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Who killed the serial killer?

All Poppy Deveraux wants to do is bury her parents and get out of the town where she suffered through a horrendous ordeal. Unfortunately that plan is derailed when she finds herself at the centre of a police investigation. The sexy cop working the case makes her want to break her own rule and let things get serious, but as soon as she is allowed she's leaving town with no plans to return, so what's the point in falling in love?

Detective Beau Caldwell is attracted to Poppy from the second he lays eyes on her, but she's involved in his case and it isn't wise to mix business with pleasure. Doesn't stop him falling for the beautiful woman he'd like to have a future with, but as soon as she can Poppy is leaving and she's never coming back. Is it worth risking his heart on the off chance things might work out the way he wants or can he learn to live in the moment and let what happens happen?

Jane Blythe’s Protect is an emotional, action-packed romantic suspense written in K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes Worlds project.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2021

24 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

Jane Blythe

119 books1,367 followers
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USA Today bestselling author Jane Blythe writes action-packed romantic suspense and military romance featuring protective heroes and heroines who are survivors. One of Jane's most popular series includes Prey Security, part of Susan Stoker's OPERATION ALPHA world! Writing in that world alongside authors such as Janie Crouch and Riley Edwards has been a blast, and she looks forward to bringing more books to this genre, both within and outside of Stoker's world. When Jane isn't binge-reading she's counting down to Christmas and adding to her 200+ teddy bear collection!

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5 stars
67 (52%)
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35 (27%)
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21 (16%)
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3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa Borsey.
1,894 reviews37 followers
February 23, 2021
I loved this book! The story is a great romance in the making and a very interesting murder mystery. After attending the funeral of her parents, Poppy comes across an accident scene on the highway and finds a dead male in a car. This man turns out to have been a highly sought after serial killer. Now Poppy isinglass the middle of a police investigation and trying hard not to fall for the Detective who was first on the scene. Highly recommend this addictive book!
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,333 reviews167 followers
July 3, 2021
Protect by Jane Blythe seemed different to me than the novels she usually writes. It took me a while to figure out why. I think it’s because it wasn’t as dark and disturbing as most of her work I have read. The darker, the better for me. This seemed a cross between a cozy mystery and romantic suspense, more on the lighter side.

Poppy is the receptionist and office manager for the police department. She is a fabulous character and carries the novel, keeping me hoping for a happy ever after for her.

Detective Beau Caldwell was driving home when he saw a car on the side of the road. Something seemed very wrong.

Poppy had been coming home from her parents funeral and stopped when she saw a wrecked car. She quickly becomes a suspect in the death of the serial killer when she is found bending over his dead body by Beau. I didn’t see that coming, but Jane Blythe is good at throwing book surprises at me.

Do you believe in Fate? Events make Poppy consider it.

Have you ever played Strip Beetle? Why not let Poppy teach you the rules?

Beau is a detail man, while Poppy lets her heart lead the way. I do love that there was not a lot of push/pull in their ‘relationship’ and Poppy is not the type to get all angsty. about things. She is sensible and understanding.

I figured out the culprit pretty quick, but the route we took to the end was frightening and suspenseful, with some twists and turns and bullets flying, keeping me on my toes.

There were a couple of bumps and moments when I had to stop and think, feeling like I was filling in the blanks. That is unusual for a Jane Blythe novel, but I loved Poppy and the last of the book saved it.

“They did so much for me it seems disrespectful to not honor their memory by trying to live my best life.” That sums up Poppy.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Protect by Jane Blythe.

See more at fundinmental
Profile Image for Marnie.
1,292 reviews30 followers
March 11, 2021
A hero to protect her.

Author Jane Blythe always manages to put together a solid suspense reminiscent of the TV programs that I’ve long admired – Criminal Minds, and for some older readers like myself, Taggart or Dalziel and Pascoe. The psychology of the twisted criminal is her playground and us readers are her eager audience, and although Protect was a little on the lighter side of what I’ve read from her before, I can imagine that some of the victims in this book might disagree!!!!

As for the romance side, in my mind, author Jane Blythe most certainly wrote the perfect hero in Detective Beau Caldwell. He was patient, understanding, tenacious and best of all, have you checked out that cover???? Now I’m not one to judge a book by its cover, but wow, given the eye candy provided by Ms Blythe, I was all for our heroine Poppy Devereaux giving him ALL the chances to be her protector, but for the life of me I couldn’t understand why she would be needing one.

She was strong and sassy, even though she’d recently suffered the death of her parents in a car accident, and I absolutely admired her. Even more so as I started to find out more about her past.

