Protect

The Phoenix Night Shift #1

by Laura Wylde

Researching mystical creatures can bring deadly consequences.

I dug a hole.
A deep hole.
Now I’m being targeted by a gang of ruthless harpies who are power-hungry, dangerous and wreaking havoc on NYC.
When I met Sergeant Daniel Richards, he reveals a side of the city I never could have imagined existed - including the three other stunningly HOT protectors who stand by my side:

Lenny: The rebel who wears his heart on his sleeve.
Jack: Two words: Champagne and Chopin.
Jamie: The type of person who behaved as though he has always known you. Social. Relaxed.

They’re a very special unit of Phoenix shape-shifters and their responsibility is to keep the balance between Earth and the nether-world. Unfortunately, things couldn’t be further from....
The closer I get to my protectors, the more drawn to them I become.
But now’s not the time to be thinking about that while the whole city goes to hell…. is it?

A steamy shifter romance that will bring your body temperature up a notch and leave you wanting more.

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Fantasy

170 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2019

About the author

I love Paranormal... who doesn't? I spend most of my time reading and writing, but to keep my sanity - I love being outdoors. That's where my imagination goes wild.

Reviews

[Paula]

DNF @48%

I'm not feeling the relationship.

[Lisbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story where the lead caracter has such a natural view of the paranormal fantasy shifter world that when she is confronted with this world she adapts fairly quickly, probably because she was studying that world. She falls under the protection of four phoenixes and toghether they face dangers but also love. I have read the other books by Laura Wylde and I do enjoy her books from the shifter worlds. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya Queen Of The Phoenixs

Tanya is writing her thesis on mythology creatures. She's attacked in the subway station and then the police come after her frantic 911 call. What happens next is the start of a story far beyond her imagination. Good story, love RH. This is a fantastic story with the sex slowly sprinkled in. It's more than just hot sex scenes one right after the other. It's tastefully done. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. I read this through the KU program.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Crazy New York Story!

Anything is possible in New York! This fantastical story weaves together moments in history, myths and legends, shape shifters, and romance into a book that challenges the wildest of imaginations. The historical and mythological aspects were great! The sex scenes were awkward and a bit juvenile, which is a disappointment. I also would have liked an epilogue beyond “we all live happily together”.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book get so hot you may need a cold shower I absolutely could not get enough of this I was hooked from the first page great writing job bravo loved it and if anyone is looking a steamy wonderful read then add this one to your list you will not be disappointed I was not, I loved it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

It had story line, good characters and sex scenes that weren’t overly gratuitous. Thanks heaps Laura! I loved this one!

[Kathryn House · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just Ok

I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t get into it. The character development was lacking and she gave a whole lot of information about the world that had absolutely no context to the story..
The sex scenes were awful. The storyline was good. I just wish there were more of it.

[Paula Brayboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protect: The Phoenix Night Shift

Good love story with so much detail of different paranormal species. Loved better explanations of what Phoenixes are and how they rise from the ashes.

[Diana Martins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stand alone series

The first book of the serie and a stand alone.
4 shifters fall in love with 1 woman human.
It's a medium/fast burn.
The first sex scene is described in detail, but the next, with the 4, is described in a more philosophical way.

[Sn8wflake · Rating 3 out of 5]

urban

Phoenix crime fighters, you don’t see that often. A total geek falls dormant all four phoenixes. Just short almost novella length

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

SO much editing needed

There is a complete lack of editing in this book. Also, an over-abundance of minute details for a book that is only 160 some pages. DNF

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya Omar enjoyed taking the subway at night at the Queensboro transit station, an entirely different experience than the hustle and bustle of the daytime travel. Her fascination for mythology, particularly the ancient creatures that roamed through the palaces, was bolstered by her nightly subway excursions which felt equally as otherworldly to her. It allowed her rich imagination to go wild! But strangely tonight, there was no one hanging around at all and the station itself was too quiet. Her skin began to crawl as something with a gigantic wingspan rushed toward her out of the tunnel! She ran behind a pillar and dialed 9-1-1 and correctly identified her attacker as a harpy! With a backpack full of books, she was making her best attempt to hold it off when a flash of crimson color, like a flaming red bird, burst out of the air and drove off her attacker! Tanya was starting to think all of this was a hallucination brought on by too much mythological studying!

