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Protection #1

Mine to Protect

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Fans of Sandra Brown, Susan Stoker, and Britney Sahin will love this riveting standalone romantic thriller.

Former Marine Cas Mathews has one goal - catch the serial killer terrorizing the Rocky Mountain National Park. That's until the sexy ranger Alta Johnson appears to collaborate on the case. Alta's natural beauty catches his immediate attention, but the strength behind her fierce gaze is what holds him captive - demanding he learns more about her.

Alta Johnson is determined to escape the violent memories of her past. When several women go missing pieces of her past emerge in the abduction scenes and evidence making her wonder if her past and the killer are somehow connected. When the FBI arrives to offer assistance Alta finds her walls crumbling for the alpha, brooding agent, Cas Mathews. As the team zeros in, the serial killer shifts focus putting everyone in danger. Cas swore he would protect her but with the clues carefully hidden, can he figure it out before Alta disappears for good?

If you love a little darkness, murder, and possessive alpha heroes with the need for control mixed into your suspense then this series is for you. Please note this book is for mature readers due to detailed sexual content, foul language, discussion of abuse, and a killer who will stop at nothing.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 8, 2019

1373 people are currently reading
2698 people want to read

About the author

Kennedy L. Mitchell

43 books848 followers
Kennedy lives in Dallas, TX with her husband, 8-year-old son, and two Goldendoodles. A bookworm at heart Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed, or by the campfire, with an​ unputdownable book. Her novels are stuffed full of humorous banter, the edge of your seat suspense, and enough steam for a great facial. If you like your heroines strong yet vulnerable and sexy, tattooed heroes who can't keep their hands off their leading ladies then this author is the one for you.

Sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on new releases, exclusive excerpts, and a glance behind the scene into her writing process.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 405 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,451 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2025
This is a Romantic Suspense/Thriller, and this is the first book in the Protection series. The suspense and romance is a good mix in this book. The main characters both have their own issues, and they fall in love with each other super fast. I do think they fit together well. The side characters was not a big part of this book. I did guess some of the twist, but I still could not stop reading this book. I do not think the big twist at the ending was super great. I really enjoyed this book. The mix of romance, steamy, suspense, twist and turns, and darkness is so great.

Re-read this book, and I loved it so much. I may have loved it more than the first time reading this book.

There is now audiobook for this book, and I reread this book again by listening to the audiobook. I found the narrators was good, and I enjoyed the audiobook as well.
Profile Image for Dri ✰.
693 reviews239 followers
April 21, 2019
4 strong STARS

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“But you, you’re perfectly broken in every way, making you the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”


Este é o segundo livro que leio da autora, e assim como o primeiro, eu adorei!

Eu simplesmente adorei os personagens principais Alta e Cas. De certa forma, acho sim que ambos foram bem construídos, tinham personalidade e conteúdo, sabe?Embora algumas situações e ações não foram tão convincentes ou críveis devido as circunstâncias, não teve como não me conectar com esses dois e torcer para que ambos encontrassem a paz que tanto mereciam.

“For the first time in my life, I have something to call mine. So yeah, I might be possessive, but when you’ve grown up with nothing, you learn to appreciate the things you do have. And I plan on appreciating the fuck out of you.”


Alta foi uma ótima mocinha, forte, sensível, torturada, sua personalidade me encantou... porém tenho que confessar, eu perdi as contas de quantas vezes Cas me fez suspirar! Apesar de se mostrar um personagem um tanto quanto bruto, uma alma solitária e torturada pelos efeitos colaterais da vida que escolheu seguir servindo o seu país, ele realmente me conquistou! Acho que foi o personagem que mais me encantou nesta história!

“If I could be anyone’s hero, Lady, I’d die to be yours.”


A trama tem um ritmo bom, os personagens secundários também tiveram seus momentos de destaque, principalmente Chandler e eu realmente torço para que ele tenha o seu próprio livro, rs. Apesar do enredo ter todo esse clima tenso de suspense, mistério e um serial killer a solta, houve momentos onde temos algumas doses de humor e isso deu uma leveza, o que tornou a leitura ainda mais prazerosa. A escrita da autora novamente foi carivante, envolvente e fluida. Enfim, no geral, foi uma leitura muito agradável e prazerosa!

