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Protector
Being a witch in the modern world was just has hard as in the middle ages. Mia had to hide her powers, and that of her little girl, so they wouldn’t be ostracized by society. On All Hallow Eve, they are pulled from their world into one of unimaginable creatures and adventures. For the first time in her life Mia finds herself falling for a man who could prove to be her life mate. He is kind, protective and provides for them without question. He is the perfect man, if only he was a man. Ni’am hadn’t found the female he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Everything changed when he was left for dead on a battlefield and two small females saved his life. From one heartbeat to the next, he was totally theirs and they his. Now he must convince the dam that he’s devoted to her and her offspring. But can she love someone who looks like a monster? The first part of this book was published before in Samhain’s Blessing. Both parts are combined in this this book for easier reading. Bless be.
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2020
84 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Paulina Woods
26 books71 followersLife is what you make it and nothing more. This is something I had to come to terms with as I struggled to find my place in this world.
I was born with a learning disability and no one could understand me but my older brother until I was almost eight years old. I was told my multiple teachers and school councilors that I was not going to graduate high school unless I went into a special program. In 2001 I proved them all wrong by graduating with a 3.5 and being accepted into Cal State University, Pomona.
Following the bad advice of my councilor I majored in animal science and after two years I had to drop out. For a while I wondered aimlessly and became homeless before I decided to give school one more try. Enrolling at Fullerton College I picked journalism to major in, why not I loved to read and write. In 2008 I graduated from California State University, Fullerton with my B.A. in Communication with an emphasis on journalism.
Of course life happens and I had to take a year off of everything to take care of my mom and younger brother. I thought I would never recover and would forever play catch up but then my older brother sat me down and told me that I needed to pursue my own dreams. So I started a blog and started posting reviews. It was fun but I was still missing something.
When author Valerie Twombly suggested I try my hand at writing I was skeptical that anyone would want to read stories from my head. I love fantasy and I fall in love with the most unique heroes. So between reading, working and taking care of my younger brother, I wrote my first novel and in 2014 I hit publish.
Not even a year later I have released my second novella and working hard to get the third one out. I have more faith in myself and hope to one day become a full-time author and blogger.
So I would like to tell those who have been told that they will never amount to anything that there is hope. You are only held down by your own limitations. Reach for what you want and fight to hold on to it.
I was born with a learning disability and no one could understand me but my older brother until I was almost eight years old. I was told my multiple teachers and school councilors that I was not going to graduate high school unless I went into a special program. In 2001 I proved them all wrong by graduating with a 3.5 and being accepted into Cal State University, Pomona.
Following the bad advice of my councilor I majored in animal science and after two years I had to drop out. For a while I wondered aimlessly and became homeless before I decided to give school one more try. Enrolling at Fullerton College I picked journalism to major in, why not I loved to read and write. In 2008 I graduated from California State University, Fullerton with my B.A. in Communication with an emphasis on journalism.
Of course life happens and I had to take a year off of everything to take care of my mom and younger brother. I thought I would never recover and would forever play catch up but then my older brother sat me down and told me that I needed to pursue my own dreams. So I started a blog and started posting reviews. It was fun but I was still missing something.
When author Valerie Twombly suggested I try my hand at writing I was skeptical that anyone would want to read stories from my head. I love fantasy and I fall in love with the most unique heroes. So between reading, working and taking care of my younger brother, I wrote my first novel and in 2014 I hit publish.
Not even a year later I have released my second novella and working hard to get the third one out. I have more faith in myself and hope to one day become a full-time author and blogger.
So I would like to tell those who have been told that they will never amount to anything that there is hope. You are only held down by your own limitations. Reach for what you want and fight to hold on to it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 15, 2022
This feels very unfinished. There is virtually no romantic build up and no real payoff. The "climax" of the story and the reveal is like 4 sentences and therefore there is no real impact. Of course Ni'am has a scorned woman that wanted to mate him because DRAMA. I don't know if I would have enjoyed this even if it had fully been fleshed out. Like I need more of a backstory about Mia's witchiness. How's it work? What is the historic background that shaped her role in society? IS NI'AM's world a parallel alternate reality or some other super natural explanation?? She literally glosses over portalling in and there is no answer to these questions. It's like Mia was "oh I met a great guy when all others have been sh*t. I'll marry him and not worry about how I got here". Like what the hell, girl, questions are your friend in that scenario. About how and about him!!
