Shielding Josie

Fierce Protectors #3

by Casey Hagen

**This title is out of print.**

Cole Hackett, retired SEAL, reluctant civilian has one desire—a life without complications. So when Josie McLean, unpredictable hellcat daughter of police chief McLean and freshly licensed PI keeps sniffing around his cases, he’s determined to steer clear. She has trouble written all over her and the last thing he needs is to babysit a woman hell bent on getting killed in the pursuit of glory.

Josie McLean spent two decades trying to gain a glimmer of attention from her father. Even a lucrative career as a private investigators isn’t enough to make him overlook the fact that she’d been born with the wrong parts. Despite his disinterest, she’s determined to be the best at her job, while keeping her butt on the straight and narrow to avoid his wrath. That is, until her case takes a life or death turn and everyone is a suspect.

Attitude and attraction collide when Cole and Josie’s cases intersect forcing them to band together to seek a dangerous enemy. When the mortal danger turns its sights on Josie, can both Josie and Cole step out from behind the shadows of the past and lean one another to find a killer before it’s too late?

Genres: Romance

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2018

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Casey Hagen pens her stories from the salty air of Kennebunk, Maine. She's the author of over 30 books that would make your mama raise her eyebrows if she caught you reading them!

All things Casey here: geni.us/StalkCasey

FULL LIST OF BOOKS:

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Reviews

[mellidiezahnfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie ist Privatermittlerin und bei einem Fall tritt sie Cole gehörig auf die Füße, ihre Kompetenzen überlappen sich. Gott sei Dank, denn eigentlich findet Cole, dass dies ein prima Grund ist endlich mit Josie zu flirten. Als dann noch böse Buben ins Spiel kommen darf Cole Josie sogar beschützen, Wobei Josie keinerlei Schutz benötigt.

Ein weiteres Buch aus der Fierce Protector Reihe , zugehörig zu Aces World,Operation Alpha.
Ich mag die Männer um Dylan. Immer straight - forward undsie wissen genau was sie wollen. In diesem Fall war es nicht ganz so einfach, da Josie ebenfalls ganz genau weiß was sie will und keineswegs schutzlos ist. Das Buch handelt ein bisschen von der Würde der Frau und Selbstbestimmung.
Und natürlich von heißen Personenschützern *grins*
Eine tolle Serie einer guten Autorin, alle Protagonisten sind sehr authentisch beschrieben und die Geschichte ist sehr feinfühlig und nuanciert erzählt.

[Casey Hagen]

Shielding Josie
Fierce Protectors
3/8
Completed Series
Purchase Link: geni.us/Fierce3

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this installment of the Fierce Protectors series, Cole’s been brought in to help a friend with a sticky situation. When the person he’s supposed to be watching has his house blown up, Cole’s more concerned with Josie McClean. She’s the best friend of the now missing man, but more importantly, she’s a new PI and is getting in his way. When the pair overhear a couple of goons talk about going after Josie, Cole steps in and has Josie stay at his place. But, things aren’t easy between Josie and Cole, I mean, what’s the fun in that. They’re both snarky, hard headed people and they butt heads right from the get go. When Cole hears how the Chief of Police, who happens to be Josie’s father, talks to her, like she’s still a little girl and not someone who’s strong and smart, Cole steps up and in his own way tells the Chief like it is. I think those conversations are some of my favorite. Cole’s able to set the Chief straight, but it doesn’t sound like it.
Now that Josie’s in the crosshairs of whoever’s after her best friend, Cole and the rest of the team at Fierce are going to do everything they can to not only protect her, but figure out who’s behind this mess.
Yes, once again I’d figured out who it might be, and once again, I wanted to do physical damage to a fictional character. That’s how well this series is written. It’s not the first time I’ve wanted to do physical damage to a character in Ms. Hagen’s Fierce Protectors universe.
You’ve got amazing world building, a wonderful series ARC, great characters, and a storyline that drags you in and keeps you stuck there.
*I borrowed this title using my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie McLean is not only a new P.I., but she is the daughter of Long Beach Police Chief Bruce McLean. Josie is still trying to prove to her father that she is both well trained and capable, and not just his “little girl”. She is trying to keep her best friend, Eric, safe as he has invented new technology that both the United States as well as other less friendly entities would like to acquire. After Eric’s house is blown up, she now has to take drastic measures to keep him safe and to find out who is after him…and now her. As Josie is watching Eric, Cole Hackett, retired SEAL, has been hired to keep watch on Eric and thereby watching Josie as well. He is worried that Josie is in over her head and may be the target by whoever wants Eric’s technology. He finally realizes that Josie may unwittingly get into “trouble”, but she proves that she is capable and they decide to work together along with his team. Dylan, Slyder & Evan are all involved in setting up a plan to “draw” the guilty party out and finish the threat once and for all. This is a great addition to the series and if you have not read Ms. Hagen’s books then you are missing out on some great stories and characters. I love the way Ms. Hagen updates you on the previous characters that continue through the series, their relationships and friendship. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shielding Josie is the third book in the Fierce Protectors Series by Ms. Hagen. Cole is in the process of observing his target when his nemesis, and the one that gets his blood pumping, shows up. Josie is trying to protect her best friend when his house gets blown up, and Cole is there to protect her, even when she doesn’t need him there. While their paths and cases cross, their attraction flares, but when Josie needs to act as the bait for trying to figure out all of the players in this case, can Cole keep her safe and can they admit their feelings?