“I’ll go to Hell and back to keep you safe. Don’t worry about my soul, Lady. It’s already gone. But you.” His dark eyes softened. “You’re the one worth saving.”
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,060 reviews2,868 followers
April 8, 2019
description
description 4.5 Stars

This author is genuinely one of my favorites. First, she is a complete sweetheart of a person, second; she is an incredibility good writer. Pretty much every book of hers I have read so far I've loved, and this book was no different. This was a fantastic read.

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So the deets...this was a very well-written book. It was fairly well paced. It never bored me nor did I ever feel the need to skim. However, it was also SUPER SLOW BURN in the sex department. <--- I am generally not a fan of super slow burns, but in the context of this particular story I didn't find myself overly bothered by it. Do I wish there had been a bit more heat, yes, but it didn't affect my rating in any way. The plot was engaging and the mystery aspect kept me guessing until the end. There was no OW or OM drama. There was also basically no angst between the couple. As I mentioned above, this one was light in the sex department. That said, we get a few scenes late in the book. 

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There was an interesting cast of secondary characters. My favorite being Chandler. I kind of hope we see him in a book of his own at some point. I also want to know what happened between John and Sadie (girl..how could you leave me hanging liked that??!! *lol*) Both the main characters were very likable. Cas was a sexy alpha. Didn't appear to be a manwhore. He was also sweet and patient with the heroine. Alta (Lady) was a strong heroine. Not a virgin (although she has been celibate for ten years). The on page chemistry between our main characters was fantastic. Last, and this is where the book lost a bit of star points. Four months into the future isn't an epilogue to "ME" We are left with what I would call a happy for now. I wanted a further into the future look at this couple. Marriage...babies...all that jazz. Still, again, that was just a minor niggle.

So yea, not much left to say about this one. I enjoyed it a lot. I recommend it a lot. It gets two thumbs up from yours truly.

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Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,517 reviews1,592 followers
April 18, 2019
43471101

This was a really enjoyable read and caught my attention instantly with its initial dramatic opening scene.
A standalone novel told in dual POV this was an easy read that really sold itself.
"Mine To Protect" was a romantic suspense featuring Alta/Birdie Johnson a Park Ranger and Sergent Cas Mathews.
Cas along with his FBI partner Agent Chandler Peters are investigating a series of female abductions that have now spread to Birdies Neck of the woods.
Alta, Birdie to her friends or Lady to Cas has a past that has left her afraid and skittish.
Living her life by own sets of rules she has mostly shut out the outside noise and lives her life alone with only her highly trained German Shepard Benny for Company and protection.
Cas has his own set of issues also which include a darkness that he feels deep to his bones but almost instantly upon meeting his Lady, he feels an intense connection and despite her past and her usual aversion to touch she feels exactly the same way also.
So I really adored Cas's silent deep and broody vibe; he has such an intense protective charisma in all his interactions with Alta.
His take no bull straight forward persona was also a big hit with me and I think was exactly what Alta needed from him to move forward.
The dynamic projected by these two just worked for me and I was rooting for them both all the way through this suspensful journey to catch and stop a killer.
I found the suspense aspect of this was also really well done, I will admit I did kinda guess early on the twist but this had no actual impact on my overall enjoyment, after all, it was just a guess and I was just pleased to be proved right.
Half the fun for me is trying to guess who the bad guy is.
I also thought the heat these two gave off was scorching and I could definitely feel the emotion and bond these two had managed to form despite the arduous circumstances surrounding them.
In some ways, I thought the setting even amplified there initial link fast-tracking what in normal circumstances would usually happen at a much slower and natural rate.
So this was for me a good read that was well written, suspensful and managed to keep my attention.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of "Mine To Protect"
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

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Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Profile Image for NMmomof4.
1,788 reviews5,030 followers
August 30, 2022
3.5 Stars

Overall Opinion
The Good: I liked the balance between romance and suspense. I liked the overall premise and the author’s voice. I loved the dog! (I have a GS 8mo puppy rn, so I’m a little biased)

The Not-So-Good: The borderline instalove. I felt like I understood their attraction and lust. I also understood that they saw a wounded soul in each other to connect with. I just wanted more to understand how the stronger feelings developed. It’s no secret I’m not the biggest fan of instalove 🤷🏻‍♀️

The Bad: The ending. Way too rushed and not nearly enough closure.

