Protecting Her

by Jenny Foster, Jolie Day

He swore to stay out of her life.
Now, only he can protect her.

Jacob Sawyer…
His name sends shivers down my spine.
A dark rebel with penetrating green eyes.
I shouldn't have broken his heart all those years ago.
Because now he hates me.
I’m the last woman he wants back in his life.
But I'm in danger.
And he’s the toughest homicide detective in Richmond.
A big bad alpha.
Intimidating. Tall. Dangerous.
The only one who can solve this case.
Can he push aside our past and help keep me safe?

From USA Today Bestselling Authors Jenny Foster and Jolie Day comes Protecting Her. Nobody can resist the explosive appeal of Jacob and Clara—a top-of-the-line story, a steamy romance, and an ending that will surprise everybody. Warning: Adult readers only.

Genres: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Amazon

281 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2019

About the author

Sometimes I still shake my head at myself! Me and sci-fi?

“Never,” I would have said, just a few years ago! I am much too caught up in the here and now for that. When I think about how big the universe is, and how small we all seem in comparison, I feel nothing but awe. In my writing, my passion goes to the creatures who live at the edge of our world. Aliens, werewolves, panther shifters, vampires - all of them fascinate me. That’s why I try, with the help of my keyboard, to breathe a life into them.

You can sign up for Release Updates at www.jenny-foster.com/releases.

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 ❓❓⭐️s

It was supposed to be a second chance romance but for me it was more a mystery and suspenseful read. It had an interesting plot, but there were so many inconsistencies and left me with unanswered questions...

[Coco.V]

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Jenny Foster, but this is a big difference from what she usually writes. I have to say it was a huge surprise. His to Protect is a mystery romance that brings to light a woman that has never gotten over her history and even gives up her love and future for that history.

Jacob and Clara are meant to be, but because of Clara's past, she just can't let anyone close. But when Clara thinks her life is in danger, the first person she thinks to call is Jacob.

Jacob is a cob and wants to fix things. It takes everything he has not to protect Clara and never leave her. But he knows that he has to find who is doing this to her.

His to Protect is not a passion-filled story. His to Protect is a protect Clara till death story that you want to read if you like mystery and intrigue.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want suspense, ghosts from the past to slay, lost love to recover and plenty of thrulls and romance then Jolie Day and Jenny Foster’s His to Protect: A Second Chance Romance is a darn good place to look. It’s also a fun and well-written book to read. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.

[Sue Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to confess that at first I didn't really like this book but stuck to it and gradually got into it so much that I stayed up nearly all night reading it. A second chance romance is what it is and I was so pleased that the main couple really did have a second chance and as they say love conquers all. Without giving too much away it is a book that has to be persevered with and just as I did you will love it.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this second chance romance. Clara’s father was convicted of murdering her mother and her grandparents. As he is about to die for his crimes Clara starts getting letters, the only person she can turn to is a man who now hates her. Clara broke Jacob’s heart when she told him they would be better off as friends. Will they find their way back to each other? Fast-paced read with great chemistry and lots of twists and turns. I really liked it.

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

Absolutely fantastic! A well written emotionally deep romance. The storyline is flawless, funny, witty, enjoyable, and very interesting. The story flows smoothly and moves along at a brisk pace with a few ups and downs and a mix of emotions on every page. The chemistry between them is intense and their love scenes are beautifully written and HOT!

[Elena Micheli · Rating 2 out of 5]

No chemistry with this book...i did not fell in love with the story or the characters.

[Charlotte Charonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content: When Clara, a young artist whose life is ruled by anxiety, is threatened by a letter including a shocking video, she realizes that the only one who might believe and help her is her ex-boyfriend Jacob, a homicide detective. While he heads out to solve this case and protect Clara from harm, she fights the ghosts of her past and a second chance at romance reveals itself.

My opinion: This book is a page turner, because it is very thrilling in three different areas:
1. The characters - I really fell in love with the protagonist Clara, whose fear is keeping her away from leading a normal life. She is unable to leave her house and the daily walk to her mail box is as difficult for her as it is for others to summit Mount Everest. She separated from Jacob three years ago because of her anxiety disorder. I found it thrilling to follow her path and witness her growing beyond herself. Of course, I fell in love with Jacob, too. Who could resist a real Prince Charming - who is calm, confident, good-looking, and a fantastic kisser?
2. A fantastic suspense story (I couldn’t foresee „who’s done it“ even though I also write suspense/thrillers!)
3. Last but not least, since we are dealing with a romance, the author presents steamy moments
Conclusion: thrilling and empathetic garnished with sexiness

[DarcLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling read

Clara is a painter and writer who after an horrendous past has agoraphobia and low esteem. Because of this she threw away her chance of happiness with the love of her life Detective Jacob Sawyer and tried to move on. Now three years later as the date for her fathers execution draws near she receives a letter and video that seems to not only threaten a life, maybe hers, but throws everything she thought she knew about her families murder into question. The only person she can trust is Jacob. Clara and Jacob are well developed and it is obvious from the start that the connection they share is something special. Well obvious to everyone but Clara, including his disapproving police partner. As well as a cracking suspense story this is a tale of discoverIng inner strengths and trusting those we love to give us strength without holding us back. The flashback memories we are treated to give us an insight into Clara as a young girl. This book has a bit of everything sweet, sometimes steamy romance, intrigue, drama, twists & turns and the obligatory HEA. An thrilling page turner that will keep you gripped to the very end of the story. Well done Georgia.

[Lottie Hildenbrand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Protecting Her

This was a good story, but it was strange the way it kept switching between first person and third person. I found that very disruptive, which was disappointing because it was a good plot and storyline. there were several good plot twists. It really held my attention, was hard to tear myself away. If you can overlook the switches between first and third person, it’s a really good story.

[Readinggeek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me

This was the hardest book to finish, it wa so boring and convuted ... I still don't understand the plot Nd I didn't like a single character. All dull and odd with lots of flaws and explanations as to why... it took me two weeks to rad this basic book. I kept stopping and reading other books, I only finished because I need it out of my library...nope not fan

[Kristeane Benavides · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drama and steam.

The main female character is trapped in her own prison, created by childhood trauma. I like the way we discover details about the past that slowly erode her mental shackles and enable her to move forward with her hotty boyfriend that she had a previous relationship with. This is a great page turner!

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️(in notes)

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I love a good romantic thriller and this one does not disappoint! It will have you guessing as to "who done it" to the very end!

[Spockles · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was slow and had a lot of inconsistencies, which just really makes it fall apart as a mystery/suspense story. Could have done with better editing.

The first chapter in the heroine's POV lists the date as November 4th. She notes that the day after tomorrow (i.e. that would be the 6th) is the 25th anniversary of her father murdering her grandparents and her mother. Then she notes the 7th also happens to be both her birthday and Veteran's day ("also" implies that the murders happened on her birthday, but that's not adding up)(a quick Google search shows Veteran's day is November 11th every year, seeing as she's American).

Heroine notes the Maine winter when thinking about her cat outside. But the hero works for the Richmond (Virginia) police department about 40 minutes away from her. And later the heroine notes that Maryland is the neighboring state. So she doesn't live in Maine.

Heroine notes that Jones is shorter than her by half a foot but it's not noticeable because of her strong personality. Later hero notes that Jones is nearly six feet tall to his 6'3". I highly doubt the heroine is 6'5"-ish.

Some of the dates at the beginning of the chapters were off ("Tuesday, November 11th," then a couple chapters later "Tuesday, November 10th"), and eventually I gave up trying to make sense of the specific timeline. Also on a Monday she notes to the detective that her assistant usually comes by Tuesdays and Thursdays, but next thing you know, it's Wednesday and there's no mention of her having talked to him or him not showing up, and she thinks to herself to text him that he doesn't need to show up tomorrow (Thursday).

Also there's a lot of "J" names that start to run together: Jacob, Jones, John (gallerist), John (fake name), Jason.

For someone who is observant enough to note that the dude's freckling and hair length is different from the photo sent a week earlier, the heroine isn't intelligent enough to be suspicious about his motives until his hands are around her throat???

And the mother doesn't care about the heroine or father. It makes no sense for her to write a letter detailing her involvement in the plot. (Also makes no sense for her to stage the plot if she could just steal money from her husband and run away anyway)

Also really tired of books that start with a scene of the romantic hero having a one-night-stand while thinking about the heroine.

[CoffeeWithoutCaffeine]

DNF - 70.6%

*sigh* Ok, I'm bored... The synopsis made this book sound so exciting with the whole 'he hates her but she needs his help' but you know what, he doesn't hate her - not one bit! I thought I'd get a lovers to enemies/strangers back to lovers again, but no. All he could think about was her from the moment he heard her voice again.

The thing is because the book is told mainly from Clare's POV (there is a third person section at the end of every chapter though) I find it to be really bland. I understand she is struggling with trauma and doesn't leave the house... but how exactly am I supposed to be excited for a murder mystery sub plot (the romance takes centre stage) when its all being worked on in the background whilst she sits in her painting studio and works on her paintings.

At 70% I felt like nothing happened at all! I think there could have at least been a break in which she either hid or was forced to flee the house. I don't know, I guess I was missing more action. Honestly, the idea the book had, has so much potential to be something really good and exciting.

