable of protecting her. And of course it doesn't take long for those old sparks to reignite. Talia isn't the shy, nerdy girl she once was. And Shane isn't as easy to push away.
This was a fun novella, though the pacing was a tad rushed for my tastes. It started off strong, and then fizzled a touch toward the end. It was still a satisfying read nonetheless, and certainly one I'd recommend for any Carly Phillips and Lexi Blake fans.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
His to protect is the last book I reviewed for the crossover because I needed to gather my thoughts. I have decided that's this is the best book for me (I'm sorry, Justify Me). The book is truly a stand-alone which is great because you won't have to read any book before this to understand what is going on and for those who follow the series is also great because they get to see some characters they already know and love. The plot is developed as well as the characters and it was a complete story for me. I was very happy with the way Talia decided to handle the situation and I loved the epilogue. You should read this book even if you don't have any idea who the authors or the series are.
Honestly, there's nothing that could go wrong here.
And nothing did. Talia and Shane are wonderful. Their first meeting while he's in the outdoor shower had the perfect balance of heat, attraction and mortification. I was laughing, and cringing.
There were some poignant moments, and you really felt the trust and the connection between them.
As always, the writing was strong, the characters were well developed, and the story was fun overall.
Sexy, suspenseful and fast paced, this book was amazing to relax!
The love story between Shane and Talia was great.
They've known each other for pretty much their whole lives, since Shane is Tate's best friend (Talia's big brother), and their romance is long overdue. She had a crush on him since high school, and he had something for her too, but somehow they went their separate ways, until they find each other again under crazy circustances.
He works for a security company and she is a scientist who has to run for her life as big, full of money people go after her and her research. Being in danger, Talia asks for Shane's help.
While he is protecting her, their feelings come to surface again, only this time they can't fight it!
Being a shorter story, this book was sexy, fast and easy to read and totally entertaining!
5 Star Review of His To Protect by Carly Phillips This is part of the current Lexi Blake Crossover Collection and when I heard that Carly Phillips was going to be a part of this series I was excited. Having read numerous books from Ms.Phillips and virtually every book that Lexi Blake has written I couldn’t wait to see how these two worlds came together. Shane Landon is a bodyguard for McKay Taggart. When his best friend’s sister Talia Shaw lands on his doorstep terrified and on the run, Shane knows he will do everything in his power to protect her. Talia is a scientist who has been working on a top secret project,which has garnered the interest of some not so savoury characters. Can Shane keep Talia safe, whilst becoming more and more attracted to the hot scientist? After all he has been fighting his attraction to her for years and Talia has had a crush on SHane as well. I really liked Talia, not only is she smart, but she has such a strength of character that endears her to the reader. Shane is smoking hot and totally ticks all the boxes for me. Although not a particularly long read, His To Protect was extremely well written with fast paced action and danger. A great read and one I recommend.
His to Protect by Carly Phillips is part of The Lexi Blake Collection, as well her Bodyguard Bad Boys series. I truly enjoyed reading this opposite attracts second chance romance. The sexy and strong bodyguard and the nerdy, beautiful scientist.
Talia Shaw has worked very hard in her field because it was very personal to her. Though she has finally had a breakthrough on her work, her personal life has suffered. But when her work and life is threatened, she runs to the only man she can trust. I loved that Talia was strong and determined and willing to take risks when needed.
Shane Landon works as a bodyguard for McKay-Taggert. As a former cop, this work allows him to find satisfaction and fulfillment in his job. After a failed marriage, he feels relationships and his line of work do not work well together. Shane was so sweet to Talia but was also a total alpha in protective mode.
Shane and Talia knew each other when they were younger. Though Shane was attracted to Talia when they were younger, she did not believe a boy like her could ever truly want her. So, she pushed him away. But now, though she is in trouble, she will not let a second chance go by again. But they are on the run and he needs to keep her safe.
Its been a while since I read a Carly Phillips book, but this reminded me of what a great writer she is. Though a quick read, the story was charming and full of suspense. I loved the characters, their banter and the story very much.
This was a fun and quick read with just the right amount of smexy and suspense to make it difficult to put down and oh so easy to keep turning the pages until the very end.
I really liked Talia and Shane. While both are workaholics, they are both really good people. They are honest, determined and have this code of honor that shows itself in the career paths they chose and the reasons behind it. Though their journey to their HEA is quick, it was still absolutely satisfying. They have something of a second-chance at love thing going on and I enjoyed watching as they re-hashed their past while getting to know each other as the adults they are. There were a few bumps, outside being on the run, but nothing angsty and I loved how they figured things out in the end.
So if you’re looking for a quick read with just the right amount of smexy and suspense, then this His to Protect is a must read for you!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
When her pharmaceutical research seems to be putting her life in danger, scientist Talia Shaw turns to old friend (and MacKay-Taggart bodyguard) Shane London for help.