Overall: I enjoyed this and the fact that the suspense and romance were balanced pretty well, which I often struggle with in romantic suspense. While I figured out some of the mystery pretty early on, I also enjoyed going along for the ride with the rest of the story. I liked this author’s voice, so I will probably look into other works of hers. Overall, this was enjoyable.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Alta and Cas’ story. Cas’ is working with an old military comrade when they’re assigned to investigate some missing women in the national parks. Alta, a park ranger, is the first on the scene for the two women in her park. When they meet, they instantly see the heavy baggage each other are holding from traumatic pasts and connect. When more women go missing and the case gets more complex, they work together to try to find out what is happening. There are some secrets revealed, some suspenseful scenes, and some sexy times…and they get a HEA ending.

Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Alta and Cas’ POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Good until the very end that felt too rushed. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.

Instalove: Borderline (see above “not so good” section above)

H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Cas. I liked how he was instantly protective of the h and while he was a little OTT with his possessiveness, I think she kinda needed that.

h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Alta. I liked how she worked through her issues in her own way and wasn’t scared of the H and cared for him.

Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed

Push/Pull: No

Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.

Descriptive sex: Yes

OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: Only physically

Possible Triggers: Yes

Closure: There was some closure for the couple but not nearly enough. I would call this a HFN ending

Safety: This one should probably be Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Profile Image for Jess Brady.
Author 1 book166 followers
April 18, 2022
Why do I always discredit romantic suspense? In my mind I am so judgmental in my thinking that if it has good suspense, it can't have good romance. Yet, generally when I pick up a romantic suspense, I am completely enthralled from start to finish. Mine to Protect was entirely next level! It had everything I love about a good romance and everything I love about a good suspense. Even when I thought I had the killer pegged I was completely off base and honestly, I love that. Who wants to figure out the "who dunnit" before the story even has gotten started?

Alta was strong. Right off she might not seem like it but after everything that she had been through in her past to be able to even get out of bed and function was really something. Yes, she had her quirks, but they were all mechanisms she had formed over the years to help ensure that she stayed safe.

Cas was very much the Marine you would expect. His one only goal was to make sure that they brought the killer to justice. After the things he had done in his past the last thing he wanted was for someone else to get hurt because he wasn't able to do his job properly.

Even though Alta & Cas's attraction was instant their story wasn't. I felt like some of the reviews were a bit deceitful on that front. It is no secret that I have an intense love/hate relationship with instalove but I wouldn't call theirs that. Yes, it happened quickly and the circumstances surrounding them might have pushed their connection further than it might have happened naturally, but I found I didn't mind it. The way that Mitchell made their relationship eb and flow just enhanced that aspect of the story for me.

If you are like me and are a serious audio lover than the audio for this book is completely worth it. Teddy Hamilton is always a go to for me but Maxine Mitchell kind of stole the show for this one. Her voices for the men weren't grating or too intense, I could really feel it. I would have liked for this to have been a duet narration to see how their voices would have played off one another but it still wasn't lacking anything for me.

Mine to Protect was my first Kennedy L. Mitchell novel but I can say with the certainty it won't be my last. I will be continuing with the protection series because I can't wait for Chandler's story, but I also wouldn't mind seeing what else she has written.
Profile Image for Lorna.
1,776 reviews105 followers
December 18, 2024
There were times when I almost couldn’t continue to read this one. There are several reasons for this. The big one is the too stupid to live moments on the part of the heroine. Not just once either. A horrible event happens and she doesn’t tell anybody until the next day? Huh? Who would do that? Something bad happens to someone she cares about. I mean someone that’s really important to her. She can’t be bothered to even visit? Or even, I don’t know, call someone to ask? She barely mentions it for days. I was just shaking my head. Plus the words that come out of the hero’s mouth at times almost made me cringe due to both cheesiness and possessiveness. Which takes us to the instant love element. That’s only acceptable in a werewolf book for me. Hurting someone during sex, squeezing her neck etc. doesn’t cut it for me either. Especially after what this heroine endured in the past. Unfathomable why she would like it? Just a no for me.

I still gave it a 3 star rating because I did finish it and at times I thought it was good. I am a fan of romantic suspense and this one had some good elements that fit well in that genre. This was the first by this author that I’ve read and I can tell that she’s a fairly good writer. There’s just some things that didn’t work for me and that’s just one person’s opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Olga &#x1f33a;.
492 reviews8 followers
June 7, 2025
I was excited to start this new author, if there is something that I love more than sports romance and/or modern romance, it's a thriller romance. And this book "promised" to deliver. Promised being the operative word here.