This book was fast paced, full of suspense, fighting what they really want, and a budding romance built on trust and respect! I loved reading it! Josie was so outgoing, trying to prove herself to her dad, but was also really caring and sensitive. Her strength and her heart really drew me to her. Cole was so affected from his time in the military, so I loved the order and friendship he craved, but also loved his softer side he showed with Josie. I really enjoyed the plot line in this book, with the mystery of who was behind everything and I absolutely loved where Josie put her friend to save him. I definitely giggled! I definitely enjoyed this book, I love this series, and would highly recommend it!

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Ms Hagen proves what a talented author she is. Not many can write a novella that has an engaging plot and complex characters. Few can accomplish this in just a few pages.
This story, belonging to Cole and Josie, is a stand alone. Though, to enjoy it even more, I would suggest the reader pick up books 1 and 2 . Both stories are just as good.
Cole is a former Navy SEAL, now part of a security company made up of former elite military men, and friends. The group has been hired to keep an eye on a tech wiz. Josie, daughter of the chief of police, has always felt her father wished she’d been a guy . She is a successful PI determined to keep her friend, Eric, the techie guy , safe. Eric has invented a new prototype of drones which are wanted by both the good and the bad guys.
Cole and Josie try to deny the attraction while working this job, and Cole is determined to keep her safe.
It’s a story filled with action, whodunit, good guys and bad guys, and of course , romance.
Another well written story and a great addition to the series.
I voluntarily read this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole is a retired SEAL who works with some of his former team-mates in the security business. In the last few months, he has been annoyed by a new PI getting tangled up in his cases. Josie is spirited and impulsive and also beautiful. One night while staking out the house of a man he had been hired to watch, he spots Josie just out front. He is wondering what she is doing when suddenly his target's house explodes. Cole rushes to cover Josie.
Josie is trying to prove herself to her dad the police chief. He seems not to pay as much attention to her as her brother but she just wants to make him proud. That night she was about to visit her best friend who was worried some bad people might be after his work. It turns very serious when his house blows up but she is saved by Cole, a man who her dad wishes was his son. Later that night she meets up with her friend who survived the explosion. Now she has to keep him safe and find out who is after him. This job is too big for Josie so she turns to Cole for help.
This is a great story with action and adventure and love. I voluntarily received a copy of this story and this is my honest review.

[Vivian Chrisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Ms. Hagen's books earlier this year and have been steadily impressed with each one I read. This one is no exception. While this is the third book in the "Fierce Protectors Series", it can be read as a standalone. Josie is spunky, sassy and a bit dangerous. Being the daughter of the police chief, she feels like she has to continually "prove" herself and that she never measures up to her dad's expectations. The only person who accepts her is her best friend Eric. When Eric finds himself in trouble, Josie is there to protect him. But, she's not the only one watching Eric. Cole and his team has been hired to watch Eric also. Finding out Josie is involved sets Cole on edge especially when he finds out she's in danger. The chemistry between Josie and Eric is explosive. Will he be able to keep her safe? Will she agree to work with him instead of alone? What happens when the job is over? I loved this book. I need to go back and read Dylan and Slyder's stories.

*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book via Hidden Gems which I am voluntarily reviewing*

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shielding Josie is the most recent story by Casey Hagen. Josie is the daughter of a police chief & is a private eye. She felt her father always wanted a boy & didn’t give her credit for what she could do. Cole is an ex-military investigator. He keeps running into Josie on his jobs. She annoys him because he’s interested in her & thinks she’s careless with her safety. Now, she’s protecting a friend that he wants to find. Who’s going to win?

If you’re a fan of excellent writing, hot investigators, a quick paced plot & sexual attraction, you need to read this one! How Ms. Hagen manages to establish a connection between the reader & the characters in such a short number of pages amazes me. The characters are fully developed & described in such a way, I was able to picture them & recognize the connections between them. I had to laugh at the unique way Josie hid her friend. It’ll make you laugh/smile!