Sure, she did fit the demographic of the serial killer’s type, but it was other people connected to the case who’d started dropping like flies, so I was all kinds of intrigued. Even though life did all the usual, I still managed to get this book read and reviewed in under a day because, well I had to!! Hello, solid romantic suspense and I needed answers!!!

And answers were what I got. Ones that made me very happy to have read this 5 star book, and easily recommend to everyone else. Read it for yourself! 🛡❃
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,157 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2021
Poppy Deveraux has just buried her parents after the three of them were in a car accident and when she drives by a car accident on the side of the road all she wants to do is try and save the driver. Unfortunately now she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation and stuck in a town that she doesn't want to be in.

Detective Beau Caldwell is attracted to Poppy the moment he sees her but he knows he can't mix business and pleasure. The man Poppy stumbled upon is well known to police and now Beau is worried that someone else could have seen Poppy at the scene and she could be in danger.

As Beau and his partner, Grant, begin to research the case they wonder if there is a chance that there could be a link to Poppy. Beau also knows he is becoming very attached to Poppy but can he afford to get attached when it's clear all she wants to do is return home?

This was a great read and I am really enjoying this series so far.

I really liked Poppy and my heart broke for her in that she had just buried her parents and now was stuck in the middle of a murder investigation. All she wanted to do was return home but until it was clear that she wasn't involved or was in danger she had to remain in town. Yet I really liked how Poppy formed a friendship with Emerson and learned to skydive and find some freedom in that.

Beau was a hard working detective but initially he was concerned that Poppy could be involved, especially when he discovered who the victim was. Yet he couldn't deny his attraction to Poppy and how much he wanted to get to know her and was walking a fine line between professional and personal.

There was so much chemistry between Poppy and Beau but she really wanted to return home when the case was over and Beau was afraid of getting attached to Poppy and then have her leave,

The case itself was interesting but I knew that there was no way Sheridan did what it appeared especially after what had happened. I actually guessed what was going on half way through the book but I was still super excited on how it was going to all play out.

Towards the end there was a jaw dropping moment and I was absolutely shocked on how it all played out!! OMG!!! I couldn't believe how close Beau was - jaw dropped!

I was so proud of Poppy for never giving up but she must have been so devastated for what happened on the road. I was so happy that Beau and Grant were able to get where they needed to with some help that was overdue.

The end made me so happy with Beau's decision!! I can't wait to see where the series goes back in River's Edge.
2,311 reviews92 followers
March 7, 2021
In this Everyday Heroes World story Beau was the male lead, as a detective in Sunnyville and where he met the female lead, Poppy. I liked both characters immediately and could feel a rapport with them. Poppy was such a strong young woman even though she had a rocky road to travel. I enjoyed how upbeat and full of energy she was, unafraid to adventure into new things. Beau was an absolute honey, he was serious at times but again this was a consequence of his past. They were both very compatible in every way, except geographically. Their intimacy was super charged and explosive.

The mystery in the story really intrigued me and I was fully invested in finding out who the perpetrator was and why! I was hooked by the storyline from the beginning and honestly found it extremely entertaining until the very last word. Mind you I was also sitting on the edge of my sit too! The Insta romance was just as enjoyable and swoon worthy.

This author knows how to describe scenes to build tension, or any other emotion, and makes you feel like you’re participating in the story. I loved how there was a tie up to her other series, River’s End Rescues with Abe and Meadow, yet you don’t need to have read it to enjoy this book. Another circle, which was closed in the story, concerned Beau and it was cleverly done too.

I wholeheartedly recommend this story to everyone!
Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
1,958 reviews22 followers
March 13, 2021
This was another fabulous book in a truly amazing series by Jane Blythe. I constantly found myself biting my nails throughout this book. Poppy and Beau meet when Poppy stops to help a car accident victim. Beau, a police detective, sees the accident and also stops to help. As the series of events unravel before our very eyes we are faced with a dead serial killer and people mysteriously dying. As we learn more about Poppy and Beau’s pasts we are truly heartbroken by all the tragedy that has befallen them and their respective families. There is an instant attraction between our two main characters who are both very strong and have had to sacrifice things in their lives to be where they are. Beau becomes very protective of Poppy when he suspects she might be in danger and soon a relationship has commenced between them. Well written with an interesting plot and lots of detail to provide us with a book full of suspense and drama but also some lighthearted moments. I have loved reading all of Jane Blythe’s books and this was truly no exception. I was surprised with a massive twist that had left me with goosebumps and gasping out loud on a couple of occasions. Congratulations to Jane Blythe on another success. I look forward to reading more in this series and hopefully more of these wonderful characters.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Christina.
512 reviews4 followers
March 8, 2021
3.5 stars
I will preface my favorite love stories are dark and dirty, gritty, full of angst and alpha males. This, for me, was a little too soft from what I personally like.