Broody ex-military MMC ✔️
Past trauma MFC ✔️
Serial killer on the loose ✔️ ✔️ ✔️

See 👆 all the correct ingredients. Yet the cake came out flat! 🤷‍♀️

First ☝️, the MFC though a Park Police Officer in possession of black belt in MA 🥷 is fleity, constantly paralysed by panic attacks and faints not once ☝️, not twice ✌️, but three times in the book 🙄

Second✌️, it's insta love/lust and their romance happens in the span of 2 weeks 🥸 💅 🤨

Third 3️⃣, the MMC is a heavy smoker. Instant turn off for me 🤚 (don't judge me)

Fourth 4️⃣, so many plot flaws like 👇
The MFC is lured by blood to go into the woods in the middle of the night. Internal monolgue 👉 "It was precisely the type of situation the killer would use to pull me away. I knew it. My head knew it. but I'm gonna do it anyways cause my heart says so."
Um sorry what?!! And then she faints LOL

Fifth 5️⃣, never in my life have I hated a sleazy side character as much as I hated this one 👇

"She was fun too, opposite of me, horny as heck, and willing to jump on any willing male—or female, depending on her mood. I lived vicariously through her rambunctious dating stories and wild nights."

Just the side character I would love to read about 🙂 ..... NOT!!! 😒

Her eyes scanned over my face, and her lips pursed before she said, “Yeah, I guess. Tell me if he’s hot. If he is, I get dibs, unless you want to join in, which you know I’m down for.”

🦗 🦗 🦗

Sixth 6️⃣, and the most unforgivable! Her only true friend, and ex military dog, gets shot, he undergoes surgery, and stays for days in the vet clinic, not ONCE does she check on him, picks up a phone to check on him or asks ANYONE to check on him! Immediately FAIL!!!

Seventh 7️⃣, an FBI agent, an ex-military operative, the whole park police division spend weeks reading data, cross referencing information and baby sitting the MFC, there was no on site investigation, no on page suspect and/or witness interviews and no case development! Nada...

And to finish this ranting off, what's with her obsession with animals. She names each one of them in the wilderness AND she cries everytime one of them is hurt AND she would choose a four legged furball anytime over the MMC! Oooookkk

Now that my nightly rambling report is over, I'd say Kennedy Mitchel is no where near Brittney Sahin, Suzanne Brockmann or Susan Stoker. And sadly, I'm gonna need to have this as a one and done experience with this author.
Profile Image for Starr (AKA Starrfish) Rivers.
1,181 reviews427 followers
December 30, 2022
DNF 26%. I just don't care any more. The romance isn't... terribly connective. The suspense hasn't been building since the prologue. The only thing worth looking at is the hot cover (which does not reflect the actual man of Cas who has a "softness in his middle" from too much beer drinking...
Profile Image for Kaity.
1,982 reviews24 followers
March 2, 2025
Audio: 5 stars for Teddy Hamilton and Maxine Mitchell

Reread #1: Book: 4 stars

It’s been a while since I picked this book, and I was hooked again from beginning to end with the mystery, but the romance was instalove, and made me roll my eyes a few times haha

I am looking forward to Chandlers book!!

Original Read October 2020: Book: 3.5- 4 stars

Honestly this was a good book, I did feel like there were some parts that didn't flow right or jumped ahead that didn't work in the moment.

I love Cas and Benny and Alta aka Lady.

Overall a great romantic suspense book, can't wait to read Chandlers Book!!
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
April 9, 2019
description
Phenomenal!

From the first story I read by this author I was hooked! Character development, engaging story lines, mystery, suspense and so many facets of life in all its shades. Ugliness, goodness and everything in between can be found in these 'get lost in reading' pages. It’s all laid bare in emotional and suspenseful stories that I can’t get enough of. Cas and Alta/Birdie’s story was just what I expected it would be and so much more….