As Tanya hurried to the exit, three plainclothes cops coming down the stairs stopped her. She denied calling them, but then admitted it. She had been working on her thesis on common ancestral grounds for mythological creatures worldwide. In the dark subway, having a huge imagination, she told them even a moth flying in front of a light could seem like a vampire bat… or a Harpy? Then he asked her to start again with her story.

Tanya’s call had gone right to CAPSU – Citizens Active Patrol Special Unit consisting of Officer Jamie Johnson, Officer Lenny Katz, Officer Jack Cardinal, and Sergeant Daniel Richards – due to the nature of the call and the hissing and wing-flapping Jaimie heard on the dispatch. Goblins, dragons, trolls and even leprechauns, really do exist and when they come into the human realm, the CAPSU phoenixes return them home or deal with them. Daniel didn’t wait for the others but immediately went after the harpy. It disappeared into the shadows, so he returned to his team who were questioning the victim.

It seems Tanya’s targeted attack may have been motivated by her getting too close to the truth in her thesis where she was trying to prove not only that the mythological creatures were real, but that they continued to exist today. She had some very compelling evidence for her theory. The harpy that escaped in the tunnel would fixate on her until it killed her. Tanya looked again at Sergeant Daniel Richards who still reminded her of someone – actually his eyes were the same as the fiery bird in the subway! As she stared, he looked even more like the fiery bird as she became aware he was changing right in front of her – into a phoenix!

The men realize she must be protected until the harpy is found and dealt with properly. The spunky, brave female has earned their respect and admiration. So Daniel showed his phoenix to her to convince her of what they were telling her. They decide the best place to keep her safe is with them, so they take her home – where the real adventure will begin!

This was an awesome book that I thoroughly enjoyed! The story line ramped up the reader’s tension immediately as Tanya senses something wrong and is immediately attacked. The characters the reader is introduced to were depicted very well, and we learn about the CAPSU phoenix team who will become very important to Tanya! The describing of what the officers were noticing and analyzing felt like Sherlock Holmes was standing there in the room – I loved it!!! Will the harpies get to Tanya? Grab your copy – you won’t want to miss the start of what looks to be an incredibly good series!

[Mary Brannian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heading home after a long session at the library, where Tanya Omar has been documenting sources for her thesis on mythological creatures and their origins, Tanya suddenly becomes aware... Of silence. The subway system is always bustling with people; whether it's fellow commuters or the homeless, there's always other people around. But not tonight. It's as if all the other commuters have scurried for cover, holding their breath... Tanya's the only person on the platform.

A flicker, a sigh... And Tanya is caught in a whirling kaleidoscope of wind, unbearable stench, leathery wings, and... A HARPY??? A HARPY! One of the mythological creatures Tanya has been researching so diligently! But Tanya has no opportunity to study this fantastic creature, as the harpy has decided Tanya will become her late-night snack! Desperately, Tanya fights off the harpy then fumbles with her cell phone to call 911. Unfortunately, the harpy hears her, and attacks Tanya again.

"Our own history is colored by what the ancients have told us, which is a past as twisted with secrets and guilt as any human’s. Sometimes, you have to dig deeply to know the truth."- Lennie

A blur of crimson and gold with flames licking the air drives the harpy from her prey. Tanya is stunned, in disbelief, as she watches the harpy disappear into the stygian blackness of the subway tunnel. Soon after, a squad of four officers appear on the scene, to take Tanya's statement and to escort her home. Once there, revelations rock the foundations of Tanya's world, shattering her long held beliefs.

"Daniel was The Man. The rock -hard agent you could lean on. Jack was champagne and Chopin. Lenny was just Lenny. The rebel with his heart on his sleeve. Jamie, though, was the type of person who behaved as though he has always known you. It was silly to feel awkward around him, when he was so relaxed and social." - Tanya

Tanya discovers her life as she knows it is about to undergo a drastic sea change. But she'll find a way to adjust, with four fearsome phoenix shifters protecting her... Tempting her... Making her feel emotions that had lain dormant for far too long...

"The romance was all around. The pale moon, the silvery roses, the whispers of the past floating through the hallways. It was a place for nurturing lost souls and artists. The more I aroused them, the more I was aroused. We were in synchrony. My touch was their touch, my pleasure, their bliss." - Tanya

Oh my... Steamy and satisfying! A reverse harem with twists and turns; a heroine that takes names and kicks paranormal behind, with four hunky, alpha males protecting her... As much as she will allow, anyway!