Shane and Talia have a lot of chemistry, and I actually wish this book was longer. The novella length makes it feel rushed, like the author is trying to squeeze as much as possible into the 125 pages. I like that she's a heroic scientist, however that's not enough to completely offset the other problems with this book.
YES!!! By far my favourite title from the collaborating author’s in Lexi’s Crossover Collection. From page one I was invested, entertained, intrigued & swooning for more. Plot, pacing, character development & unfolding romance were A1. It has to be noted, Carly Phillips use of existing M&M characters was exceptionally flawless to the point I felt like I was actually in the M&M. Kudos! Added bonus, I fell in love with the way Carly Phillips writes & found a new author to covet.
Talia Shaw is a brilliant scientist who’s just putting the finishing touches on a top secret formula she is working on to treat congenital heart defects, possibly resulting in longer and more fulfilling lives for those born with them. She’s spent her entire adult life working towards a cure since she lost both parents at an early age to heart ailments. When she gets a call from her lab assistant on a rare day off, however, Talia immediately knows something is wrong. When she goes in to check it out, she realizes her lab has been wiped clean her work and there is somebody in the building looking for her. With her brother out of country, the only person she trusts to turn to is her old highschool crush, Shane Landon.
Former cop turned bodyguard, Shane Landon works for the McKay -Taggart security firm. He tried a relationship once, but no woman wants to be with a man who works crazy hours at a dangerous job so his marriage ended leaving him to become even more focussed on his job. When his best friend’s sister turns up in his yard looking terrified, Shane is thrown for a loop. Not only does he wonder why she is on the run, he’s also remembering the brainiac turned crush who tutored him through high school chemistry in ways have him thinking about more than work for the first time in a long time.
With an unknown threat tracking Talia and her research, it’s up to Shane to keep her safe while getting her to her old college mentor who holds the final piece to Talia’s formula before it’s stolen away.
Carly Phillips meshed her world perfectly with Lexi Blake’s McKay-Taggart crew! Talia is not only crazy intelligent, but she is also completely fearless when it comes to keeping her research safe. All she wants to do is save lives and she proves her brilliance, courage, selflessness and integrity throughout this story. Shane is an alpha and a protector by nature and he doesn’t think twice about helping Talia when she shows up at his door or in pulling in his boss, Ian Taggart and the rest of the crew when needed.
Both Talia and Shane have baggage when it comes to relationships and focussing on anything but their work. But, being on the run forces them to learn so much more about one another than they did in high school and sparks fly between this would be couple. Talia’s no longer the too smart shy girl she was in high school and she has no problem letting Shane know that she’s ready for more. I actually loved that it was Talia that had to be the aggressor, as Shane was truly relationship shy after his failed marriage.
While the romance was hot, I really enjoyed the suspense built around the would be theft of Talia’s research. There is no down time in this book as pulse pounding adventure pushes both the plot and the couple’s relationship forward. As a bonus, fans of Lexi Blake will absolutely love the scenes with Ian Taggart which were perfectly written.
This novella was thrilling! 5 stars for Carly Phillip’s His to Protect
The Lexi Blake crossover collection is really shaping up to be a thrilling series; this novella instalment is by an author I am unfamiliar with, but I plan to rectify that asap..it was packed full of interesting characters and plenty of pace...
Shane is an alpha protector bodyguard and his main focus is the gorgeous, ‘brainiac’ Talia; a scientist on the run....I loved these two main characters and their relationship, which comes with a second chance romance label...As an extra special treat, for Masters and Mercenaries fans, characters from McKay/Taggart make an appearance ..
This was one of those short stories that felt like a full length novel because so much happens and there are no wasted moments..there is also a satisfying epilogue as an added bonus... This novella was reviewed for Summer's Eve Reads
This was a fantastic, suspense filled quick read!! I loved the history that Shane and Talia have together, and that her brother trusts Shane enough to protect Talia. These two heat up the pages, and some of the twists and turns in the books were just a bit crazy. This was a great read that I would definitely recommend.
Loved this novella! It’s another in the Lexi Blake crossover series this one features the sexy Shane Landon, a bodyguard at McKay-Taggart! Talia is a brainiac scientist and someone is after her latest discovery. She calls her brother Tate, and he tells her go to his friend Shane for help. Boy does she get a sexy eye full when she gets there! Love Shane and I love that he and Talia get a second chance! Cool story but a good one and very fast read. Love the way it ends!