Cas and Birdie were survivors, each functional (sort of), with quirks that allowed them to get through the days. I’m not sure if they were happy, content maybe, but that all changed when they were brought together by a serial killer case. Their connection was special and it played out in all its goodness in top-notch suspense and stellar dialogue. And it wasn’t just the main characters. Chandler, Benny, John – they carved their own well-earned space…

This is in my top, top reads of the year and I can't wait - can't wait! - for more. Maybe Chandler will get a story? Oh wouldn't that be grand!
Profile Image for Diane (Books and Tequila Blog).
1,519 reviews72 followers
August 17, 2022
I adore this book!!! It has a hero, Cas Mathews, who is super alpha and protective without being “too much” of a jerk ;) and a heroine, Alta Johnson, who has been through so much but is trying to be a bada$$ in her own right.

“Every cell in Cas’s body was geared to take care of someone else, and it seemed he’d finally found the person he wanted to take care of. The person who would allow it.
Me.”

Cas was big, tough, rough around the edges and alpha enough to allow Alta to not always be so strong.

“But you, you’re perfectly broken in every way, making you the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”

This was one of those stories where I started highlighting a few passages that spoke to me and ended up with half of the book shaded in!!
I got this book on both kindle and audiobook so I could go back and forth with reading the ebook and listening to the audio and the narration was fantastic.
Mine To Protect was the first book I’ve read by this author but definitely won’t be the last!! I can’t wait to start Chandler’s story.
-5 Stars!-
37 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2021
Several times while reading this I had to double check this was written by a woman. It had this "all women are crazy/stupid" vibe. And when the MC was an idiot they just kept referring to her as "innocent". She was supposed to be in her early 30's but she kept acting almost childlike. Here are some things that just bothered me

-Guy: Why do women do that? MC: "Do what?" Guy: "React on your emotions" MC: Because we're emotional creatures"
-Cas: "You want to shower?" MC: " Is that a hint?" Cas: " I'd prefer you to be clean when I eat you for dessert later"
-Birdie has a panic attack and asked Cas for her medication and he basically said nope you don't need it I'm here. Like wtf dude who has known her for 2 days.
-This woman who has severe trauma and takes extreme precautions to keep safe throws caution to the wind several times for no reason. At one point it becomes clear the serial killer is targeting her and she decided not to tell anyone for a long time. Another time she had information and when Cas wanted her to tell him she straight up said no I don't want to you'll be mad at me.
- MC's inner monologue while being stupid " It was precisely the type of situation the killer would use to pull me away. I knew it. My head knew it. but I'm gonna do it anyways cause my heart says so"
-At one point the MC was being "snippy" with Cas so another male character said "oh don't worry about it she's about to start". Okay 1. super creepy guy I work with who keeps track of that 2. she couldn't possibly have a valid reason to be mad it must be her period and 3. Couldn't even say period they just kept saying oh she's about to start.
-"Man, she's a woman. She's going to be frustrated with you more often than not. Better get used to it"
- All throughout the book she finds a character creepy and thinks they are crazy. She also refusing to drinking anything from unsealed bottles. Yet when said crazy person offers a drink and takes the lid off before she can check it she chalks her paranoia up to PMS and drinks it anyway.
- They constantly referred to her symptoms of PTSD as "quirks". Look at me I'm so quirky I need to make sure the door is locked.

Overall the story was entertaining and the writing was fine but hard to overlook how stupid and inconsistent the MC was.


This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
April 6, 2019
Mine to Protect by Kennedy L. Mitchell is the story of Cas Mathews and Alta Johnson.
Cas is a FBI agent working with his partner Chandler to solve the mystery of females are being abducted. This leads him to Alta neck of the woods where she is a Park Ranger and where their case is leading them. Alta has her reason for being somewhat scared of what has been happening to the women...it is hitting close to home. Cas is unsure and not use to the feelings that Alta is bring out in him this protectiveness and the need to be with her.
This was a great suspenseful Romance.
Profile Image for Kat.
929 reviews97 followers
December 18, 2022
I don’t like when the heroine is afraid to tell the hero things, I hated another male character warns the hero about the heroines period, I hated the shaving scene, and I thought the mystery was poorly done. Also this is insta-love and I hate that too.
Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,524 reviews180 followers
April 9, 2019
This story lord have mercy this story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time wanting no needing to know what happened next. You want to talk about suspense and just when I thought I had the person I was totally wrong. Then I kept reading late into the night because I just could not get enough and I needed to know who the bad guy was and why.