[Lisa Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift of an advanced read copy and I would like to give an honest review as to what I read.

Goodness Laura created a whole new world next to the world we know. This girl has so much imagination the plot kept me fixed to the book wondering what in the world would happen next. This is something that must be read it is just that good.
Tanya has been doing her research at the Library most evening trying to get the books she needs to finish her thesis. She is hoping that she will be able to get a position as a professor of Accent Mythology, and how it could possible that beginning like that could life in the modern world of today. She is also writing a book on the subject that she hopes will sell really good to add to her nest egg. She is going home one this night by way of the subway as usual. But there was something strange the station was empty. Then the lights flickered and it happened. Something that shouldn’t have been real was there fighting her. It wanted her life she wanted to stay alive. During her fight she calls the police and tells them she is being attacked by a harpy. She told the were she was and left her phone turned on as she put it into her pocket.
Sargent Daniel Richards, Officer Jamie Johnson, Officer Lenny Katz, and Officer Jack Cardinal were members of COPSU Citizens Active Patrol Special Unit. They handled the bizarre cases. Listening to the call that dispatch transferred to them in their car they knew immediately what was happening. Daniel knew that Tanya didn’t have much time sifting before the car even slowed down and was there to fight the harpie before she could hurt Tanya. Tanya wasn’t sure what she saw was true and as the fiery ball like creature took after the harpie she made her way back up the steps of the subway station to be greeted by three well dressed plain clothes police officers. How was she going to explain herself out of this one without sounding like a nut job.
The thing that she was about to find out was she was not a nut job and she was going to find out exactly what these officers really were. More than that she was now in their protective custody...for how long? Well that is what you will have to read about. You see as I found out harpies doing give up once the have found their prey. Only this time they just didn’t stumble across Tanya the attack was planned. Find out all that happens the near death fights and a few other spots that will lighten the mood a bit.

[Rose Bassett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable story to read. The characters were well defined and the story line was different. I was submerged into the story from the very beginning.

Tanya is a college girl, working on her thesis. She has an unusual study, mythical beings. As she is taking the subway home from the library late at night, she gets attacked by a harpy. She fends it off with her backpack full of books and calls 911 and keeps the line open while she is battling the harpy. Along comes something like a ball of fire that scares off the harpy. As she is leaving the subway, four plain clothes policemen approach her and ask her if she is the one who called about the harpy. At first she played it off that it wasn't her, then she admitted it. What she didn't know is that this is a special division of the police, the division that deals with mythical creatures, CAPSU – Citizens Active Patrol Special Unit.

Officer Jamie Johnson, Officer Lenny Katz, Officer Jack Cardinal, and Sergeant Daniel Richards are the four gorgeous police officers that show up to Tanya's phone call. What she doesn't realize is that she already saw Daniel in the subway. They are all Phoenix. They are in our realm to protect us from beings from other realms who break the law. Some other beings from other realms are allowed, but they have rules to follow. When they break them, like attacking innocent humans, these guys go after the law breakers. Oh, by the way, they live hundreds of years. They escort Tayna to her apartment and then try to figure out why this harpy would actually attack Tayna. Does this harpy know her and is jealous of her for some reason? Does she live in her apartment?

Lenny is the youngest and right away they all know that he has a crush on Tayna. But Daniel is the first to kiss her. All the guys are attracted to her but they don't have time to figure that out, they need to protect her and find out who the harpy is and get her to stop.

You need to read the story to find out how the guys figure out how they all feel about Tayna and how they will deal with that and capture the harpy that is causing the problem to start with.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great read! Tanya is in college and working on her thesis about mythical beings. She's attached on the subway by a Harpy and calls 911. Officers Daniel, Lenny, Jack, and Jamie answer her call for help. They are her Guardians (Phoenix Shifters) and protectors and together they face many obstacles and dangers. This story is filled with intrigue, suspense, action, steamy scenes and love. It's an entertainingly and thrilling read and I definitely recommend it.