[Tracy Quoka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for a voluntary and honest review. This is the third book in the fierce proctors series. I also had the pleasure of reading the first book, and have put the second on my TBR. This series, I'm guessing was once part of the kindle worlds as a spin off of Susan Stokers special forces:operation alpha. But now they are released as novellas. I knew this going in to the book, but as with Shielding Nebraska, I craved more to the story. This was fast paced, Cole's company hired to protect a tech guru who has developed some interesting technology. Josie is said tech guru's best friend since grade school, who's also a private eye, and attempting to protect her friend. Bad guys of course want his work, and have blown up his house. It's up to Cole and Josie to ferret out the bad guys while protecting her friend.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always know when I read a Casey Hagen book I’m going to get a fantastic story filled with passion, drama, intrigue, and adventure. And this book is no exception. What I wasn’t expecting was the detour into comedy this takes. And what a detour it is. I howled with laughter. I hope Mama Ru is proud, because that is one of the most brilliant ‘hide in plain sight’ ideas I’ve ever encountered. One of the best things about this series, is that the ladies are as strong and capable as the men. They don’t put up with any funny business and they give back just as good as they get. I loved the chemistry between Cole and Josie and the snarky banter it generates. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short story mixing action and romance, there is little sex scene because of the context of the story and what the characters want, but the rise of feelings is well built.
Josie is a private investigator and she has to protect her friend Eric but when she arrives at home, the house explodes. She wants to pick him up, but is prevented by Cole, an investigator supported by her father who is a police officer.
Eric got away but Josie wonders why Cole was watching around Eric's house. She is both attracted to Cole and annoyed by him.
Eric is a researcher and for some time, he is approached by men in black because of one of his inventions.I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series but I think you can read it without reading the others but the others are worth reading, too even though Casey Hagen refreshes the other relationships so you aren't lost. Josie is a P.I. and also the daughter of the police chief. She's always trying to show him that she can do things on her own to make him proud of her. She's trying to protect her friend, Eric, from some threats that were made against him. Cole, a former SEAL and now works with his group of friends in the security field. His case and Josie's case intersect. They have met before and the sparks flew -- only not so much the romantic kind but hate kind. This is a great story of hate to love. I did enjoy this book very much and hopefully there's another one coming.

[Jayne Wheatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

After already reading book 1&2 I loved getting back into the series, and it didn’t disappoint.
Particularly enjoy Security romance and this one is no exception.
I loved that Josie was Independant and totally kickass, but showed her vulnerability at times.
Cole I found amusing with his buddies but so serious when it came to Josie, it showed there was more than one side to his character.
A very engaging read that I literally didn’t put down from start to finish.
Could be read as a stand-alone but why would you lol the series is fantastic

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie has been trying for year to prove to her father that she is good at her job. Cole retired from the SEALs and is now trying to live a life without problems. One case links them together. Will Cole be able to keep Josie safe? Will Josie allow her heart to open up?

Loved the connection and rivalry between these two! I didn't blame Josie for being iffy in how she reacted to Cole being as her father was trying to still treat her like a child. I loved Cole's determination to do what it took to keep her safe, even if he put his foot in his mouth multiple times. Great read!

[Lisa Jolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Hidden Gems and l am volunteering to leave this review.

This is the 3rd book in the series but you can read it as a standalone, but l suggest you read the other books as it is a fantastic series.

Josie is a private detective, she is currently trying to keep her friend Eric safe. Cole is a private detective who is working for someone else who is wanting Eric watched. Josie is forever getting in his way. When she needs Cole’s help he is there to help and protect her.

This book has romance, drama, action and a fantastic storyline.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A non-stop action ride with Cole and Josie and the rest of the team. Cole’s simmering with anger over what he perceives as Josie’s recklessness is very funny to read. Throw in drone technology, drag queens and attraction and you have a fun story. The only issue I have with the book is that I feel it was too short and I wish it has been more fleshed out. There is a lot going on, I just wanted more. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Fierce Protectors Series and I really enjoyed this fast paced story. Cole is a retired SEAL and Josie is a P.I. Josie is watching over her friend Eric who invented a new prototype of drones and both the good guys and the bad guys are after. After Eric's house explodes Josie teams up with Cole to help keep her friend safe. This was a great story that was action packed and full of suspense.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[BreRile · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Cole and Josie are frenemies whose paths keep crossing through their investigations. When their cases focus on the same person they work together to keep him safe and catch the villian. Along the way the acknowledge their mutual attraction and realize how good they are together.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole and Josie

This one is a great one! You won’t be disappointed with this addition to the series. Cole meets his match with Josie. She is a kick a$$ private detective trying to earn the respect of her police chief father and doesn’t want help from anyone least of all Cole. There is lots of action and suspense, bombs, bad guys galore and hot steamy scenes.

[devil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very well written, with great characters. I'll be reading the rest of the series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.*

[NanaX8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shielding...

Loved this LOL, murder and mayhem romance with all of the twists and turns and adventure but loved the way Cole and Josey had me laughing during the heart racing times. Another awesome read!!

[Charlie Mccourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read which I enjoyed!! Strong Female for sure! Grown men being brought to their knees even better!!
Throw in some twists and turns and an epilogue that will make you spit your drink out and you have a good read!!

[Mona williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was the third book in this series and i loved it! talk about alot of action and danger. he was sent to watch a house . only he came upon her. now he will protect her with his life!

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Draggy

This was a slow read for me. I didn’t connect with either Josie or Cole. I wanted more. I did enjoy her sassiness.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

This book has very entertaining characters and a story filled with suspense, some action, and a developing romance. It is an enjoyable book.

[KDLediting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

Loved this story and the characters, the authors own as well as those from Susan Stokers world. Looking for more!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I liked everything about this book, it was well written,it had great character's, humor, good love story great ending! I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Robin Gland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, well told.

This author has done it again. Well , and researched. Great timing. She writes without vulgarity but sexy. She is well worth your time.

[Renee Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

I like her stories and characters. I just wish they were a little longer. But overall I like the series so far.