This was a unique idea and had all the things for such an amazing story. I mean, really who wouldn't be intrigued by a serial killer being killed with no leads or too many leads depending on how and who is looking at it.

My preference SHOULD NOT detract from the story and the way the author was able to write well liked characters and a believable setting.

Poppy was a fun character to watch and see grow into herself after suffering a horrible tragedy. Beau had a seemingly quiet likability about him. He was patient and kind, and had also been working through his own personal issues. Together they work and fit in a way that didn't feel forced. The connection between the characters was well developed despite it being a short time frame within the story. I was sightly disappointed with the love scenes as they were very short and not as developed as some of the other scenes within the story. This doesn't take away from the overall plot, but leaves a lacking feeling with some of the chemistry.

Overall this was excellent. I have not read another story like this and was genuinely invested to see if my guess was correct on who killed the killer.
3,426 reviews20 followers
March 9, 2021
Poppy & Beau

It was hard enough to bury both of her parents let alone to have to remain in a place she never wanted to see again where memories are nightmares. A good samaritan effort to help another auto accident victim changed her plans. He wasn't an accident victim but a serial killer murdered. Was she involved?

The police need her to stay around until they do more investigation. The fact that one of the detectives is attracted to her can't have anything to do with it. They shouldn't get involved, with the case, because she is leaving as soon as they allow it. Yet, their feelings win out. Is there any chance for a future together? Their homes are across the nation.

While they decide if they want to take a chance they do. At least temporarily. Steam galore. New friends and new experiences. It is a wonderful place--if only...

Will danger and their past keep them from a future together. Will the crimes happening now put her in danger? Will she be the next murder victim?

Lots of action, wonderful characters old and new, steam, and a storyline to keep making the reader turn the pages.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On

Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews187 followers
March 11, 2021
There's nothing that I've read by this awesome author that I haven't loved, and Protect is absolutely no exception. She totally writes suspense quite well, with heroines who I love & the fierce but sexy heroes to fall for along the way. Poppy wants to get out of the town which has caused her so much pain after burying her parents, but things take a turn when she comes across a dead man in a vehicle. Turns out that man is an infamous serial killer who the cops couldn't catch but apparently, someone has. Now Poppy is right smack dab in the middle of this investigation, and the Detective on the case is very sexy which could be a complication. Detective Beau Caldwell feels the sparks with Poppy the moment he comes face to face with her, but since he's the lead on this investigation, he needs to keep it professional. And she's not about to stay around when everything is wrapped up, so will they be able to stop the catching of feelings?! And most of all, WHO KILLED THE SERIAL KILLER?! You know what to do to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for One Loves Reading .
1,176 reviews28 followers
March 11, 2021
This is a suspense love story that starts with a car crash and there is more to the incident. My heart when for Poppy cause she lost her parents who were the certain of her World. They protected her from a monster and found her a second family. Blood does not make a family and I love her brothers. They are not blood but they have a bro & sis bound 🥰

Beau is the officer that stopped at the scene of the crash. He has such a big heart and loyal. He is a big brother and he is a protective brother & son. I love his friendship with his partner their banter was so good

Poppy & Beau it is a sweet story and they have a lot of cute moments. Running in the rain and family & friends parties. Their love just seemed natural to me and the suspense of the murder case...

She finally got the courage to tell her story then...