The romance itself was decent - I've just sadly lost interest. I hope to eventually finish it, but right now, I could not care less. Sorry.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story with love, suspense, mystery and all those who create it! Clara grew up being told by the courts that her dad murdered her mom and grandparents when she was 5 years old. Clara has found a way to function and earn her own money by being an artist and once she turns 30 she will inherit the wealth her grandparents left her. The day before the 25th anniversary Clara receives a letter and video that scares her to the point she reaches out to her one true love, Jacob a detective and asking for his help. Clara has her issues coping with being out in society and wanted Jacob to find a woman he could do anything with. All these years Clara has believed that her dad was innocent. Once he was denied his last appeal with a date set for his execution, his last wish is to see Clara as she has never gone to see him over the years. Clara has many things that occur to her one right after the other over a short period of time that turns her world upside down. She can not deny the attraction with Jacob, her dad gives proof he is innocent and others are out to cause her harm! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leopardwolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way that Jenny Foster described the way that Clara handled her issues and her coping mechanisms - for me it was spot on (and I know no two people manage their problems the same way and no two people have the same problems) but for me, I found it exactly like how I traverse the minefield of my issues. Thank you for your sensitivities in this.
Right the story - I enjoyed the way that even though Clara and Jacob hadn't been in contact with each other for 3 years - when they got together they knew they were meant to be and this time, the timing was right
I loved the twists and turns and the bombshells along the way. And of course as a cat mom myself, I loved Grimm X and he has a sibling X aww
I'm sorry that my review of this book is after the release but RL and migraines and panic attacks wait for no book to be read. In the plus side, as soon as I could read it, I did and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I particularly loved the fact that although Clara has her own problems, neither Jacob or Ben treat her like a child which has been my experience in the past. Once again thank you Jenny Foster for this.
I'm excited to read what else you have to come out.

[Topsues · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...Just Wow !! The quality of the writing in this book left me absolutely speechless. I felt like I became a part of the main M/C’s. Especially Clara. I felt like I was living her illness with her, I could see her mind working each and every minuscule detail out, even down to her much needed cat. I became anxious when she was anxious, each and every terrifying moment felt like a thunderbolt from the top of my head to the tips of my toes, as it jumped from the page. The intrigue of the shadow of her childhood was ingenious!! Then having to face the man she had to let go. The sexual tension was immediate and the love so palpable...I wish I could say more but I don’t wasn’t to give anything away, as this book deserves your total attention..I literally could not put this book down. I came across Jenny Foster through reading her incredible paranormal sci-fi series The Betania Breed Series which was amazing, making me add her to my favourite author list. The author Jolie Day is new to me, but they have created an amazing phycological thriller. I would recommend this book to anybody. I just wish I was more articulate to express the brilliance of this book.

[Sherri]

Pleasantly Suprised

When I started this book, I thought it was about a second chance romance, but it turned out to be so much more. Clara spent most of her adult life trying to come to terms with her tragic past. Her character surprised me, she learned to deal with her fears one step at a time. When outside forces try to exploit her fears she turns to the one man she loved enough to let go, Jacob. As they work through the pieces of the puzzle I was enticed. Chapter 13 had one of the best lines and bests describes this suspenseful tale. “But sometimes life throws something at your feet that seems like a giant obstacle at first. But when you look at it a little closer, you realize that the catastrophe may be a chance.”

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good but it starts out slow and gets better the more you read which is why I gave this book fours stars instead of five stars.
Clara has issues which stemmed for her childhood. Her mother and grandparents will murder and her father was found guilty of their murders. It has been twenty-five years since the murders and her father was trying to appeal to the courts to get off death row. However his appeal was denied and there was a date given for his execution and his last wish was to see his daughter. Clara didn't want to see him but felt guilty because part of her believed that her father didn't kill them but all the evidenced pointed to him. As the story continues something happens and Clara calls her ex-boyfriend (Jacob) for help. She and Jacob have not seen or spoken to each other for over three years so when they finally do things get interesting.
There is a bit of suspense and mystery in this book.

