Protective

Legatum #1

by Lulu M. Sylvian

Morgan Palatine wants to wrap Honey in his embrace and keep her from harm. But it’s too soon. He can’t just sweep in and claim her. As a foundations specialist, he knows the importance of establishing trust before the rest of the relationship can be built.

Honey knows the dangers of judging a book by its cover. Her abusive ex is a shining example that looks are deceiving. She’s trying to get past the superficial barriers of Morgan’s job and his proclivity for wearing plaid shirts, now if he would just kiss her already.

Morgan will do whatever it takes to support Honey but when he unexpectedly leaves, she’s left on her own to deal with her own personal demons and inadequacies.

A recent truce between the long-time family rivals the Palatines and the Aventines, is well timed as the new allies share information that presents the science behind their mythology.

However, an attempt on Morgan’s life alludes to impending danger on a grander scale.

Is there a connection between the attempt on Morgan’s life and the scientific discovery? Are the Aventines really playing nice and new allies? Morgan needs to find out who is on his side all while he gets his head on straight so he doesn’t blow his chances with Honey.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters, Amazon, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Werewolves

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 18, 2018

About the author

Be sure to follow Lulu on Bookbub for the latest on sales:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lulu-...

Lulu writes sexy hot paranormal and ridiculous contemporary romances. She loves strong men who can dance and love and fight. No alphaholes allowed.

Join her newsletter for a free reverse harem pirate adventure http://lulumsylvian.com/newsletter

Bio-engineered to be the only redhead in a generation of blonds, Lulu feels that “aliens” may actually be the best answer for a lifetime of being asked, “Where did you get that red hair from?”

Lulu cannot ride a horse, hula hoop, or play roller derby (not from lack of trying), but she can make pictures. Encouraged to make those pictures out of words Lulu began writing just to see what would happen. Words happened, so many words.

Lulu embraces the crazy that comes with that one little genetic mutation and attempts to live up to the reputation of being a redhead.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/12/2018)!💝

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very surprising story. This story started out as just Honey and Morgan meeting and Honey taking a chance on Morgan. After being in an abusive relationship she's not sure if she is ready. But Morgan keeps coming into the coffee shop where she works. He's not her usual type, but her friend Lana tells her she needs to start looking under the surface. He's nice, treats her well, and she feels safe around him. But as the story progresses we find out that Morgan's pack and company are involved in negotiations with former rival packs, and even a vampire coven. These new allies might be putting Morgan in danger, and if they connect him to Honey will she be in danger also. But Honey is already in danger from her form boyfriend, who also has ties to Morgan's company. I loved Honey's character. She had re-invented herself, and was working on being the best she could be, and being happy. Morgan was sweet, compassionate, and loving. But he's also strong and fierce and can take of her. He's a wolf shifter after all.

[Tammy Sowards-Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I found this book moving and a big booost to women. We see a woman who has struggled and is fighting to keep sane. When her ex turns up she has flash backs. Can Morgan be allshe needs.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great book to read

[Aoife · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say roughly a 3.5/5 really but I really enjoyed this. The novel is very big on the protective angle and strays a bit from regular shifter romances that seem to have hot tempered, sometimes violent dialogues. This is very much a lighter take on PNR and refreshing that a story is told in this way. I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys PNR, shifter, romance - the focus isn't the usual and it's a well written romance.


Honey and Morgan have a very cute and intense relationship but I did enjoy that there wasn't just "I see you, I now know you're my mate forever". The slow build, confusing emotions, the uncertainty, makes the novel all that much more.

Honey was a really odd character in the best way. Her flaws, highlighted time and again, make you want to not like her but she has so many other qualities it's hard not to. Her lack of confidence while trying to regain it is clear but doesn't feel overdone. There are small things said at different stages that make it obvious but subtle enough that when it is spoken about it make sense for the story told and doesn't have you frustrated that it's taken so long for it to be acknowledged. Her past - and present reactions - are done very well. The abuse she faced, the way she speaks on it and the fact she suffers with it still, are all so realistic and accurate. It feels very well handled.

Morgan, the over protective and dumb man, was the perfect contrast to Honey and her worrying. He was nearly so relaxed he's horizontal and it's amazing. An alpha male who knows who he is, can be calm and collected, loves certain things in life and just wants to bumble through his construction jobs. He felt safe and calm, and I can fully understand the relationship build-up with him and Honey. His family and how he treats them were great. I would have liked more depth into his past, learn more about his family and his parents' death, the relationships between all the secondary characters from his side. So much of the book was set in Honey's world so it makes sense, but I would have liked if there was some conversations with him explaining things to Honey so I could have been clued in.