☆MUST READ☆
I can wait for the next "An Everyday Heroes World Novel" so far I have read 2 and I loved both. Each book is by a different author
Profile Image for Cynthia Carpenter.
1,678 reviews16 followers
March 11, 2021
Poppy and Beau pull you right in and keep you glued to your seat wanting find out what is gonna happen. With each page something new is shown and you won't believe what you read. Poppy has troubled past that nobody knows about but with each passing day the person has been trying to find her. Beau also has a hard past bit as a detective, he is working a case that slowly unfolds and brings Poppy's past to the present. Will they be able to figure it all out before things get out of hand or will things escalate before they figure it out? This book has everything and so much more. It will pull all your feeling and emotions out and with all the suspense you won't be disappointed. I laughed, cried, and didn't want this book to end. Another amazing read that will keep you coming back for more. Can't wait to read what this author has next.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,333 reviews20 followers
March 11, 2021
Poppy has just lost her parents, the people who have loved her unconditionally and who will be forever missed. When she comes upon an accident she can't help but try to save the person's life. When she meets Beau her life is about to change and it's a doozy. Beau is a cop in Sunnyville that protects everyone. When he comes upon a woman trying to save someone already gone, well both their lives will change. Now someone is picking up the pieces and making more work for Beau and Grant to solve cases. His feeling for Poppy is growing and vise versa, but she's not staying. Now her life is in danger and he needs to save her before it's too late. This story will definitely be a trigger so please make sure to read the warning, but for me, it was a story about survival and love, hope, and happiness. This book was amazing.
2,113 reviews31 followers
February 26, 2021
Poppy is a sweetheart and finds herself in a predicament when she stops to help someone in need. Little did she know how making this stop would change her life. When Beau finds her giving CPR to the victim, it’s when he sees who the man is that has him questioning what Poppy has to do with what happened to him. The chemistry between them is off the charts, but mixing business with pleasure is a no no and the fact she will be leaving to head home. Poppy is suppressing something and it keeps coming back to haunt her, but all she wants to do is move on with her life, but they are both becoming attached to each other, will they be able to walk away? Are Poppy’s dreams becoming more real than she anticipated? Great read, I really enjoyed their story.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.3k reviews256 followers
March 10, 2021
This story is an amazing addition to this awesome series and is Beau and Poppy’s story. After burying her parents all Poppy wants to do is leave town and start afresh, but when she comes across an accident scene with a dead male in the car, who is identified as a serial killer, she finds herself stuck in town as she is now in the centre of a police investigation. Beau is the sexy detective who is investigating the crime with his partner, and he is drawn to Poppy and is worried that she is now in danger, and he will protect her no matter what. This is a well written flawless story which is action packed, emotional, and with suspense and danger which had me on tenterhooks throughout. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,321 reviews53 followers
March 11, 2021
Extenuating circumstances?

Poppy's past is horrific and the grief she is still feeling is making the past haunt her more, with sickening acts being performed before victims are murdered this book could have been lost to darkness and depravity. But Poppy and Beau bring a chemistry that instantly lifts the book with hope, laughter and beautiful memories.
I did have a strong suspicion very early on who was behind the murder and why, although when we finally get to hear his thought process and he lets slip numbers the horror will freeze the air in your lungs...depraved does not even begin to cover it!
Filled with danger, despair, twists, turns and intrigue you will quickly find yourself lost in Poppy and Beau's journey.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Sandie Chraponski.
1,772 reviews18 followers
March 4, 2021
I loved this book! Jane Blythe writes good romantic suspense and I’m here for it!

Poppy is a strong yet fractured character who was just trying to get home from her parents funeral when she spotted a car off the road, what she didn’t know was how much her life was going to be affected by her stopping to help. Beau is a by the book kind of guy, every check must balance but his life was about to be turned upside down.

With some suspense, relationship development and a little bit of steam Jane has given us a great way to spend an afternoon plus she’s given us a great addition to the Everyday Hero part of the KBWorld.

Do not miss out on this one! It was one of my favorites!
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,354 reviews145 followers
March 10, 2021
I think it goes without saying now that I love any book this author writes. In my eyes I think it's impossible for her to write a bad book.
This book was certainly no exception.
I love how she's taking part in many different worlds that talented authors are co writing in as hopefully this means more readers will find and fall in love with her as much as I do.
The characters and plot in this book will keep you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover, and there are a few side characters that definitely endeared themselves to me too.
Hope to see more of them in the future, not just the Rivers End bunch.
A must click for all.
Profile Image for Gemma Crouch.
409 reviews4 followers
March 10, 2021
I loved the characters in this story and enjoyed the instant connections. Beau a protector by nature always putting others first and bubbly Poppy who has strength in abundance despite past experiences and trauma.

There are some great lines used by Poppy that I liked in this book including 'It was only water, and she wasn’t made of sugar so she wasn’t going to melt'....(I will be using this one on my children when it rains!)

Personally I guessed the mystery fairly soon in the book so it wasn't a shock or twist for me. This would prevent me rating this book any higher than 3.5 stars.

I received an ARC of this and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Amber - TBR Book Blog.
1,240 reviews46 followers
March 11, 2021
Holy wow was I not expecting this! While it was a little slow-going (for me) in the beginning, it definitely had me sucked in very quickly!

Poppy is such a great character who you can tell has lived through some tragedies. Her story just breaks your heart. And Beau was the perfect person to be her hero. He has been a protector for years and something in Poppy brings out the protector in him.

Beau and Poppy both have had some sad times in their lives and horrific events. They both bring some baggage to this relationship. Much as they both start to fight off a relationship.