February 5, 2020
A tad unfinished?
This was ok, not the best, but I'm guessing a first time author? Pretty good go at a good story, execution needs more work, maybe a few blanks need to be filled in more. Story was short and had the potential of being longer since I my self was like what the heck when it ended! What did her grandma mean by her daughter's powers were to much for there old world? Did that guy kal poison our sexy beast man? What happened with that female and her disgraced family? I really wanted to know who's baby it was. Lol. I'm like heck yeah bring on the drama! And poof it ended? I wanted to know more about the family members! This book was so unsatisfying! But I'm hoping it will continue on hopefully? 2 1/2 stars for a great first try, but low star rating for an unfinished product
This was ok, not the best, but I'm guessing a first time author? Pretty good go at a good story, execution needs more work, maybe a few blanks need to be filled in more. Story was short and had the potential of being longer since I my self was like what the heck when it ended! What did her grandma mean by her daughter's powers were to much for there old world? Did that guy kal poison our sexy beast man? What happened with that female and her disgraced family? I really wanted to know who's baby it was. Lol. I'm like heck yeah bring on the drama! And poof it ended? I wanted to know more about the family members! This book was so unsatisfying! But I'm hoping it will continue on hopefully? 2 1/2 stars for a great first try, but low star rating for an unfinished product
January 30, 2020
A sweet portal romance featuring a modern witch, Mia—with her young daughter, Julian—and a Minotaur-like male, Ni'am.
During Samhain, when the veils between the worlds are their thinnest, things can get a little weird. Everyone in her life is telling her that she's about to go on a journey and her time for hiding in a small town away from her abusive ex is at an end. That night, Mia has one last conversation with her deceased mother—telling her that Julian can no longer stay in their world, her powers are better utilized elsewhere— and is pulled through a portal by her young daughter, who is urging her to go to "him." She finds herself and her daughter on a bloody battlefield and eventually they find a giant of a male, injured and near death. Julian's own magic reveals itself, and she saves his life, forever connecting him to herself and her mother. Now, Ni'am has to convince Mia that he's the male she needs in her life and to stay with him. But witches are rare and valuable, and getting back to his village is not going to be easy.
Overall I enjoyed this read, though there were some things I saw as weaknesses in it.
✦ I agree with other reviewers who feel this story wanted to be longer to fill out some of the details.
The first 2/3 of the story are mostly fine as-is. But events once they reach Ni'am's village feel rushed and tie up in an unsatisfying way. Even understanding what the conflict was really about and caring about it was difficult, since it kinda came out in like 4 sentences of dialogue. I'm unsure if it's because the author wanted to hint at OW drama without actually introducing OW drama/nonsense or what...but it didn't really work for me. Introduced earlier in the story and fleshed out—even if only in Ni'am's internal dialogue—would have done a lot to make it feel less like an afterthought.
✦ It would have been nice to see some more relationship build up. We do not even get to be privy to the mating bite. It happens at some point off-page, and then the two mains are suddenly bickering a lot which was confusing. I suppose this boils down to wishing this story were longer with more room to grow.
✦ Ni'am—and maybe his whole family—seems to be really unpopular in his village. It's never explained why. I hope if there are future installments of this story that will be filled in a bit.
During Samhain, when the veils between the worlds are their thinnest, things can get a little weird. Everyone in her life is telling her that she's about to go on a journey and her time for hiding in a small town away from her abusive ex is at an end. That night, Mia has one last conversation with her deceased mother—telling her that Julian can no longer stay in their world, her powers are better utilized elsewhere— and is pulled through a portal by her young daughter, who is urging her to go to "him." She finds herself and her daughter on a bloody battlefield and eventually they find a giant of a male, injured and near death. Julian's own magic reveals itself, and she saves his life, forever connecting him to herself and her mother. Now, Ni'am has to convince Mia that he's the male she needs in her life and to stay with him. But witches are rare and valuable, and getting back to his village is not going to be easy.
Overall I enjoyed this read, though there were some things I saw as weaknesses in it.
✦ I agree with other reviewers who feel this story wanted to be longer to fill out some of the details.