Cas is out to solve a case when he runs into the sexy officer Alta. Things change very quickly because he is determined to solve the case and so is Alta and she will not take no for an answer so she fights him tooth and nail about being a part of the case. The more she fights the more he falls for her and he knows that is not good because they both could be in danger and they could get hurt but Cas can't seem to keep his eyes off of Alta and vows to keep her safe.

This is one suspense roller coaster of a ride you need to take because Cas and Alta will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. So go on and one click this bad boy and enjoy the ride!
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,456 reviews103 followers
March 6, 2019
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

Kennedy L Mitchell's new novel Mine to Protect with get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping.

Alta Johnson is a park ranger who lives her day to day always on watch and always expecting the worst. A traumatic experience has left her unable to stand being touched and always prepared for the worst to happen. When the second woman in weeks has disappeared with no evidence in sight she finds herself working alongside Agent Peters and Sergeant Cas Matthews to try to catch a killer. It isn't long before Cas starts breaking down her walls and helps her get back to the woman she truly is. But when the killer sets his sights on her will Cas be able to keep her safe like he promised he would.

Holy Moly Mine to Protect was exciting, and suspenseful and oh so sexy. The characters are all well-developed. Cas with his tattoos and piercing eyes is a tortured soul who protects what's his. Alta is a nature loving sweetheart who has survived a horrifying trauma and it's left her highly paranoid. You could feel her anxiety, stress and struggles to overcome them. Even though the timeline of the story is a short one, the romance between Cas and Alta was a slow burn that left me anxious and anticipating the moment Cas finally gave into the pull he felt for Alta. The built up was worth it and their sexual connection was passionate, possessive and rough in all the best ways.

The story line was well paced and kept me guessing. Towards the end I had to put the book down because I knew bad things were about to go down and then not long after there was a plot twist that completely caught me off guard and had me shouting not nice words at my kindle. When a book came get a reaction like that out of me I applaud the author because 9 out of 10 times I usually guess a suspense stories plot twist a head of time.

I have nothing but good things to say about Mine to Protect and if you love a good romantic suspense thriller than I suggest you get your hands on this book. You won't regret it !

"Locked in his gaze, I felt safe, protected, and for the first time in a long time, alive"

20190306_071055

"She imprinted on me in a way no woman ever had. Alta Johnson was mine, but I was just as much hers too."

sGnY4

5/5


 


Profile Image for Sarah.
960 reviews21 followers
April 2, 2019
If you like romantic suspense, then look no further than Kennedy L. Mitchell! Finding Fate was one of my favorite books of 2018, and I already know that Mine to Protect will be a top favorite for 2019!! She writes the sexiest alpha heroes, and plots that lure you in from the beginning and keep you up all night, and this one was no different.

Cas Matthews is the beautifully broken hero in this story - and he made an impression from the moment he stepped on the page. He is big. He is broody. And he is ALL alpha male. But from his initial contact with Alta - the heroine - you immediately sense a deeper side to him - a protective and possessive side which surprises even himself. I loved every single thing about Cas - although he is a killer, claims he does not have the capability to love or be loved, and believes himself to be the villain and not the hero - his actions speak differently. He is tender and gentle with Alta when needed, and bossy and protective at other times. The connection between these two was immediate, but never felt rushed.

Alta captured my heart right away. On the outside, she appears as strong as any male. She is a Park Ranger - physically fit, and full of sass. She doesn't like to take orders and needs her routine. But on the inside, she is an empty shell. Her fears and anxieties have cheated her out of life for so long that it breaks your heart for what she has missed and how she has lived her life. When you learn her story - you will want to do anything and everything to help put this broken woman back together. Cas was the perfect anti-hero for her - he sees right through her, and isn't afraid to push her boundaries when necessary, but also provides the safety and comfort that she has yearned for over the years. Their chemistry was off the charts, and yet so real and raw at the same time.

This book is full of twists and turns. I literally could not stop reading it because it was addictive - my heart raced and my palms were sweaty. I HAD to know who was behind the evil torment in this book. The secondary characters will keep you on your toes, and I have already asked the author to write a book about one particular FBI agent, Chandler, who is every bit as swoon-worthy as Cas. But Cas & Alta's relationship is the forefront of this book - and every broken and dark piece of their pasts make up the very essence of why they are so perfect together. They made me cry, laugh, sigh and swoon - and I was not ready for their story to be over. Well done once again KL Mitchell! Can't wait to see what's next from you!
Profile Image for The Bosnian.
1,393 reviews332 followers
March 11, 2019
This is not my first read & review by this amazing author! I have been looking forward to this for ever! I am also grateful and exited I got to read this early & experience the story.