Jane Blythe is a new author to me so this was a great introduction that I will add to my rotation.
Profile Image for Crystal's Book World ~ Crystal Cordova.
1,782 reviews27 followers
March 17, 2021
BRVW

I have been a fan of Jane Blythe's writing for a very long time. I wondered what her writing would be like in The Everyday Heroes World aaaaannnnnddddd.... Its perfect! You still get the same signature Jane writing and so much more!

The suspense had me from the get go. The hairs on my arms stand up in some parts. I just loved it all. The characters are hard not to fall for and when I got to the end, I only wished I had more to read! Great story by a wonderful author! #BookRec2021
Profile Image for Zoey Day.
271 reviews7 followers
April 5, 2023
Protect (Everyday Heroes):

I have to start by saying I read this book with the dates in the book! Starting March 21st ending April 3rd
The chapter helped to explain Poppy and her feelings a bit. Beau seems like an amazing guy!  Oh wow.. finding out something happened to Poppy made we want to know more. Oh wow learning more about Beau while watching the both of them get closer. Beau's sister Jill is funny! I love her. Oh yay! I'm glad they are giving each other a chance!  Beau is so sweet to Poppy. I really enjoyed how everyone around Beau and Poppy were trying to help them stay together. Holy crap poor Poppy! At least Beau got to her and made sure she was safe! Oh my gosh!! He is moving for her! I want more of them!! I loved this!!
1,253 reviews18 followers
March 1, 2021
WOW!! What a fantastic book. Beau and Poppy had quite the story. What a wonderful couple. They both had history that they had to deal with although Poppy had a that she was afraid that if Beau found out it would cost her their relationship, so could she have faith in him to tell him or not. Wow what a rollercoaster ride of suspense, heartbreak, fiery chemistry and love. This book had it all. This author loves to play with your emotions and definitely does it well. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kylee.
3,020 reviews58 followers
March 10, 2021
Protect is an intense suspense filled romance intertwined with the Everyday Hero World. Poppy and Beau's story has you on the edge of your seat and filled with anticipation. A story that takes you on a journey of secrets, revelations and acceptance. Beau is sworn to protect but when he stumbles across Poppy the reason to protect becomes something deep within. Theirs is not an easy path to forever but it is worth the fight. A passionate, emotional, heart pounding story that ticks all the boxes.
Profile Image for Marie Evans.
571 reviews27 followers
March 11, 2021
Poppy and Beau were so good together! They each have things in their past that need healing. He is a true hero in every sense of the world, while Poppy is a fighter who doesn’t let hope become lost in all the blows she has been dealt. I am in absolute awe of the talent that Jane continues to share with us readers as she weaves such amazing stories! If you want a book that will hook you from the first chapter with a combination of suspense, action, relatable characters, and love, then you need to read this! Highly recommended!!!
Profile Image for Leanne.
759 reviews19 followers
March 10, 2021
Beautifully written and expertly woven this book gave me everything I needed from a romantic suspense. It's action packed to keep you on the edge of your seat the entire book with twists and turns that truly made this a unique read. The chemistry between Poppy and Beau was perfect and each have past experiences to overcome, but together they have the potential to be something quite special. I highly recommend picking this book up because it's one you won't be able to put down.
2,708 reviews25 followers
January 18, 2021
4*
Poppy was heading home to rivers end when she came across a car accident.
Beau is first to see Poppy performing cpr on an injured motorist, turns out it's Tommy Drisdale he's been shot.
Little do they both know that life is going to get harder for Poppy and her past maybe catching up with her, but why now?
Nice story
Profile Image for Ashleigh Christou.
224 reviews19 followers
January 30, 2021
Another great read from this author. It gets you thinking, trying to figure out who this serial killer could possibly be and twists? Wow does it have some good ones! I loved Poppy and Beau, both sweet, strong minded and funny, you can’t help but get invested in their story. Can they overcome all the obstacles to be together or will the past or the killer get to them first? Awesome read.
2,044 reviews7 followers
March 4, 2021
Wow, this book kept me on my toes. I couldn't work out what would happen in this book. I couldn't put this book down once started.

I loved Beau and Poppy together, they may of met under weird circumstances. But you could see the instant attraction. Beau had protective instincts for Poppy straight away. I loved when they finally both give in.

I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Melissa.
953 reviews
March 10, 2021
I loved this book. Sunnyville is a town where people cared about one other. I loved the drama, suspense, and romance. I need to read another book from the everyday heroes World Series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
March 11, 2021
Beau and Poppys story had me hooked. I loved the suspense and mystery that’s always in Janes books. Poppy and Beau both have secrets and sadness in the lives but Poppy’s is much worse, she’s been through s much but in a way she doesn’t let it define her and she keeps it moving but in Beaus case if and when he finds out it may blow the roof off there relationship. Loved these two together!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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