[Shanda Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was a student working on ancient myths when she is attacked by Harpies in the subway. She calls the police and they send four officers. She doesn't say what she saw at first, thinking they will say she is crazy. Sergeant Daniel Richards gets her to admit to seeing Harpies and reveals to her, a world she thought existed in only the myths she was researching. Lenny Jack, and Jaime round out the unit. They tell her they help to keep the balance between the Earth and nether-world. They are shape-shifters (Phoenix shifters) and they are going to protect her. She is drawn to all of them, the closer she gets to them. Can she decide between them? Does she have to? What do the Harpies want with her? What is happening and how is she involved? I am leaving this review for having received the ARC but I do so gladly because this story is a great beginning to this series. The story stands alone but will be better with its parts. The story is well written and makes you want to find out more. The characters have vulnerabilities but fit well together and they make each other stronger as a unit. You will not be disappointed with this book and will want to read more to see how this series develops. Will the steamy romance be enough or will it go up in flames?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I liked this book. I liked Tanya, but there were a couple of places I wanted to smack her. She is smart and fearless. well as smart as a human trying to fight off a harpy can be. The Guardians, Daniel, Jack, Jaime and Lenny, work in a special department of the police department and answered her 911 call for help. They are serious about keeping her safe. It is now a matter of pride for the harpy to destroy Tanya. I loved how the drunk siren in her building kept calling Lenny a parrot when he shifted to his phoenix form, how embarrassing. I thought they were all kinda cruel and selfish when Lenny was the one who expressed his affection and he was the one shut out. The other thing that ticked me off with her was her whining that it was all her fault. Come on, that's what these guys do, they protect. At least she didn't go running off half-cocked to try and deal with it herself. She had her redeeming qualities too. I did enjoy the story and hope to meet more of the Phoenix guardians later. I requested an advanced reader copy from Booksprout and am under no obligation to leave this review.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I am not normally a big fan of Reverse Harem Romance stories, but this one actually worked for me. I liked that we get all of the MCs' POVs, it helped to develop both the story and the romance between Tanya and all four of the guys. I thought the phoenixes were just enough "other" for the guys to feel like paranormals, but still be relatable. I really liked that each of the guys was so distinct, they had some similarities, but their personalities and speech were each easy to identify in the story. Tanya I think had an understandable reaction to finding out about the hidden mythological creatures, especially given her research. I like the world-building, there was a good mix of items pulled from known or recognizable myths and legends, with just enough twists to make it unique. I think this is a world that has room to grow and expand without feeling like too much of the same in future books.

I did think that the romance was a bit fast, more lust than actual love. I think it gives the story a bit of a HFN feeling rather than an HEA, but it is still a very solid story.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great research!!
Hat's off to the author for doing so much research about the different creatures and cultures in mythology - to me, this was the best part of the book. Obviously, the author improvised some of the backgrounds; however, much of it was bang on because I checked, that's how much I enjoyed her details. That's what is giving this book four stars, for me at least. The plot is solid, and the writing flows well, but sexual interactions between Tanya and the four phoenixes is contradictory. In the beginning, when Tanya first meets and gets to know the four, she blushes at every compliment and/or when she thinks about her attraction to each of them she gets uncomfortable; Tanya is made to come across as very innocent, introverted and shy. Yet less than twenty-four later she is not only encouraging but instigating a menage, the two personalities don't match up. The author also seems conflicted about how to describe a sexual scene, having no problems with male anatomy, however, when it comes time to express aspects of Tanya, she seems to revert to "younger" language with threw me off.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was enthralled by this paranormal shifter romance, it kept my attention until the last page was turned. The story-line & plot is well-thought out & written with some interesting & unexpected mythological events. The various characters are well-developed with unique personalities & display realistic emotional feelings & moods suited to the situations they find themselves in.
There is: a strong-willed & feisty young woman (Tania) is fascinated by mythological creatures but is unexpectedly confronted by a harpy & panic-stricken phones the emergency number only to be protected by what looks like a phoenix, the male law-enforcement officers /shifters who get involved with her (Lenny, Jack, Jamie & Daniel), various kinds of shifters, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, action, adventure, mystery, secrets, danger, threats, attacks, suspicions, deceit, enemies, attractions, manipulations, conflict, violence, investigations, discovery, devious plans, confrontations, declarations, love, steamy scenes & contentment. I would recommend this book.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who wants a Pheonix?? I DO! I DO! Protect is the book you want to read if you like Mythology and all the characters within the Mythology realm. Tanya is a graduate student working on a thesis about creatures from mythology. while gathering information for this thesis she is attacked by a harpy but rescued by a phoenix who it turns out has a few friends to help keep her safe. This story has suspense and romance. It will have you on the edge of your seat waiting for more. It is exciting with a dash of spicy heat even with it being a reverse harem story you get the best of fantasy and romance rolled into a great story. I really enjoyed this story and am patiently waiting for more from Miss Wylde in this universe.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya is taking the subway home after visiting the library to research on her thesis when she's attacked by a Harpy. She calls 911 and it transfer to special unit that deals with paranormal activity. When Officers Lenny, Jack, Jamie and Daniel arrive, Daniel turns into a Phoenix and chases the Harpy away. Tanya a first didn't want to tell what happen because she was afraid they consider her crazy, but with patience they got to the truth and realize the Harpy was after her, but they didn't know why. They decide to protect her as they research the answers and as they investigate they get closer. Can they protect Tanya? Each guy has a personality to grow fond of, along with the steamy romantic scenes and the action in this enjoyable reverse harem shifter story. I volunteer to read and review this book via Booksprout. ARC