3.75 stars. This was a pretty good book. This book is a crossover with Shane, from Lexi Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series, and Talia, from Carly Phillip's Bodyguard Bad Boys series. Shane works for McKay-Taggart in security. Talia is a scientist for a pharmaceutical company who is working on a cure for a heart defect. Shane is Talia's brother's best friend and they grew up around each other. When someone breaks into Talia's lab where she works, killing a guard and attempting to steal her formula, she calls her brother, who is out of the country on work, and he sends her to Shane. He helps protect Talia and they go on the run together from the people who are chasing her in order to get her secret formula and kill her. The two have chemistry and an attraction, but both have a bad history with relationships. They agree to have a fling because neither of them see how they can fit a relationship into their lives when they are both workaholics. Still, they fall for each other while on the run, and afterwards, they are able to work through their issues and realize they don't want to live without each other.
I have read a few other books by Ms. Phillips and enjoyed them in general, but I think this book is my favorite. It was good at capturing the Masters and Mercenaries feel. I liked Talia and Shane together. They had good chemistry and they fit each other well. I liked the fast pace and suspense of the book and felt it was well-balanced with the romance. While I did enjoy the book, it wasn't especially memorable or different. Still, it was an entertaining, sexy and suspenseful read, as well as a great addition to this crossover collection series.
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is part of the Masters and Mercenaries crossover series that is being released by a number of super talented authors. I am so happy to be reading these books and reviewing them. I am huge M and M fan, and this was another great addition to the series.
Here we enjoy watching Shane get his HEA. Having had a failed marriage due mainly to his wife not coping well with the demands and dangers of his job as a cop, he is off commitments. He does however remind himself that many of the MacKay-Taggart team are now with women who seem to manage the worry just fine. And the scene when he first takes Talia to meet with Ian, is lovely, as Ian knows what's going to happen between them already
Talia is Shane's best friend's baby sister, and also his chemistry tutor in High School. Both of them, it turns out still harbour feelings for each other, but first they need to get her and her secret formula to safety. I enjoyed the underlying plot - it wasn't too scary, or is that just because where these guys are involved the outcome is guaranteed to be good?
Hot, fun and another man off the market - very enjoyable read, thank you Ms Phillips and the crossover team.
What a stunning display of hard core action, white hot lust, and heart melting romance in His To Protect! I feel like I am reading Carly Phillips new story in this crossover as a first time reader. I was amazed and awed with this book! I was hit with plenty of action and suspense that left me edgy and sweaty while the lust and romance made me feel all squirmy and warm all over. The banter made me bite my lip and the breath catch in my breath while the plot felt new and additive.
Don't get me wrong I love ALLLL of Carly Phillips books. But this one still managed to feel so completely fresh. Maybe because it was a Lexi Blake crossover. Yet I think it is also because of Talia and Shane. These two had some wild chemistry that felt hot, sexy, and the sex...oh the sex was something that really made my breath catch and my panties go completely damp! I ate this story up like my favorite mint chocolate chip cookies I can't stay away from. It made me feel happy and completely satisfied!
His To Protect gets a TOO SEXY TO NOT READ FIVE SHOOTING STARS!
**I received an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
This novella is part of Lexi Blake's Crossover Collection and as someone who has not read the Masters & Mercenaries series, I had no trouble following along with this book and really enjoying it! I will confess, it does make me want to go read the M&M series now though!
Talia Shaw is a scientist and she has devoted all of her adult life up to now focusing on finding a cure for heart ailments. As she and her team are closing in on finding the right formula, things come to a grinding halt when her lab is cleaned out and it becomes clear that Talia's life may be in danger. Calling her brother Tate for help, Talia is instructed to go to Tate's best friend, Shane Landon. Sounds easy, but because Talia and Shane have a past, will it turn out to be even more complicated?
Shane Landon is a bodyguard for McKay-Taggart and his job is his one true love. He decided long ago that it worked best for everyone if he focused more on work and less on love. When Talia shows up and finds him in a compromising position, naked in his outdoor shower, things get off to an interesting start. Knowing he'll do anything to protect his friend's sister, he begins to devise a plan to keep her safe and get the rest of the information she needs to get her cure into the right hands.
Will this duo be able to outsmart the people who are after her and will they continue to deny the sparks that are flying between them or will they finally give in?
I loved the fast paced nature of this book and I adored the characters. I felt very connected to both Shane and Talia and even though it was a novella, I felt like I got to know them. I was rooting for them throughout the entire book. I liked the intrigue that was part of this story as well. Great job by Carly Phillips! This is a work I would recommend highly!
Who doesn't love a smoking hot bodyguard? Throw in that same sexy, lucious bodyguard is your brother's best friend that you have had a crush on him since you were in high school and you have Shane and Talia in His To Protect.
This was one action packed novella! From the very beginning the story kicks off with a bang and it kept me intrigued and turning the pages. I really loved Talia Shaw. She's as smart as she is beautiful, and she is totally clueless the effect that she has on her brother, Tate's, best friend and work colleague, Shane Landon. When Talia finds herself in very serious trouble, the one man that she turns to happens to be the man that she has wanted all her life. Shane is sexy, determined and so head over heels for the girl that should be off limits. He knows his first priority is to protect Talia at all costs but can he really protect his heart?
