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He'll take any risk...

Wade Craig is on the lookout for illegal activity, not gorgeous tourists. So when Lacey Sutherland shows up in the bar he’s staked out to keep tabs on a suspected smuggler, Wade’s guard is up.

Lacey is a professional matchmaker, not a drug runner. But with her business tangling her in something dangerous, she has no choice but to turn to the one man intent on keeping her safe. Lacey’s every instinct warns her the sizzling connection won’t last. Because for Wade, duty and desire don’t mix…

*An earlier draft of this novel was previously published as Always Ready

179 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2020

52 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

About the author

Joanne Rock

573 books1,456 followers
Joanne Rock is a USA Today bestselling author of over one hundred works of popular fiction, including domestic suspense and romantic suspense. A frequent speaker at regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree in Literature from the University of Louisville and has taught fiction, film, and writing at the college level. When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel to gather new ideas.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
9,377 reviews139 followers
February 15, 2020
This is a well written book with strong characters and an intriguing story line. The author does a great job building the story and pulling you in with her vividly painted scenes. She brings drama,suspense and danger and throws in twists and turns along the way. Sparks fly between Lacey and Wade with a slow burning chemistry. I was glued to the pages , on the edge from start to finish reading. I loved and would recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews93 followers
February 19, 2020
Lacey is a matchmaker who is using herself as test subject which is how she finds herself in Puerto Rico. Too bad the man she is matched with turns out to be a dud but at least it brings Wade into her life.

Wade is working undercover investigating a narcotics ring when he comes to Lacey’s rescue. Escalating danger and hot chemistry brings them together but will it be enough to keep them together?

Intrigue, twists and heat come together in a captivating storyline.
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books91 followers
November 26, 2022
I borrowed Protector ~ To the Rescue ~ Book 2 from the Kindle Unlimited Program.

Wade Craig is a Coast helicopter piolet and part of an elite team that is in pursuit a drug dealer in Puerto Rico. Lacey Sutherland owner of Connections, an online dating company is taking a working vacation doing research for her blog and company. They meet when she is on a date with the target of Wade's investigation and the target becomes over aggressive with Lacey and Wade comes to the rescue in a bar. The attraction between Wade and Lacey is instant and very hot, although he isn't like any of the men that she has been interested in before.

The book is full of hot romance, a trip to a fetish club, Lacey being drugged and Lacey followed back to her home in Florida and an exciting ending with Wade as her Protector.
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,182 reviews46 followers
April 24, 2020
This was a good read. Lacey is off taking a vacation. She ends up getting involved with a criminal. He wants to use her business to help his drug running. She then meets Wade. He is the man that is trying to take down the bad guy. They of course fall in love by the end and thankfully get their happy ending.
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,309 reviews70 followers
February 27, 2020
Lacey owns a matchmaking company and is struggling. When her sister Lucy gifts her a plane ticket to go anywhere she wants Lacey is undecided. Until she tries her own matchmaking program and is matched with a man in Puerto Rico. She decides to go meets him and makes a little business trip out of it too. However when she her match he is nothing like she thought and she goes to leave. Wade is working in the Coast Guard trying to put Lacey's date away. he ends up stepping in and helping her get away from him. Sparks fly between them and Wade tries to tells her there's more to meeting the right match than a computer program. Lacey is upset because of the glitch in her system but can't help but wonder if Wade is right. When her bad date won't stop trying to see her Lacey moves hotels as Wade suggest but even that's not enough. Can Wade keep her safe from the man she thought was her match? What will happen between her and Wade?

This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,597 reviews41 followers
February 9, 2020
This second story in the series, will have you on the edge of your seats from beginning to end.
Lt. Wade Craig is in the Coast Guard Special Forces, currently based in Borinquen air station, on the west coast of Puerto Rico. He’s following a drug dealer and hoping to not only get more information on his actions , but also catch him in the act. His drive is not only professional but also personal.
Lacey Sutherland owns a matchmaking company that is not doing well. Her twin also owns a matchmaking company but hers is doing well and decides to gift Lacey with an airplane ticket anywhere.
Lacey chooses Puerto RIco , since she’s matched with a man there, which means she can test her product . Little does she know that meeting would not only bring along Wade as her “knight in shining armor” but also likely would change her life forever.
But to get there, she will have to live through danger, and probably a broken heart.
I have to confess that at first I wasn’t sure about Lacey, though that was not the case with Wade. A man you wish you knew in person :)
The plot was engaging and the characters complex enough to keep you wanting to see what would happen with them.
On an aside, as a native Puerto Rican, kudos to the author for showing the reader a true picture of the beauty of the island.
I am looking forward to book 3 in the series.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
February 15, 2020
ONE INCREDIBLE WILD RIDE!!!
Crap on toast! Joanne stirs one chaotic mix that's as thrilling as it riveting with all the shenanigans and mayhem, blasting this little fella into a tailspin with a life altering, mind-blowing culmination. A roaring tempest of inexplicable events chocked-full of inadvertent circumstances keep you flipping page after page. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, turmoil, danger and mounting suspense along with a boatload of trouble while dodging disastrous complications. Bumbling through the trials and tribulations, along with a slew of surprising twists and sharp turns, fuses this baby together sleek, shiny and tight. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing an undeniable bond and amplifying affections, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters and their on point personalities are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities that blend and flow. The scenes are so vividly detailed it gives the illusion you were right there with them instead of on the sidelines. Remarkable job Joanne, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
6,586 reviews27 followers
February 17, 2020
This is the second book in this series though they are each individual stand alone This is a fast paced romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seats as Lacey puts herself in danger and Wade comes to her rescue