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya Omar is heading home on the subway at night after spending time in the library she is researching mythical animals in fact she is close to proving that they exists still and had common ancestry. When she is attacked she calls the police What she is attacked by is a harpy but before it can kill her it is driven away by a phoenix. When they police officers arrive after her 911 call she tries to pretend first that she didn't call then that it was all her imagination What she doesn't know is that these r aren't normal cops they are part of CAPSU – Citizens Active Patrol Special Unit and that Officer Jamie Johnson, Officer Lenny Katz, Officer Jack Cardinal, and Sergeant Daniel Richards are ll phoenix in fact Daniel is the one that saves her. Now they will need to protect her as the harpy is determined to kill her. Her adventures are just about to begin

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya is attacked in the subway by a Harpy which brings four handsome Phoenix shifters into her life.
On her way home from the library while waiting in the subway Tanya sees a dark shape moving in the tunnel which when it appeared had wings, leathery skin, a female form and gruesome face with a mouth full of teeth. It attacks her and she tries fend it off with her backpack but manages to call 911 then just as it gets too close a red ball of light knocks it away. She then meets four handsome officers who feel the need to protect her as they are a team of Phoenix shifters who hunt paranormal beings who break their laws and they are all attracted to Tanya.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellen Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy love story bursting with drama.
Great book that had me hooked from the beginning & couldn't put it down desperate to know what happened next. Having been attacked in the subway by a harpy Tanya calls the police for help, however, when the police turn up she decides against telling them about the harpy aware how mad it sounded so told them it was just a random attack. The 4 hot sexy policeman turned out to be Phoenix's & were well aware that harpies roamed the world & they were now her Protector's but needed time to tell her about this. The story is full of drama & great characters, definately recommend reading.

[Judith A. DePrisco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, needs editing

I enjoy shapeshifter stories and certainly never came across one featuring a phoenix, so this is original. Unfortunately, lack of editing detracts from the story. One glaring example: “British Aisles.” Spellcheck can be evil. More than that, words are missing from sentences, some sentences are incomplete, and there’s little diversity in the adjectives used. There’s a compact between writer and reader, that compact is broken here. Makes me sad as this is otherwise an original story with an interesting concept. Three stars for originality.

[Rusti · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be completely honest, this was my first experience reading Laura Wylde's books, and having not read the description, I had absolutely no idea going in that it was anything other than a regular romance involving a cop... I can't say I was disappointed though! The paranormal aspect, the intrigue, the action, the heat, and the emotion that was clear between Tanya and each of her protectors had me turning the pages until I was finished, and I need more!! I'll be following along for future books so I can find out what happens next!!

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanya is a smart, witty, kind, and beautiful woman that has caught the attention of a harpy. These mythological creatures are envious of all things beautiful and innocent so set out to destroy. When she is attacked and calls 911, a special team is sent to her that protects her through out. The four men also release her fiery passion and love in her heart, releasing her fear of commitment. Wonderful start to series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya,a grad student is attacked by a mythological creature and saved and protected by four phoenix hunks. The author brings strong characters and weaves a fast paced story filled with tons of action and suspense as well as the sizzling passion and steaming hot chemistry. It's an exciting and entertaining story and I enjoyed reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.