The first 2/3 of the story are mostly fine as-is. But events once they reach Ni'am's village feel rushed and tie up in an unsatisfying way. Even understanding what the conflict was really about and caring about it was difficult, since it kinda came out in like 4 sentences of dialogue. I'm unsure if it's because the author wanted to hint at OW drama without actually introducing OW drama/nonsense or what...but it didn't really work for me. Introduced earlier in the story and fleshed out—even if only in Ni'am's internal dialogue—would have done a lot to make it feel less like an afterthought.
✦ It would have been nice to see some more relationship build up. We do not even get to be privy to the mating bite. It happens at some point off-page, and then the two mains are suddenly bickering a lot which was confusing. I suppose this boils down to wishing this story were longer with more room to grow.
✦ Ni'am—and maybe his whole family—seems to be really unpopular in his village. It's never explained why. I hope if there are future installments of this story that will be filled in a bit.
August 3, 2022
meh
this should have been called "where's julian" because there was little else on mia's mind this entire book. the incessant repetition of character names (500 each for mia and ni'am during a 90 page book) was annoying. for a witch,mia was pretty lackluster. the romance in the plot was practically zero,and the "intrigue" fell flat. that side plot was half a page long,and really confusing as to WHY. And,(ok,this may just be me) the CHAPTER ENDINGS were weird. I see a chapter as a scene or scenes,and these just....ended. for instance,if it were another book,a chapter would close out after a long day on the run with the characters falling into a dreamless sleep. These chapters ended with a character thought that they were tired,and the next chapter would pick up on their being tired,then going to sleep,and waking up and needing to to to the bathroom. Then end. It was stilted and didn't flow well. overall,just a ho-hum book.my thoughts only. feel free to read and form your own opinion.
this should have been called "where's julian" because there was little else on mia's mind this entire book. the incessant repetition of character names (500 each for mia and ni'am during a 90 page book) was annoying. for a witch,mia was pretty lackluster. the romance in the plot was practically zero,and the "intrigue" fell flat. that side plot was half a page long,and really confusing as to WHY. And,(ok,this may just be me) the CHAPTER ENDINGS were weird. I see a chapter as a scene or scenes,and these just....ended. for instance,if it were another book,a chapter would close out after a long day on the run with the characters falling into a dreamless sleep. These chapters ended with a character thought that they were tired,and the next chapter would pick up on their being tired,then going to sleep,and waking up and needing to to to the bathroom. Then end. It was stilted and didn't flow well. overall,just a ho-hum book.my thoughts only. feel free to read and form your own opinion.
November 1, 2021
A witch and a Minotaur
A witch and her daughter go to a different dimension and save a Minotaur. And this begins a journey for those three, where action, adventure, close calls, and smexy times !! I can’t wait to read the next book!
A witch and her daughter go to a different dimension and save a Minotaur. And this begins a journey for those three, where action, adventure, close calls, and smexy times !! I can’t wait to read the next book!
January 28, 2020
Mia and her daughter Julian are witches in a world, where it is better to hide their abilities. During Samhain her 5-year-old daughter guides her through a portal, as she can feel a man near death and she knows she has to save him. Mia finds herself at the edge of a battlefield, but finds a creature looking like a minotaur, that her daughter insists to heal.
From there it is an adventure of getting to the village, where the man, Ni'am lives.
A fantasy, thrilling romance, a nice mix of adventure and human (?) interest. A really enjoyable read, with interesting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From there it is an adventure of getting to the village, where the man, Ni'am lives.
A fantasy, thrilling romance, a nice mix of adventure and human (?) interest. A really enjoyable read, with interesting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2022
Soooo Ni'am.... what a 👌 wow. I just finished reading this and I am thinking of possible things that Ni'am could have done still. I love the girls too I think we just need a little more information about them like how strong we're her daughters powers exactly; what kind of destruction could they cause and how could her parents protect her without her having to hide her powers you know. Also the other woman drama needed more oomph I couldn’t understand why she wanted him or felt that she should be the one to mate him.