AND what a story guys! The beginning had me on my toes and asking myself, OH NO WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT. This being a Romantic Suspense story, I was so ready. they happen to be a favorite of mine.

Alta is a park ranger, a woman who is a little skittish. A woman that owns a big mean looking German Shepard that happens to be a female and very gentle. When an incident occurs in her park, range area, she ends up having a little help to investigate and catch the potential serial killer. Another woman was kidnapped and/or taken. Why is Alta a little overly-skittish? Sadly she can relate to this incident a lot more than anyone knows. Que in the special forces and agents.

Cas is a special forces officer, with a set of particular skills. He and Chandler Peters a FBI officer were assigned to work the came with Alta. Cas is not keen on working with another woman, since one of their own was also taken and still missing. He gives Alta a hard time because he isn't sure of the unknown feelings he is having towards her.

When Alta breaks an order and is suspended by her friend and boss John (who is a big asshole), her past come creeping back.

Alta is an innocent yet super strong woman. She has made herself strong but off-ish for the last 10 years. He eyes give out what she wants and even though she may not be good at relationships (romantic or not) she has a heart of gold!! (Hint: Darla) Cas is all alpha, he is aggressive, big yet ever so gentle (in the right times) with Alta. My heart goes out to him for everything he went through but his UBER-ALPHA is a HUGE turn on!! But also, I am really liking Chandler, he is kind of my type of guy! FACTS! I hope there will be a story for him!

This story has a lot of suspense, there is a lot of actions happening all while romance is blooming. This story is driven equally and simultaneously by the threat of danger and the but promise of romance. I loved every page, kept me engaged and glued to the kindle.

I am rating this a HIGH 5 & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
H A P P Y - R E A D I N G
Profile Image for Amy.
1,481 reviews34 followers
December 22, 2020
“Everyone’s tried to fix me. You’re the only one who noticed me for who I was—scars and all.”

Mine to Protect is a thrilling, romantic suspense novel centering around two broken people who find a home in each other. Cas meets Alta when he’s trying to help solve a serial killer case and he is instantly drawn to her. Alta offers to help with the case even though she is still struggling with her own experience of being stalked ten years prior. As these two work together, they must fight their own attraction as well as a killer determined to capture Alta.

“He was everything I ever wanted in a man, yet still more than I ever expected.”

Alta was such strong character. Despite a tragic past, she’s determined to move on as best as she can and to be fight for her independence. She has cut herself off from close relationships, but when she meets Cas, he helps her break down her walls and to truly begin to live again.

“This beautiful woman saw me. She saw into my dark soul and wanted more. Wanted me.”

Cas lives in the darkness and thinks he’s not worth fighting for because of his own tragic past. Alta celebrates his darkness and shows him that he is someone worthy staying for. He’s broken, but he’s a protective soul who will die to keep those he loves safe.

“If I could be anyone’s hero, Lady, I’d die to be yours.”

These two shoot off sparks from their very first meeting and as they work together to capture the killer their banter and chemistry lights the pages on fire. Kennedy Mitchell expertly combines a beautiful romance of two lost souls finding love and a heart-stopping search to find a killer. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat as the killer gets closer and the story draws to a dramatic conclusion.
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews76 followers
April 12, 2019
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For my first Kennedy Mitchell story, I have to say I enjoyed this story greatly. The story had depth, the characters are strong, and the sexual chemistry is off the charts. However, Kennedy keeps the story going while maintaining the characters sexual tension on the sideline. It is like watching a tv show where you know the two leading figures are going to do it, but you don't know when it will happen.

Alta has many issues going on from her past and does not get close to people quickly. However, she is a tough as nails Park Ranger who is in charge of finding out who is abducting women in her area. When the FBI comes in, she could have the help she needs.

Cas and his friend/partner who come in for this case are lovely. Cas is a dark, mysterious, tough as nails kind of guy. However, for some reason, he is the only one that can calm Alta. He doesn't scare her or make her uneasy. Moreover, no matter what these two have in their past they make each other good and calm.