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

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very edge of your seat suspense romance plus a second chance romance in this highly entertaining story. This being my first book I've read by Jolie Day I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a great collaboration between Jodie Foster and Jolie Day. It starts with some background with our wonderful characters. Clara is a reclusive artist whose mother and her grandparents were killed by her father who is serving a death term in prison. Jacob, a hard nose detective who's been assigned a new partner when he prefers to work alone and a ex boyfriend of Clara's. Clara's father writes her begging to see her before being put to death. She gets a letter containing a CD and she plays it and a panic women is tied up in a chair with a message threatening she's next. Clara calls the police but they don't take her seriously so she asks for Jacob who she hasn't seen for three years. He arrives with his partner which starts the investigation and their reconnection. Who is the culprit, is her father innocent of the murders? I volunteer to read this ARC via Booksprout.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a traumatic childhood, Clara has isolated herself from the world.
The only people she really talks to are her best friend, her lawyer & her assistant - who does the things Clara can no longer bring herself to do in the outside world.
When a suspicious video arrives in the mail, her life is thrown into turmoil once again and she seeks the help of her former detective boyfriend, Jacob.
Jacobs new work partner is quick to come to the conclusion that Clara is behind everything which almost buries the case before it gets started.

This was a very intriguing story. I had my suspicions on who did what but I was happy I was wrong as I don’t like the story to be too predictable.
I can relate to a few aspects of Clara which helped me understand her reasoning for wanting to be so isolated.
I was quite amused by her cat, Grimm & very happy with her decision to keep one of the dogs (I’m more of a dog person lol).

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

[Catlou · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a mystery surrounding Clara’s past that’s threatening her now, and the only one she feels she can turn to before things turn deadly is Jacob, the one she pushed out of her life 3 years ago. In this exciting and chilling story, you will be kept on tenterhooks as you anxiously await the slow revelation of what really happened all those years ago and who’s behind this current threat. Not everything is as it appears. As Clara and Jacob draw closer to each other, things turn deadly, and Clara’s reclusive life is about to be turned inside out.

This is an intriguing mystery filled with drama, suspense and steamy passion. The characters are extremely well-drawn, and the storyline very expressive, grabbing your attention from the beginning and holding it until the end. You may find yourself holding your breath as events begin to fall into place, and the threat becomes very real. I highly recommend this engaging and entertaining romantic suspense.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made for compelling reading. Gripping romantic suspense that tackles a decades old murder mystery – that no one thought was a mystery – and brings a second chance at a happy ending to old flames Clara and Jacob. I loved how detailed and complex the characters were. Clara with her anxieties and coping strategies, and Jacob with his detective’s sensibilities and conflicted emotions. While I’m grateful to learn that some of my suspicions about the culprit proved correct, the story still kept guessing all the way to the end. I adored this read. This was another book I couldn’t read fast enough. Every tantalizing clue and twisted red herring left me anxious to learn more. I’m almost sorry the book’s over already, I would have happily kept reading for hundreds and hundreds of more words.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many things going on in this book right from page one! I enjoyed reading about both Clara and Jacob- individually, in the past as well as in the present as a couple. Clara’s dark family history was a great background for plot evolution. The stark differences between Clara and Jacob along with their history provided the second-chance romantic smolder thread throughout the story. Having periodic flashbacks from Clara’s 5yr old perspective amped up the suspense each time. Just when you think you know what to expect, something else happens. I was so engrossed in all the anticipation and emotion that this novel offered that I couldn’t put down until it was done! A great read and a satisfying ending.

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

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Foster & Ms. Day,
Congratulations! Absolutely once of the most incredible ARC books I have read! Truly to say it is romantic suspence is not enough! This book was more thrilled with so !any twists and turns and romance added in, it was amazing!
I cannot imagine the research you two did getting these characters perfect. All the heroine's phobias, as well as the hero's total understanding of her.
Simply put I absolutely LOVED THIS BOOK!
I started it as soon as I checked today's email and then is Bookbub and the finally Amazon, I stopped what I fortunately just begun reading, and began. Two and a half hours later, I still am stunned by the amazing novel I just finished!
EXCELLENT READ, highly recommend!
Simply loved it!

Karen

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story between crime and romance. Both aspects are highlighted.
The story of Clara being involved in a murder unless she pays ransom. Even though she is told not to call the police, she decides to call her ex-boyfriend; Jacob who works as a police officer in the murder cases division. When they see each other again after 3 years, old feelings don't turn out to be that old.

A lot happens in the story in which you are also taken into the past of Clara and the murder of her mother and grandparents by her father, although he always denies being guilty. You don't see the denouement coming until you're in the middle of it.

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

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara's father went to prison for killing her mother and grandparents. Now, he's scheduled to die for his crimes. She's getting terrible messages Home Videos they are terribly terrifying Things that car happening to her, years earlier she fell in love with Jacob with the best detective the roughest the toughest detective that she knows so she decided she just wanted to be friends so years later her past is coming to Hunter her down and the only person that she feels can help her is Jacob this was a very exciting thrilling book I loved this story a lot it has intrigue suspense auction a lot of different stuff going on it will definitely kept you on your toes
I received a advanced readers copy and I'm leaving my review