Otherwise a very good read📚
Otherwise a very good read📚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2025
over the moons she goes
This sets the stage for a good series. We get to find out if more witches are coming and what witches are there in this world currently. I liked Mia that she puts Julian first and that she will kill anyone to do it. Julian is so carefree and exuberant. I absolutely loved her character. Mia has some baggage so managing that with Ni’am was kind of hard. So the relationship had its ups and downs. However the ups took over the book and I couldn’t believe her attitude with the guy.
This sets the stage for a good series. We get to find out if more witches are coming and what witches are there in this world currently. I liked Mia that she puts Julian first and that she will kill anyone to do it. Julian is so carefree and exuberant. I absolutely loved her character. Mia has some baggage so managing that with Ni’am was kind of hard. So the relationship had its ups and downs. However the ups took over the book and I couldn’t believe her attitude with the guy.
January 28, 2020
Nice read
I enjoyed the characters and their story a lot.
It did feel a little condensed. Like there could have been a little more world building and the characters were begging to unfold themselves more. Its wasn't at all lacking, but i just liked it all so much i wanted MORE. To go deeper into the characters because they were very likable.
But for a quick read i really enjoyed it!
I enjoyed the characters and their story a lot.
It did feel a little condensed. Like there could have been a little more world building and the characters were begging to unfold themselves more. Its wasn't at all lacking, but i just liked it all so much i wanted MORE. To go deeper into the characters because they were very likable.
But for a quick read i really enjoyed it!
August 27, 2023
Past Prodding
Just when we think a new beginning is about to start, pricks from the past cause pain. Tiny but sharp - bringing enough blood to force us to look back. Only dogged determination and resolve to embrace our future will thicken our “skin”. That’s the Only Way to move forward towards a comforting destiny. I genuinely recommend this short read. May it give you confidence for better!
Just when we think a new beginning is about to start, pricks from the past cause pain. Tiny but sharp - bringing enough blood to force us to look back. Only dogged determination and resolve to embrace our future will thicken our “skin”. That’s the Only Way to move forward towards a comforting destiny. I genuinely recommend this short read. May it give you confidence for better!
November 11, 2024
Glad I found this author
This is first in a series of witches who are prosecuted on earth and escape through portals to another planet. When they arrive they meet people that would be Minotaurs. Witches are well known here, but many have a bad reputation. They bind with warrior males that love them, despite the fact they are witches.
I’M SO HAPPY with a series of all AFAM full figured leads! Other authors realize we are real people too and we love SciFi/fantasy!
This is first in a series of witches who are prosecuted on earth and escape through portals to another planet. When they arrive they meet people that would be Minotaurs. Witches are well known here, but many have a bad reputation. They bind with warrior males that love them, despite the fact they are witches.
I’M SO HAPPY with a series of all AFAM full figured leads! Other authors realize we are real people too and we love SciFi/fantasy!
February 28, 2020
Wonderful
This story was so sweet and tender. With Adventure, action, magic and love so well entwined in such a compact story. The world was a nice mixture of old-world and sci-fi. The warriors were a beautiful imagination cross between Minotaur and satyr. This story has so much potential and many possibilities for any second books. It was a delightful story to dive into.
This story was so sweet and tender. With Adventure, action, magic and love so well entwined in such a compact story. The world was a nice mixture of old-world and sci-fi. The warriors were a beautiful imagination cross between Minotaur and satyr. This story has so much potential and many possibilities for any second books. It was a delightful story to dive into.
May 9, 2020
Great short read
I thoroughly enjoyed that this book and read it in less than 2 hours( I'm not a speed reader). It gave me a glimpse of a world that I would love to see further explored and maybe the daughter storyline. This definitely could easily be a series but for what it was I am satisfied and happy ending guaranteed
I thoroughly enjoyed that this book and read it in less than 2 hours( I'm not a speed reader). It gave me a glimpse of a world that I would love to see further explored and maybe the daughter storyline. This definitely could easily be a series but for what it was I am satisfied and happy ending guaranteed
May 20, 2020
I love this story
It was short simple but pack a whole lot inside. This book touch on a bad relationship but didn't keep you there . It move along with action not bog down the reader. This book didn't center all on sex it gave and then move smoothly back to the action. I could read a second book in this series. I look forward to the next book.
It was short simple but pack a whole lot inside. This book touch on a bad relationship but didn't keep you there . It move along with action not bog down the reader. This book didn't center all on sex it gave and then move smoothly back to the action. I could read a second book in this series. I look forward to the next book.