However, while these two are working on their past issues, there is still a possible serial killer on the loose, and his next person has chosen.
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,863 reviews136 followers
April 8, 2019
Mine to Protect is a stand-alone novel by Kennedy L. Mitchell. To be honest, for the first 4 chapters the book and I didn't click, so I pushed it aside, but once I picked it again, I found myself enjoying it a lot. The pace was very good for a suspense novel and I liked the identity of the villain. This is the first book I read from this author and I have to have that I was pleasantly surprised. I liked the writing and the characters were very likable and interesting. The only problem I had, is that Alta seemed to heal and overcome her problems rather fast considering that she has spent the last ten years in fear. She and Cas have one of the kinds of relationships I enjoy to read and even though mere days passed from the moment they met until they got together, it felt natural to me. I felt like they belonged together and that it wasn't rushed. I was very happy with the book overall and I would certainly recommend it!
Profile Image for KeelyReadsRomance.
497 reviews58 followers
March 23, 2021
This was my first Kennedy Mitchell book and now I have to go read her entire backlog. Omg this was an amazing romantic suspense novel! It was dark, creepy, thrilling, emotional, and so much more! My heart broke for Alta and I found myself experiencing her anxiety as I read. It was so sad but Cas....wow. He’s amazing and so damaged but so perfect for her. Two beautifully broke and damaged people finding each other. I loved this book! It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time!
Profile Image for J..
529 reviews13 followers
March 17, 2022
I tried, I really did. But at 47% I’m throwing in the towel. The characters are inconsistent in thought and behavior, as well as immature. The h’s cabin is disgusting. They spend 3 hours cleaning and she’s exhausted?? Dude, h is supposed to be a fit park ranger who runs every day. The H smokes every 5 pages. Look I quit smoking 10 years ago. It’s a yuck for me. What killed it - H told h to take a shower so she’s clean for later. 🤮🤮🤮
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,323 reviews146 followers
December 12, 2020
A page turner

This was a new to me author and one I definitely plan to read more from in the future.
This book will captivate you from cover to cover.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
August 27, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/27/2022)! 🎁
Profile Image for Kendall {Book Crazy}.
1,479 reviews
April 3, 2019
I haven't read any of this author's books, but when I read the synopsis for this book, it sounded exactly like my kind of read! I love romantic suspense books, so I signed up to review this one for the Release Day Blitz! I started reading my ARC of this book as soon as I received it and I was really excited! After reading this book, I can say that I really enjoyed it! I was intrigued by the plot in the first few chapters and I didn't want to put it down until I had finished it! I loved there was plenty of action and suspense in it too! These two aspects added so much to the plot and did leave me guessing lol! I also had my suspicions as to who the bad person was, but I was wrong lol! There was also plenty of romance in the plot and this meant that there were a few really hot scenes between the two main characters! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Alta was the main female character, and in this book she worked hard and she had a good, rewarding job! Alta had also been through a horrible situation and this still had an impact on her in this book! My heart went out to her because she had been through a lot and then she went through a lot in this book! Alta did try though and I had so much respect for her! She also came a long way in this book! Cas was the main male character and love interest of Alta! I loved Cas a lot in this book! I have to say that at the beginning I wasn't actually sure if I could trust him when it came to the suspense aspect! As the book progressed, I trusted Cas more and more! Cas was also seriously hot and I loved the way he was with Alta! He didn't push her and he let their relationship develop at her pace! He also helped her a lot in this book and was always there for her! I loved that this book was written from both Alta and Cas's point of views! I wasn't sure if it was going to be written from dual point of view before I started reading it, but I'm really happy that it was! It helped me connect and understand both characters more, especially as they had both been through different situations! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot as well and it added more to the suspense element! I can also completely understand why this book is a standalone! I'm really sad that it is because I would love to read more on Alta and Cas, but all the questions raised were answered and everything in the plot was wrapped up! The ending of this book was also left at the perfect place for the characters and summed up their story beautifully! I now can't wait to check out this author's other books! I haven't read any of them, but I have some on my Kindle, so I can't wait to give them a read soon! I can't wait to see what this author is going to release next too! The cover for this book is also absolutely perfect for it! I love it a lot and it matches the feel of the book and I love the models! It would definitely draw me to the book is I saw it whilst scrolling through Amazon or Goodreads! Big thank you to Kennedy and Give Me Books for an ARC of Mine to Protect!
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