I really hated the abduction part. That felt like it was edited down too much. Why was everyone over it in 3 seconds? Why was there so little explanation of what he was doing, what was happening and the way he got rescued? It felt like this should have been a longer, but the book was being kept under 350 pages. Honey got over it very quickly, no one seemed to question Roman if he was involved but there was SO much leading up to it being with him? The receptionist not having a record, her not remembering, it being Roman who suggested it? It feels as if the receptionist is going to be involved later in the series but who knows.

For a PNR, I would have liked this one aspect to be fleshed out a bit more. The violence, desperation to get back to honey, anger and determination should have flowed here and only calmed down once he got to see her. I think the shifter could have been removed and Morgan just be a skilled survivalist or ex-army or something and it would make sense.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your usual shifter romance — less of the violence and more of the protectiveness. I liked the lead characters — both had their flaws. Most of the story was resolved but there is a thread that obviously goes through the series. I would be happy to read on.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first story I’ve ever read by Ms. Sylvian, but it won’t be my last! ... “Protective” is the 1st must read in the PNR series 'Legatum' with a unique storyline and another plot on the side. Interesting characters (of course Morgan's an Alpha & Honey is a feisty woman as the H/h and provides lots of entertainment ;) Great descriptions and plenty of twists & turns, that will keep readers engaged! ... I was actually fortunate to be able to read this thru my Amazon KU, 3 month trial membership and can highly recommend this to all Adult fans of fiction. I look forward to reading more from this author :D

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Morgan’s and Honey’s story, Morgan is a wolf shifter he goes into a coffee shop where he see’s a girl hanging up a painting he checks her out he can’t keep his eyes off her. Honey left her abusive ex fiancé she’s made a new life for herself but one day her ex comes in and Honey is scared then Morgan walks in and he feels Honey’s fear he wants to protect her and rip Honey’s ex apart. There is so much going on in this story it’s quite a long one, my heart went out to Honey she went through so much psychological abuse with her ex but I’m glad that she had Morgan. Fantastic story and I recommend this book.

[A.J. Scudiere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book manages to be both steamy and well grounded. Quite a feat for a shifter romance! The main characters grab you right from the start and don't let go. The dial swings well between suspense and heat and paranormal happenings, with Sylvian managing to handle that world with easy grace. She'll make you look sideways at people as you walk down the street, wondering, "Are they?"
If you enjoy shifter romances, this is one to curl up with. Grab a glass of wine and settle in, you're in for a hell of a ride.

[Melissa Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm already missing this world! I got so caught up in it. I felt like I was sitting in the coffee shop where Honey worked, watching the story play out. The author paints the picture with imagery that puts you right in the middle of it. I love that you get the hero and heroine together on the page together a lot so their romance blooms authentically. Plenty of grins and giggles not only for the characters but for the reader! Sturdy story with complications to keep things interesting. I could feel the foundation being laid for a lengthy series, and I'm ready to settle into it!

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honey was in hiding from an abusive ex working as a barrister with benefits. Morgan was the alpha of his wolves and currently working in the field in the construction aspect where his expertise was needed. When he laid eyes on Honey he knew she was his fated. The road to convincing her and claiming Honey was filled with danger, fumbling, fun, love and a lot of understanding in this interesting and exciting love story.

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

[D.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Science and shifters are a great combo! I fell in love with Lulu's voice in The Twelve Strippers of Christmas, so naturally I had to grab a copy of Legatum Book 1! The worldbuilding and characterization are amazing, and her heroines kick as much ass as their heroes. And talk about red hot smoking romance? Swoon! You'll definitely want to check out this amazing new PNR series!

[Katherine Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, I loved the story and the characters. I have never read a shifter book where at least all the Alphas know each other. Using the science angle to explain about the shifting is new too. I really enjoyed the aura they used for mates in this book instead of smell like others I have read. This whole series is new and interesting in the telling.

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

Fantastic story! Characters that will steal your heart. A storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat and glued to your kindle! For me it was a love- hate deal as the characters face their demons. You will feel their emotions and struggles. A definite must read.

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

[Trinitysrain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This didn’t quite capture my attention for some reason, the characters didn’t ring true. Honey was lacking in development and I didn’t feel a true connection between them.
Might pick up the next just for a peek

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

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the story of Honey and Morgan. Their story will take you on a roller coaster ride. The story holds your attention, their chemistry is amazing. This was a great start to the series. Looking forward to see what comes next.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wolf and the Waitress

The characters of Morgan and Honey were well developed. I really liked their characters. My interest was captured throughout the story.

[Paul Bruce]

Great novel with an inside twist with Morgan, nicely written & had to keep picking the kindle up...

[Stephie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Werewolves, and vampires, and … shifty accountants, oh my! Protected is the first book in the Legatum series. It follows Morgan and Honey as they get to know each other and navigate the dark secrets that could tear them apart.

For everything this book promised, nothing happens. So many characters are introduced. So many plot points are dropped and just as it gets interesting the book ends. This enraged me. I did not like the FMC and her whinging. She experienced zero personal growth and still got everything she wanted. I enjoyed the MC and thought he deserved better than Honey. I enjoyed the science and the author clearly knows her humanities. But beyond that… literally nothing happens and the book ends leaving far too many questions unanswered.

Will I read the next in the series? I will. But if nothing happens and no questions are answered again, that's it for me

3 out of 5 stars
2 out of 5 spicy peppers
Memorable line: N/A
Read this if you like: Shifter, Paranormal romance, fated mates
F*ck appears: 9 times
Spicy chapters: ch. 17

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

freebie ride

I just finished this fast read, full of wolves, not werewolves, and other races. Surprised at how much I enjoyed it, to the point of wanting to know what happens further in the series. It was a full length novel, but didnt feel complete. Lots more could have been mentioned re main characters, and the family as a whole is huge and facing problems. At least 8 of the characters though had real personality facets that made me want to know more about them. There were too many ‘fat asses’ and double bed references, and some very unsmooth romance. Nasty characters, unknown enemies, and ancient sense of family. Quite an unusual first book.

[Kirsten Ensman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a good and interesting story

I enjoyed the story. I thought Honey was a superficial former model and all around typical to good for you woman. I didn't care for her much at all. I think Morgan deserved so much better than someone like her. I don't believe anything should be abused and I was glad that Brice got what he deserved in the end. I enjoyed Morgan's character but his sister Julia is a whole sinister issue. Morgan showed his weakness in signing over the company. The blip with the kidnapping was a bit odd and didn't really seem to fit in the story. My opinion is it could have been left out or needed more follow through.

[Birgit · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly likeable characters, though I did not take to whiny "I-am-trying-not-to-be-shallow" female protagonist who actually was. Shallow and superficial. A good plot. But I think somewhere along the lines, or pages, the characters stole it and ran away with it, divided it between them, and gave back a lot of little or not so little plots and side stories about themselves, making readers wonder "now what is this about?"
Sorry, not a narration style to my liking, but thank you to the author, for putting it out there for me to read. I am sorry I did not like it more.

[Jill K. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different take on shifters and fated mates than the stereotypical. It was enjoyable. If I had a complaint, it would be that I felt too much time was spent setting up the over arching story, even though it was already building in a much more subtle way, which I appreciated. The solution with the ex- seemed a little bit of a let-down. The FMC was a little wishy-washy, and definitely had some issues, while the MMC remained focused, even if his first, second, and even third impressions were not the most stellar.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

This plot has a whole mess of things going on in the background in terms of DNA & survival. While that goes on, we meet Honey who isn’t perfect but tries her best. Morgan isn’t your usual aggressive alpha. He is made to be so down to earth & easily liked. Their sweet romance has a bit of hard start which left me in laughter & feeling a bit sorry for them. Progressively they find their love & deal with issues in a slow sweet manner.

[Michelle David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing

An interesting and unusual world where vampires, daywalkers and shifters exist but are as yet unknown to must mundane humans. In this modern age of technology and genetic testing keeping their secrets is becoming increasingly difficult. I’m enjoying these characters and their world and looking forward to seeing how they manage to navigate their troubles and find happiness in their personal lives.

[BJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 46%. The story had so many hints, of complex back stories - that it all got in the way of the actual story. I tried to hard but it was tediously detailed. When the H was thinking about how to plan taking the h on lots of dates to build their relationship, well at 46% that was heck no for me - just get on with it!

[Marg Siegler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time trying to understand the DNA spefics.

I enjoyed the romantic storytale, but hated the time used to explain the DNA sequences. I believe most readers will not understand the lab references. I would have a hard time making myself follow this author and have decided not to follow the series.

[LoveRomance · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 24%, finished 6 chapters

Maybe others who finished and rated higher were more patient, but this was so boring. In and out of the café, what he ordered, what he ate, what he drank, when is she on break, what they ate, pages on belly dancing that did not move plot forward.

Disappointing and zero heat

[Erin Clancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I ever read by this author and I loved it. Interesting story line that's a different take than I had seen previously. Love the characters. All the good things a book should do make you smile, make you laugh, and make you feel.

[Jessie Shepps · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shifter romance

The book was well written and had an interesting plot. The main characters had great chemistry. However I could not stand the main female character. Beside how egotistical and materialistic the main character was, the rest of the story was enjoyable.