January 26, 2020
I enjoyed this authors style of writing she brings us awesome characters who are well developed and engaging and have chemistry throughout the pages. While the storyline has a smooth flow to it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2020
Hope there is more of this
Really liked this story. I would love to read more of Mia and Julian's adventures in their new world. Will definitely be reading more of this author's work.
Really liked this story. I would love to read more of Mia and Julian's adventures in their new world. Will definitely be reading more of this author's work.
April 14, 2020
Short and wonderful!
So much was packed into this quick read, but definitely enjoyed every word! Mia and Ni’am are wonderful and I hope we get to see a sequel with a grown up Julian. That girl stole the show!
So much was packed into this quick read, but definitely enjoyed every word! Mia and Ni’am are wonderful and I hope we get to see a sequel with a grown up Julian. That girl stole the show!
December 7, 2020
Could be a series?
A nice paranormal romance. Both adventurous and romantic. A nice balance of the two, so there's never a dull moment. I wouldn't mind reading more about the " Protectors ' "people .
A nice paranormal romance. Both adventurous and romantic. A nice balance of the two, so there's never a dull moment. I wouldn't mind reading more about the " Protectors ' "people .
February 20, 2021
I like that the child was the leader in the situation and her mom followed. A different would, a minotaur like protector, death threats, lots of action. With everything going on there's still a budding romance and a women trying to get past her not so great past.
January 21, 2022
Laughable
Not a bad story, but so very predictable. The characters were a bit one dimensional and events felt staged. I think this needed a bit more world building and character development. I did have a good laugh at the ridiculousness of It all though.
Not a bad story, but so very predictable. The characters were a bit one dimensional and events felt staged. I think this needed a bit more world building and character development. I did have a good laugh at the ridiculousness of It all though.
May 25, 2022
Not a bad story to read!
Not a bad story to read! I love reading stories about black girls/ women who know how to use their magic and survive! Would have loved to read more about Mia’s magic and her child’s magic! Thanks for writing!?
Not a bad story to read! I love reading stories about black girls/ women who know how to use their magic and survive! Would have loved to read more about Mia’s magic and her child’s magic! Thanks for writing!?
July 13, 2025
Protector
This is my first read by this author and I can say I enjoyed every bit of this story. I’m excited to read more by this author . These two were great for each other , the way he was ready to lay his life down for her and her daughter was amazing . Great story
This is my first read by this author and I can say I enjoyed every bit of this story. I’m excited to read more by this author . These two were great for each other , the way he was ready to lay his life down for her and her daughter was amazing . Great story
January 29, 2020
Is there more?
Have to say I liked this story quite a lot. It was sweet and fun. I felt that it didn't quite draw everything closed but maybe there is more to come.
Have to say I liked this story quite a lot. It was sweet and fun. I felt that it didn't quite draw everything closed but maybe there is more to come.
January 30, 2020
New find for me
This was recommended in my real alien group. This is my first book by this author. I like it a lot. I will look for more by this author.
This was recommended in my real alien group. This is my first book by this author. I like it a lot. I will look for more by this author.
February 7, 2020
Great read
I really enjoyed this short, and I didn't want it to end. I loved the storyline, and all of the characters. I'm so ready for the next book.
I really enjoyed this short, and I didn't want it to end. I loved the storyline, and all of the characters. I'm so ready for the next book.
February 8, 2020
Enjoyable read. Needed a bit more exiting for spelling and grammar errors, but not bad enough to detract from the story.
March 4, 2020
Protector
The story was good but felt like there is missing pieces . Maybe it's a start of a series of a set ? I love the characters .
The story was good but felt like there is missing pieces . Maybe it's a start of a series of a set ? I love the characters .
April 6, 2020
Such a great story!
I really loved this story but was sad that I finished it so quickly!! I would love to read another story in this world it sounds fascinating!!
I really loved this story but was sad that I finished it so quickly!! I would love to read another story in this world it sounds fascinating!!
April 8, 2020
Absolutely adorable! I loved this one!
April 13, 2020
Good story
This was a good story needed to be longer though . The characters were just starting to develop at the end.
This was a good story needed to be longer though . The characters were just starting to develop at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews