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Love is the last thing on my mind the night I meet Jade.
But with that beautiful smile and those endless curves, she’s got me instantly smitten.
Every fiber in my being wants to claim her.
Cherish her.
Make her mine forever.
But before that can happen, I need to be completely honest with her.
And that’s damn hard to do when you’ve promised to keep something a secret.

Dear Reader,
Ready for a fun, short romance packed with lots of heat and lots of sweet? This instalove novella can be read as a standalone, but it’s even better when enjoyed with the rest of the Claiming Her Heart series. If you love dirty-talking protective alphas, curvy heroines, and guaranteed happily ever afters, this series is for you!
xo,
Kate

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2020

233 people are currently reading
192 people want to read

About the author

Kate Hunt

121 books257 followers
Kate Hunt writes short, sweet, steamy romances. (And occasionally longer ones.) Happily ever afters guaranteed.

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5 stars
197 (43%)
4 stars
149 (32%)
3 stars
88 (19%)
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14 (3%)
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6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for ♡Tonya♡.
2,062 reviews568 followers
September 11, 2020
4 stars

Short, sweet and safe. My favorite things. I appreciate that the drama has nothing to do with ow/om So refreshing

-no cheating
-no ow/ om drama whatsoever
-no pushing away
-virgin heroine / no mention of hero’s past
-no violence
-epilogue
Profile Image for Nova.
2,710 reviews102 followers
July 26, 2020
I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

Jade wasn’t expecting to meet anyone the night she had to take her best friend to the ER as is apparent when she’s in her pj’s. But Duncan and her catch each other’s eye, she immediately puts him as out of her league, so after a brief chat he has to leave to check on his brother, so she shocked when he turns up at her work and asks her for a date. Could this be the man she’s been dreaming of?

Duncan was preoccupied the night that Jade walked in to the ER after his brother had been brought in but she catches his eye in a way he has never felt before. Knowing there was something special about her he decides to track her down and ask her on a date. Can Duncan make time in his life for her with all that is going on with his brother?

Short and quick read, didn’t grip me as most of this authors books do but I was routing for this couple. 3.8* Read.
Profile Image for Caarolinaaa.
74 reviews
April 6, 2023
I don’t have any feelings toward this novella.

But it was my fault; I was looking for a smutty novella, and I thought maybe this one was. By all means, look at the cover, and the description says: "Ready for a fun, short romance packed with lots of heat and lots of sweet?" I was expecting more.

The characters were cute, but I might have needed more chemistry. The story was just forgettable, good but not enough.

In one word: Meh

InstaLove + Age Gap + Strangers to Lovers

CW: Chronic illness (MMC's brother), kidney transplant
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,644 reviews
August 3, 2020
Quick fun romance about Jade and Duncan. Great story. Loved how they met and the way their relationship progressed. Loved the side characters in the story. It was a fun story to read and I can’t wait to read more of this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
629 reviews15 followers
July 24, 2020
Sweet story about a 20 something Made and 30 something Duncan. They meet at the ER and start talking while waiting. They start dating and fall in love pretty quickly.

The heat level for this short was 🔥🔥.
Profile Image for Sofie Sehested.
313 reviews9 followers
July 16, 2020
This was a really sweet and steamy romance and the two main characters Duncan and Jade were so wonderful together.

It is definitely an instalove romance which Kate Hunt writes so wonderfully that I can look past that.
Their meet cute is fantastic and funny at least on her side. The reason she ended in the hospital waiting room is so funny and embarrassing and I laughed out loud.
They kind of become each other’s protector and they help each other through some very hard times in their lives.
I really loved Duncan’s brother and Jade’s best friend Isla were so funny and chicky.
I can’t wait to see who the next book is about because I am definitely going to read it.

I can definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,752 reviews212 followers
July 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this novella. It was cute and sweet with some delicious heat and plenty of heart. After a chance encounter, Duncan finds Jade and asks her on their first date. The story advances at a good pace so events are spread out, giving it a more believable quality. The ending is really cute and "awww" worthy. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
11.7k reviews49 followers
July 18, 2020
Claimed my heart........

Protector is the first book in the Claiming Her Heart series and this one claimed my heart. It is a wonderfully written sweet and charming story with an engaging story-line that is filled with emotions.
Jade is twenty-three years old and works at the ring toss booth at the big amusement park by the beach. Her parents died when she was young so she was raised by her grandmother. Unfortunately she also passed a few years ago and now Jade is on her own. But she has her bestie Isla who looks out for her, well they are there for each other through thick and thin, including lost eggs and emergency room visits.
Duncan is thirty-five years old and is a lifeguard at the beach, starting when he was twenty. His younger brother Blake has a serious health condition so Duncan is always looking out for him also as their parents died several years ago. It is just the two of them but Duncan would like to have a family of his own if he meets the right woman.
Duncan and Jade meet late one night in the emergency room waiting lounge. Jade has driven Isla there when an adult toy she was testing, as she is is in marketing and the company is a new client, sort of got stuck. Duncan is there because Blake was not doing well and had to be taken in. As they both wait they spot each other and start checking each other out finally making eye contact and starting a conversation. When Duncan is called in by a nurse they say goodbye and she is gone when he leaves. But a few days later he saves her from an obnoxious young man at her booth and then shows his good heart when two young boys come to the booth and he shares his tokens with them ensuring they both walk away with a big stuffie. Let's just say that Duncan did it right there for me and also Jade. They go on a couple wonderful dates and so much more. But when Blake is taken into hospital and it is serious Jade discovers, by mistake, what is happening and she will not let Duncan go it alone. So she rushes to the hospital to be there as a support for Duncan and then goes above and beyond to ensure his heart stays whole.

Kate Hunt has really won the biggest stuffie with this book. It grabbed me from the beginning and kept me riveted until the end. Both Blake and Jade are wonderfully written and developed, both doing anything they can for each other without expecting anything in return. Isla had me laughing so hard every time she showed up and Blake pulled at my heartstrings with his humor in the face of his mortality. This story-line took me from one extreme to the other with emotions, shedding a few tears along the way. The Epilogue is sweet and the perfect delicious happiness that made me smile. I can't wait to read the next in this series. Definite Recommend Read!!!
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,306 reviews70 followers
July 29, 2020
Jade gets a call from her friend that she needs a ride to the emergency room. So Jade rushes to her friend's place without even changing from her pajamas and gets her to the hospital. While in the waiting room she sees a sexy man and starts looking at him out of the corner of her eye. When they both get caught staring at each other they introduce themselves and learn they are waiting for other people. She tells Duncan about her life and where she works but they are interrupted when he needs to go see to his brother. When she is at work she never expected to see Duncan but is happy to see him. Duncan couldn't stop thinking about Jade so he went to find her at her work. They started dating and she unintentionally learns what's wrong with his brother. Will they be able to be together with how sick his brother is? Can Jade show Duncan she can be a support to them?

This is an amazing story that will hook you from the first page. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,512 reviews4 followers
July 13, 2020
I loved this story. The author sure knows how to pen a fabulous read!

Jade is sitting at home one night when she gets an alarming call from her best friend, begging her to drive her to the hospital as she's had an "accident".

When they arrive, her bestie is taken off for treatment. Whilst sat in the waiting room, she spies a really hot guy sitting a few chairs down & can't stop side-eyeing him!

Duncan is in the hospital waiting room awaiting news about his brother, who is really sick. Whilst looking around, he notices Jade & instantly feels attracted to her.

He speaks to her, briefly, before being whisked away to see his brother, but he notes little things about Jade to follow up their conversation.

What ensues is a beautiful, heart-warming story that really gripped me. I was completely enthralled from the first page to the last.

Well done Kate. I certainly need more & soon!
Profile Image for Lauren.
6,131 reviews57 followers
November 8, 2020
First things first; I love the cover of this book!
Protector is book one in the ‘’claiming her heart’’ series. This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. When Jade takes her best friend to the ER, she never expects to meet her future husband. From the moment Jade and Duncan meet, sparks fly.
The chemistry between Duncan and Jade is clear to see and I liked them together. I thought they made a cute couple. I had predicted Jade would do what she did for Blake but I was glad she did.
I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series. I seriously hope we get Blake’s story. I also want Isla to have a story.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews362 followers
July 17, 2020
This was a really sweet and loving story. Jade and Duncan are both caring and giving type people who put others first. Jade’s friend calls her for help to take her to the ER after an accident. Jade doesn’t hesitate to help her friend. Duncan was in the ER waiting room for the report on his younger brother whom he has been caring for through a serious kidney condition.

When Duncan cannot get Jade out of his head, he finally asks her out. The two of them are so good together. Their kindness toward others makes them very special and draws them together where they end up helping each other through more of the tough times.

This is a very compelling story that will make you really feel the characters’ emotions and will involve you even deeper in the story line. Grab your copy and see what happens with these amazing characters.
715 reviews5 followers
July 16, 2020
Jade, 23, works at a game at an amusement park and has dreams about a future husband. When she has to take her friend to the ER she meets Duncan in the waiting room. Duncan,35, is a well built, handsome lifeguard who is at the hospital with his brother who is gravely ill with kidney disease. Two days later Duncan goes to see Jade and saves her from an unruly customer. They enjoy some fun dates and they become closer and Jade sees Duncan rescue a drowning boy. Will Duncan’s brother recover? Will Jade and Duncan’s relationship lead to true love and a HEA.

I enjoyed this short instalove story. The book was well written and fun to read. I especially enjoyed both epilogues.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charmaine Nouwen.
5,468 reviews23 followers
July 18, 2020
Protector: A BBW Romance by Kate Hunt is Duncan and Jade story. a quick,fun sexy and lots of steam intslove romance story..They met in the hospital lobby when Jade brought her friend in the emergency room and Duncan for his brothers treatment from that moment they know they have a strong attraction and chemistry,Duncan works as a lifeguard and Jade is a sweet and curvy and works in an amusement park.When duncan visited Jade at her work and saw a customer accosting her and he rescue her and vice versa whe Jade help his brother for donating her kidney. a heartfelt,beautiful and amazing story that you will love,well done!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rose.
2,725 reviews26 followers
July 23, 2020
I liked this story a lot. It was entertaining and enjoyable. There are a lot of feels with this story as well. I cracked up more than once while reading this story. The characters were interesting and likable. Isla is a great, over the top friend who sounds like a lot of fun. Duncan was wonderful and extra hot since he was a Lifeguard. He was so sweet and caring but also very confident and self-assured. Jade impressed me with how selfless she was. I loved the interactions between the characters. Duncan and Jade complemented each other well. Duncan and Jade had a superb happy ever after that made me smile. I recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
406 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2020
Kate Hunt has become one of my must read authors and this book is one of the reasons. I really enjoy a short story when I don't have a lot of reading time and Ms. Hunt has a way of story telling that just draws you into her stories. And her characters are lovable and you can't help cheer for them to have their happily ever after. Duncan and Jade's story is one about finding your soul mate and learning to trust them with all you secrets. This story has everything that you could want in a book; action, drama, comedy and hot romance. It you are looking for a delightfully fantastic book you don't want to miss this one!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ziyuan ʚɞ Reads Dark Smut..
1,034 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2022
Jade and Duncan. Really sweet hero and wonderful heroine.

“I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but I can’t find a single flaw in you. You’re caring. You’re handsome. You’re so sweet to me. You’re selfless. You even save lives, for God’s sake…” 

I realize that I’m rambling, and I’m probably scaring him off, but I can’t stop the torrent of words.

“I’ve never been treated so well. You respect me in ways no one else has. I bet you’re even perfect in bed.”

Oh, God. Did I seriously just say that out loud?
I can’t even look Duncan in the eye.

The sound of his gentle laughter filters into my ears.


☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻It was adorable 🤣🤣🤣

The storyline was easily to guess but it was really sweet!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez .
1,598 reviews477 followers
April 24, 2024
DNF; smexy times ruined with rubbers

Ughhhh, it was going soooo well!

And then it was ruined!

Condoms in a supposedly steamy romance??!? I hate condom use in a romance—it destroys the intimacy, ruins the intensity of their connection, severs the sense of oneness between the MCs by placing a literal physical barrier between them. It’s not sexy, it’s not romantic. It also implies lack of commitment as well as a lack of trust.

Unfortunately when we get to the smexy times in this book, a condom was whipped out, so I immediately DNF’ed. Not gonna lie, when it comes to insta love quickie romance, I’m here for the heart AND the heat and if you can’t bring the heat, what’s the point of wasting any more time? Life is too short sucky, emotionless sex scenes.
908 reviews6 followers
July 17, 2020
Very aptly named! Duncan is the epitome of a protector - he's a lifeguard in his professional life, he watches over his brother's failing health as much as he is allowed, and upon meeting Jade, Duncan immediately wants to shield her as well. Learning to lean on Jade is his biggest challenge. Jade is sweet, loving, fun, and stronger than she appears. She is the perfect compliment to Duncan. Low on drama and angst, just fun and sexy and heartwarming, with amazing chemistry between Duncan and Jade. Great for a quick afternoon read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,750 reviews8 followers
July 18, 2020
WOW – Protector or Protectee? This is a short and sweet story of love and protectiveness. This is about Jade and Duncan. The way they meet is too funny in itself. After they meet, he ends up looking for her at her job and comes to the rescue. He is very protective of her and his brother Blake. They get to know each other better and later she discovers something that Duncan has been keeping a secret and figures a way to help him best. The story is very touching and may cause a few tears to drop, but overall it was great. The story takes off when they goes to see her at her job….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sassy Angel.
2,936 reviews
July 19, 2020
This is a great sweet story! I love reading anything by this author. Her stories are always so wonderful. I loved Jade and Duncan.

Jade meets Duncan in the hospital waiting room. He is there for his brother and she is helping out a friend. He shows up at her game stand the next day. They hit it off in the waiting room and it just continues. They soon fall in love but he is keeping something from her. When his brother's condition gets worse, Jade figures out what is going on. Will they be able to survive this secret and get their happily ever after?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for A-reader.
1,598 reviews50 followers
July 21, 2020
Duncan meets Jade for the first time in an emergency waiting room. Duncan’s brother Blake, is suffering from kidney failure and is having a bad night, Jade’s friend has an adult toy in her that she can’t get out by herself. The two start to talk and then Duncan us called back to see his brother. They meet again when Jade is at work, she is carnival game operator. Duncan saves her from a bully who wants a prize. The two start dating and then things get serious with his brother. But because Blake does not like to talk about his illness Duncan keeps Jade in the dark about it. When she finds out about his illness, she gets tested and matches to give Blake her kidney. Everything goes well and they get their hea. Two epilogues, six months and five years later with a child.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Beverly McCall.
Author 2 books28 followers
September 21, 2021
Protector is the first book in Kate Hunt’s Claiming Her Heart series. Readers meet Jade and Duncan in this sweet romance with a few steamy bedroom scenes. She works in an arcade game at the amusement park. He is a veteran lifeguard at the beach. They meet by chance in the emergency room. It does not take long before they are dating. You must read this book to follow their romantic journey. It is evident the two lead characters have a definite chemistry between them. Ms. Hunt's plot line is well thought out and allows readers to witness how they evolve. She uses dialog and a dual point of view to build a palpable romantic tension. This was a delightful read.
1,509 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2020
Started laughing first chapter. Jade is in a job she's not thrilled with but every night she dreams of a man but can't see his face. When Jades friend needs to go the ER, Jade sees a man that is gorgeous. They have a conversation and things go well. While Jade is at work, Duncan the man she met in the ER shows up.
Duncan is a life guard but he also takes care of his brother who has serious health problems. Duncan is a protector of his brother and wants to be the protector of Jade as well

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alicia Andrews.
373 reviews4 followers
July 13, 2020
This story was absolutely adorable. A shy BBW female that has some insecurity issues meets up with super sexy lifeguard and it just takes off. This story has many turn of events, some situations happen and they do not give up on each other. I recommend this to anyone looking for a few laughs, a quick read and insta-love!

For a full review you can check out my blog https://darkloveromance.weebly.com/ar...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for adina willis.
2,032 reviews12 followers
July 14, 2020
Jade has to take her friend to the hospital. Duncan has to take his brother to the hospital. The two meet each other in the ER. They meet up a few days later at her job. Duncan is hesitant to get to serious with Jade because of his brother, Blake. This is a short sweet story about love, happiness, and not giving up. The author does a good job of balancing the personal and professional aspects of a new relationship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,098 reviews23 followers
July 15, 2020
Duncan and Jade meet unexpectedly in a waiting room and are drawn to one another immediately. Their chemistry simmers slowly. They have each felt loss. They enjoy each other and strike up a friendship. Duncan takes care of his brother so sometimes he has to come first in their relationship. This sweet story, while full of passion also shows us the sadness that life sometimes gives us. This is well written with great characters and a deep, meaningful story line. 4.5 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews76 followers
July 15, 2020
This new series has started off leaving me with an aww feeling that warms my heart.

Jade and Duncan are really amazing and inspiring characters. The are both kind, caring, loving and have huge hearts. Jade meets Duncan in the ER, when she brought her friend in. Duncan their as he has been taking care of his brother. Their relationship is more than heat and passion, it is true love for each other and those around them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,228 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2020
Jade has a reoccurring dream about a man walking toward her but she can’t see his face. An unexpected visit to the ER has Jade coming in contact with Duncan. Duncan is there with his brother who is ill. Duncan feels an attraction to Jade. This is a heartwarming story about unexpected surprises, tenderness, family, and romance. It is a great story with heartwarming characters and a great storyline. I enjoyed it very much and I think you will too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,553 reviews52 followers
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July 12, 2020
Such a sweet story! Jade and Duncan meet at the hospital and there is insta-attraction (and instalove). Duncan finds Jade a couple of days later, and it becomes a sweet romance. Along the way, they deal with family issues and see the strength of friendships. A very enjoyable short and steamy read!

I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
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