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In Need of Protection

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In order to get the baby

they’ll have to get through
him first…

A ruthless escaped convict will do anything to abduct his baby girl, and it’s US deputy marshal Ethan Ridgeway’s duty to protect the infant and her new guardian, Lara Werth. But as they flee from hired gunmen, Ethan must avoid falling for Lara and little Maisy. Because shielding the pair who are slowly capturing his heart might be Ethan’s hardest assignment yet…

From Harlequin Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

91 people are currently reading
116 people want to read

About the author

Jill Elizabeth Nelson

70 books59 followers
Jill Elizabeth Nelson writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth. Jill speaks regularly at conferences, writer’s groups, library associations, and civic and church groups. When teaching classes for writers, she thrills to bring the Ahah! moment to her students as they make a new skill their own. Jill and her husband live in rural Minnesota where they raised four children.

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5 stars
234 (66%)
4 stars
81 (22%)
3 stars
32 (9%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,821 reviews1,436 followers
April 23, 2021
3.5 stars

I really liked the plot, but the short form ended up squeezing the bad guys into a very unlikely chain of actions that made it feel less realistic. I really enjoyed Maisy but the hero’s actions and speech didn’t seem as well-developed.

Overall, a good diversion with a cute baby.
Profile Image for Jo-Anne.
1,754 reviews39 followers
May 29, 2022
The danger was realistic enough to keep me on the edge of my seat and I loved the characters. Who wouldn't love a baby even if it was left with you without any warning? Ethan was incredibly sweet and Lara was determined in her efforts to protect the baby (Maisy), all the while struggling with having strong feelings for Ethan. There was suspense and action from the very beginning to the end. I loved Ethan and that he didn't hesitate to risk his life to make sure that Lara and Maisy would be safe.

Fans of romantic suspense will love this book.
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books21 followers
March 12, 2021
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, In Need of Protection. I really enjoy Jill's books and this was no exception. It's well written, action packed and full of faith. I know you are going to love it.

Lara Werth is left a baby to care for by her best friend from high school. She had spent the night but had left before Lara awoke leaving only a note, a will, and guardian papers. The woman said her husband is abusive and to keep the baby safe. The doorbell rings and there is a man pointing a gun at her saying 'give me the kid' A second man appears and announces he is a Deputy Marshal. The first man is arrested. What is going on here?

Deputy Marshal Ethan Ridgeway has followed a suspect across the state. He is looking for the granddaughter of a gunrunner. He must keep Lara and the baby girl safe at all cost. How is he supposed to do that when he is falling for these two.

An exciting journey to stay a step ahead of the hired killers. God has a plan for these two a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too; a plan for peace and not for destruction. We are living in trying times; a time only God can see us through. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life.
181 reviews
September 23, 2021
The plot was good and the characters were easily likeable. Ethan was incredibly sweet and Lara was determined in her efforts to protect Maisy, all the while struggling with having strong feelings for Ethan. There was suspense and action from the very beginning to the end. At every turn, Ethan was risking his life so that Lara and Maisy would be safe. "-I don't know what I'd do if something happens to you." "You'd carry on. You're a fighter, Lara. I trust you to do what's right."
107 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2021
Love and Danger made a great story


There was enough realistic danger to keep you on the edge of your seat and a adorable baby who so stinkin cute. The romance was believable I really enjoyed this.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,857 reviews
September 1, 2022
Lara Werth agreed to shelter an abused friend and her infant daughter, but she wasn’t prepared to become mom to the child. Now, her friend’s husband and father are out to get Lara and the baby. Deputy Marshal Ethan Ridgeway must keep the new family safe at all costs. But around every turn, they face danger. Will the couple and their new love survive?
The writing is fast-paced and tight. I liked the flow. It kept my attention and interest. The beginning of the novel includes some clever humor that I wish was continued throughout the book.
I didn’t like that Lara kept comparing Ethan with her ex-fiance. It doesn’t make sense to me tha she was carrying around so much trauma from that relationship but seems to adjust fine to being chased almost to death.
And of course, the couple fall in mad love within a few hours, and they never get to any negative aspects of each other. The rose-colored glasses will come off eventually, but this is a story of happy beginnings.
252 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2022
Could not stop reading until the last page!!

I believe that the Author is an excellent writer. She knew exactly how to add drama, thrills, and especially LOVE all together and make a wonderful story!
I admire author's that bring GOD, into the story.
I look forward to reading another one of her books!
Profile Image for Mary Haskett.
Author 5 books3 followers
January 21, 2023
I enjoyed Jill's book, In Need of Protection. What a plot! And so clever the way she placed Ethan and Lara in situations where they were drawn to each other but fought so hard to keep their feelings in check and focus on that cute little baby and her safety. Overall, a very good read with the characters' faith so well depicted. I liked that!
383 reviews3 followers
December 22, 2021
In need of protection

The love inspired books are by far the best books on the market. In need of protection is a perfect example. The story was fast moving but held my interest. It was clean of any vulgar language and so nice to see the dependence on God.
Profile Image for Lela Preston.
256 reviews21 followers
January 19, 2022
Running straight into the forest.

Get ready to read all night... This is a fast pace of holding your breath and reading so you can find out the next attack,,, and how working together in trust brought down the Evil ...
Profile Image for Cherie Clark.
4,225 reviews16 followers
October 2, 2021
I absolutely just loved this story. What a great love story. 💞💕💞💕💞💕💞💕💞💕💞💕💞💕💞💕💞💕💞💕💞💕💞💕💞💕
395 reviews7 followers
October 11, 2021
In Need of Protection

Enjoyable story and good characters without the need for graphic sex. Good adventure with a friend helping another friend in her time of need.
9 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2022
Wonderful!

So many twists and turns. So many chases and escapes. I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to everyone who loves good clean romance and mystery!
Profile Image for Claire.
5 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2025
I couldn´t finish it I got really bored with it, I had started reading it like a year ago and couldnt finish it so I wanted to try reading it again but just wasn´t into it.
8 reviews
June 29, 2022
Awesome

Lots of action. Makes you want to keep reading to see what is going to happen next. If you like good clean suspense this is the book to read.
Profile Image for JaneReads.
974 reviews116 followers
April 18, 2022
While this one had the action that I have come to expect from the Love Inspired Suspense books I struggled to connect with the characters. The goal was for the US Marshall Ethan and Nature Vlogger Lara to keep baby Maisy safe from the people trying to kidnap her but at times I felt like Lara acted like the US Marshall rather than Ethan. I struggled with caring about this story.
3,250 reviews12 followers
November 8, 2024
Great story. I was drawn in from the beginning and it held me rapt the entire time.
Profile Image for Jane.
24 reviews
February 18, 2021
Cheesy, poorly written and edited. Ethan sounds and talks more like a girl. And marshals certainly don't behave like this.

My days with Harlequin books may be coming to an end.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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