Lacey Sutherland needs to prove her dating algorithm works if she intends for her dating agency to work so when her sister gifts her an airline ticket she uses it to go to Puerto Rico to meet the man she has been matched with That doesn't go so well as he is pushy and grabby Luckily Lt. Wade Craig is in the bar to help her. He is in that bar as a member of Coast Guard Special Forces following a drug dealer hoping to catch him in the act and break the syndicate he works for. What he doesn't want is a won. Can they have a future together or will all alpha Wade break Lacey's heart.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews367 followers
February 18, 2020
Lt. Wade Craig is in the Coast Guard Special Forces in Puerto Rico, working on a dangerous drug case, watching a potential smuggler in a bar when Lacey walks in. Lacey Sutherland owns a matchmaking company that is not doing very well, so she wants to see for herself how effective her new matchmaking site will be by using her own profile to match up with her dream date.

The two of them must go through lots of danger and suspense before they will have a chance to settle down and see if they can be the perfect match for each other (after the dust settles)! Grab your copy and experience the twists and turns of an intriguing adventure that will keep the reader breathless to see if they will survive. Good characters and a fast-paced plot will drive this story to its conclusion. Don’t miss it!
536 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2020
Lacey is the owner designer of a dating website.Her site is to match people looking for a relationship not a hook up.Her sister decided she;s out so her an set a website with fun hookups.They are competing for a buy out to a bigger website.She finds a ninety six percent match in the isle of Puerto Rico.Coast Guard Lt.Wade Craig is a part of a team to take down a major ruthless drug king pin.There are so many twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.The chemistry between Wade an Lacey is smoking hot off the charts.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and you can feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see whats next by this multi talented author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,286 reviews13 followers
February 19, 2020
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I really enjoyed the story about Wade and Lacey. Lacey is a young woman who run a dating site call Connections. Wade is in the coast guard and station in Puerto Rico, he's currently working on case with drugs. Lacey ghost Puerto Rico on a vacation, where she ends up meeting Nicholas Castine with a 96% compatible rate. When meeting Nicholas at the bar oh, he gets a little handsy with her, and Wade steps in to offer his services. Lacey and Wade begin a whirlwind romance, fast and furious. Unfortunately for Lacey Nicholas has a sight set on her and is doing everything in his power to cause problems. In the end a great HEA with lots of action.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mindy Lopez.
2,368 reviews14 followers
February 26, 2020
This is Book 2 in theTo the Rescue Series and my first read by this author, and I must say that I am pleasantly surprised. The storyline, the characters, and the author's writing style are quite good. It can be read as a standalone. It is a suspenseful romance between Wade and Lacey. These characters are flawed but likeable, the connection strong, and the unique plot makes for an intriguing read. It is a love story with drama, suspense, action, twists and turns, along with love, plus engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested. Overall, it is a page-turner with heart, heat and a happy for now ending. A good addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,761 reviews31 followers
February 17, 2020
Lacey is on a mission to ensure her dating program works but unfortunately for her, her perfect match is a bit too grabby and pushy so lucky for her she has Wade looking out for her whether she wants him to or not. I love the attraction that Wade and Lacey have along with their disagreement on how you should find love, Lacey frustrates me at times with how she just doesn't get the danger she is in at times and Wade gets a bit too alpha at times and this whole mix makes for a great read on whether the bad guy will win or if Lacey and Wade will finally work out they are a perfect match!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,033 reviews10 followers
February 8, 2020
The sparks between Lacey and Wade are immediate but, their fundamental differences about attraction, love and commitment make their interactions just a fling. That is, until Lacey gets caught up in the middle of Wade's work while doing her own job. The chemistry between the characters and the drama and danger of the storyline is as addicting as the drugs Wade is after. I highly recommend this book for all romantics especially, the suspense romance addicts.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
February 16, 2020
For as long as I have read her work, I have loved everything Joanne Rock writes. This book is no exception to that rule. Combining pulse-pounding suspense with steamy romance and a healthy dose of humor, I was immediately pulled into Lacey and Wade’s story. It’s going to sound a little like a cop-out because I said for the previous book, but it’s no less true here: I loved the original of this story when it first came out, and I think I might love this new version even more. It’s a story that’s standing the test of time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,102 reviews23 followers
February 23, 2020
I adore Wade. I like Lacey. The intrigue and the drama and the danger keep the pages turning in this story. But my very favorite thing about this book is Wade. I also like the unlikely business that Lacey is in and the tension that she is having trouble pushing through. The writing is good and the setting is fun. Also I think the uniqueness of Wade's profession, not having read this exact one before, is another thing I like about the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.8k reviews49 followers
March 24, 2020
Not your normal vacation in Puerto Rico ..... but she comes home with one sexy souvenir