I so enjoyed this fun and suspenseful side of Carly Phillips! The story was fast paced. Shane and Talia made going on the run hot and sensual. Another great read from an amazing author! Well done!
His to Protect: A Bodyguard Bad Boys/ Masters and Mercenaries Novella Bodyguard Bad Boys, Book 2.5
I Picked Up This Book Because: Short book to get me through until starting 24in48 readathon
The Characters:
Talia Shaw: Shane Landon:
The Story:
When Talia’s life becomes endangered her brother sends her into the arms of his best friend and bodyguard Shane. Tension runs hot and heavy as Talia and Shane fight to get the completed formula and keep it away from unknown persons with nefarious intent.
I love a brothers best friend trope and this one was well done. It did not feel rushed, the characters were likeable and the chemistry between them was good.
This is one of the novella’s in the new crossover series by Lexi Blake and six other awesome authors. I was very excited to see some of my favorite authors and characters come to life together. It amazes me how this can be done and seem so normal. It helps blur my reality even more!!!
Talia was the nerdy book worm in high school with the cool brother and friends. Shane was one of those cool friends...Captain of the football team, star athlete, chick magnet...The one chance she had with him, her innocence and shyness pushed him away. Now she won’t!!
Shane has had a pretty exciting life...Never did he think someone like Talia would come back into his life, especially needing his help. Marriage had jaded him to relationships. It just wasn’t his thing right now. But could Talia change that? And could he keep her safe long enough to figure it out?
Fun, quick read with familiar characters all over. Do yourself a favor and pick up the entire crossover collection. Then if you don’t know one of the authors, you will....lots of good reading ahead.
His to Protect (Bodyguard Bad Boys #2.5) by Carly Phillips & Lexi Blake 4.5 stars M/F Thriller Romance Triggers: Kidnapping, Attempted Murder, Stalking I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Talia has always been a smart woman. What she has found might change the course of many people's lives. When her lab is broken in to, she knows that they are after what she has discovered. She can't let it fall in to the wrong hands.
Shane has always felt close to Talia's brother - which meant that he stayed away from Talia. But, when he finds her in his backyard and in need of protecting, nothing will stop him.
This is a fast paced story with a lot going on. The romance is secondary to the mystery/thriller part and I really liked how they kept the romance and thriller parallel without crossing over too much.
It's a fast read and entertaining for an afternoon.
I love Lexi Blake's masters and mercenaries series and I love Carly Phillip's books, so the crossover was the best of two worlds! Talia, the smart scientist is trying to find a cure for want killed her mothers, but so are the evil, ruthless people who want to profit off all her hard work and are willing to hurt/kill for the formula. She calls her brother who calls his best friend Shane, who is ex-police/ex-military and now works for McKay-Taggart as a bodyguard. She hasn't seen him since high school when she had a crush on him. She is in danger, and his job is to protect for 24/7 until the danger is resolved. Can they ignore the sparks and attraction to each other? Will the sex be a way to fill lonely nights and daytime boredom? Read this quick paced story for all the suspense, romance and all the Ianism's!!! Get crossover/ collaboration!!!!
I'm a huge fan of Lexi Blake, and Carly Phillips... so the two of them working together? I'm sold! This was a great read. The suspense was just the perfect amount, and the story moved at a good pace. Sometimes, with shorter novels, the relationship feels like it's moving to fast, but we don't get any of that here.
I'm a huge fan of the older-brother's-best-friend story, and we get a great example of that here. Shane is dreamy, and just what Talia needs while she's being hunted. Also, I'm a huge fan of the ending - I did not see that solution coming!
What's better than reading a book from one of my favorite authors....reading a crossover story from one of my all-time favorite series...Masters & Mercenaries by Lexi Blake. I love everything about this book (no spoilers here...it's so good I don't want to ruin anything). Carly really nails down the amazing Ian (the head of McKay Taggert). Talia is on the run to protect her scientific discovery and family friend (HS crush) Shane works with McKay Taggert and helps keep her safe. This story as always has everything...STORY, instant believable chemistry, great side characters and hot sex!!! Carly really made me giggle/laugh out loud at Ian's comments and loved that she mentioned his love of lemon treats and how he is always matchmaking. Loved appearances by Hatch and even mentions of one of my favorite couples..Simon and Chelsea. I could go on and on but this is such a great book. I was lucky enough to get an ARC but I have all the other books in this crossover on pre-order. This is a standalone but fans of M&M will LOVE Carly's books and if they are not now they will definitely be fans of hers after and begin getting her other stories!!!! Love the mention of Shane and Tate in both Rock Me and Tempt Me with a little pre-wink to McKay Taggert. (Can you tell how freaking excited I am about this). It really is the best of both worlds.