Protector is the second book in the To the Rescue series. This time the story is about Wade Craig and Lacey Sutherland. Their story has a lot of suspense and will keep you engaged and entertained the whole way. I mean what would you expect when you but a matchmaker and a Coast Guard Special Forces alpha together............explosive chemistry when the match is lit!!!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Jimnlori.
1,014 reviews47 followers
January 7, 2022
Protector by Joanne Rock is the second book in the To the Rescue series and a definite must read if you love romance with suspense thrown in.
Lacey meets Wade when her job as a professional matchmaker gets her caught in a possible drug run. With no one else to turn to for help Wade is the most likely source to keep her safe, but will that include her heart also.
I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,068 reviews35 followers
February 17, 2020
Protector is the second book in the To the Rescue series and is a great romantic suspense story.

The characters are well developed, intelligent, and have terrific chemistry. The storyline is well written and engaged my interest from start to finish with danger, suspense, action, intrigue, and a chance for romance.

I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cynthia Brooks.
2,392 reviews11 followers
March 6, 2020
Wade is in the Coast Guard trying to get the proof to convict a big drug dealer. Lacey had a matchmaking website and was doing research to make the website better. She puts her profile in to see if the changes will work. She get a hit with a man named Nicolas in Puerto Rico and goes there to see what will happen. When she meets him he tries to molest her in the bar but Wade is there and stops him. Wade and Lacey have a connection but both have walls up. I really enjoyed this book.
5,959 reviews30 followers
April 25, 2020
Loved the book, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. Once I started I could not get enough, from the start till the end I was engrossed I was even on the edge of my seat with twists and turns, lust and passion, strength happiness and funny. The story of erotic of sensation. Do yourself a favor and buy the book you want be disappointed.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sue.
4,407 reviews5 followers
February 6, 2020
Lacey is a professional matchmaker and she's in competition with her twin sister. She decides to get a jump on things and promote a new matchmaking site she's working on using her own profile and gets a shocker. Wade is watching a potential smuggler in a bar when she walks in. Well is he too good to be true or could she be lucky?
Profile Image for poppy.
4,590 reviews28 followers
February 16, 2020
This was a good enjoyable read I was pulled right in and it had enough going on to keep me reading and on the edge of my seat. I liked Wade right from the start but I did need a little bit to warm up to Lacey this was a good well-written action-packed read there is lots of danger but plenty of heat too. I really enjoyed this book.
471 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2020
Lt.wade Craig is in the coastguard special forces undercover in Puerto Rico ,dealing with a drug dealer, where he meets lacey whom is half on business, half on vacation. The chemistry between these two were hot. I really like this story with slot of intrigue ,drama. twist and turns I highly recommend it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbie-Ann Clark.
632 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2020
Once I started I couldn’t put it down till I was finished. This book has twists and turns you don’t know what’s happening. will they all get there happily ever after or will it all go wrong. To find out what happens go buy the book. You won’t be disappointed I wasn’t.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.3k reviews8 followers
February 17, 2020
Book two in the To the Rescue series and I know I want to read the next book. This is Coast Guard Lt. Wade Craig and Lacey Sutherland's story there is suspense, drama, danger, a villain, and romance.A well written story that kept me turning pages. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7,813 reviews65 followers
February 17, 2020
I had a great time reading Lacy and Wade’s storyline. The matchmaker and the special force alpha will they make it through all the taints and turns to find their HEA. The storyline flowed smoothly with the the characters being well developed and engaging.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melinda Swaine.
2,501 reviews12 followers
February 18, 2020
A fantastic story that flows smoothly and great characters that are easy to connect to. There was action, plenty of drama, all the feels and the right amount of heat and romance that is well written and very entertaining. An fantastic book to curl up with in your favourite reading spot. So what you waiting for, go one click today! Happy reading!
10.9k reviews127 followers
February 19, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Joanne Rock; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
6,178 reviews18 followers
February 21, 2020
I enjoyed this new "To the Rescue" story! It's a nicely developed and well written story with suspense and mystery. It's a fairly quick and thrilling read. The story is so intriguing and the characters are great. Lacey and Wade definitely have sizzling hot chemistry. I can't wait to read "Defender", the next "To the Rescue" story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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