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The Nutcracker like you've never read it before...

You want to know what I wish?

I wish my father remembered who I am when he looks at me.

I wish I didn't have to marry Drosselmeyer to save my family's fortune.

I wish I could get a choreographer to quit judging me on the size of my tutu and let me dance.

The silliest one of all - I wish someone would come to whisk me away from my dumpster fire of a life.

But wishes aren't worth any more than the broken nutcracker I got on Christmas Eve. Until the old grandfather clock strikes twelve on Christmas morning when my handsome nutcracker comes to life and says "I'm the captain of the Nutcracker Guard and it's our sworn duty to protect you, Princess."

126 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2021

173 people are currently reading
456 people want to read

About the author

Aidy Award

80 books1,414 followers
Want to get notifications when Aidy's new releases hit the shelves? Sign up for the CURVY CONNECTION - http://geni.us/CurvyConnection

You'll get a free CURVY LOVE ebook and other fun gifts, like your very own CURVY LOVE ADULT COLORING BOOK, plus, new release info, contest and giveaways, and exclusive content, and previews of the new books especially for fans.

Aidy Award is a curvy girl who kind of has a thing for stormtroopers. She’s also the author of the popular Curvy Love series and the Dragons Love Curves series. She writes curvy girl erotic romance, about real love, and dirty fun, with happy ever afters because every woman deserves great sex and even better romance, no matter her size, shape, or what the scale says.

Read the delicious tales of hot heroes and curvy heroines come to life under the covers and between the pages of Aidy’s books. Then let her know because she really does want to hear from her readers. Find her at her website www.AidyAward.com
And on all kinds of social media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AidyAward
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Twitter: @AidyAward
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5 stars
148 (39%)
4 stars
113 (29%)
3 stars
78 (20%)
2 stars
26 (6%)
1 star
13 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel.
248 reviews31 followers
April 14, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I originally got it as a freebie on Amazon and assumed it was going to be a short little smut bomb. I was wrong about most things except the smut!

Protected is a Reverse Harmen Fairytale based on The Nutcracker Musical. While this book is short it's the first of a series. I'm only guessing, but I believe there will be 7 books one for each kingdom in the land of Christmas.

This book is a unique fairytale unlike any I've personally read so far. It definitely keeps a very jolly Christmas theme that left me feeling in the holiday spirit. While there is turmoil and evildoers in the land of Christmas I still felt nothing but happiness while reading this book. This series has a lot of potential so far and I look forward to reading the rest of it.

Warning! This does end on a bit of a Cliffhanger, but that only left me wanting to read the next book even more!

Aidy Award Please finish this series by Christmas 2022! I want to read this series in its entirety this year for the holidays!
Profile Image for Amanda.
734 reviews9 followers
December 20, 2021
I absolutely loved this take on the Nutcracker. However, I did not feel that way at the beginning of the book. I read chapter one and was so angry I had to contact the author and ask why she wrote that chapter. You will understand if you are a performer who is outside the desired size expectations. Needless to say, I enjoyed the rest of the book. I really enjoyed it when she was asked what her job was and she realized she could answer what she always wanted to be, a dancer. There were a lot of interesting moments as she started her journey, it is worth reading to see how she meets her men and how they help her find her powers. This book draws you into the world, causing you to feel so many emotions as the characters do. I highly recommend you give this book a try. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2021
Exciting and sexy read!

OMG! Nutcrackers and RH, two of my favorite things! 😍 I once had to sit through the Nutcracker Ballet as a teen and I was bored to tears, but had it been anything like this book then I would have gone back many times AND brought friends! I totally want to punch Clara's brother in the throat and it's only the first book. Lol I can't wait for the next book, and the one after that, and the one after that, and...... well, you get it.

This is going to be a great series. Relatable heroine, hot alpha heroes, evil villain, love, betrayal, action, and loooooooooooooooooooootttsssss of sizzling, hot, sexy times. I reiterate, @aidyaward you are a mother freaking genius!

Profile Image for Abbella DiNoto.
403 reviews13 followers
December 18, 2024
Ended on a cliffy. It’s bizarre nothing like the original soo guess I no plagiarism. But it’s kinda insulting to the original as well. Is not kooky enough to be considered a smexy spoof. Characters are all twisted up the mouse queen is the bad guy. Her brother fritz bites it is a gruesome manner.. he should and could have been redeemable? And the smex was . A bit to aggressive and frankly a bit vile. Too much D.P .. “Vag dp”. So honestly there should have been triggers oh wait I don’t think that in this version.. it’s a cliffhanger. So I looked for the actual. Full book and I regret that. Wish I hadn’t.. but I’m o.c d I have serious issues with unfinished business. It was 15 chapters into the book when it cuts so I had to finish so I found full book .. completed it.wish I hadn’t curse my ocd. If you like your smex aggressive But v I r g I n is all down for 2peen inCAT. Then this is for you no thx…. lots of M/ ON M
IM all for love is love.. but I believe we should be fore warned how much male on male there is in this .
And author doesn’t know Vikings very well .. how is a huge Viking. Such an absolute push over to other smaller less masculine males blows my mind he should have been alpha
And there are 7 kingdoms she is supposed to have one guy from 6 of the kingdoms… she is from the 7th . But there is only 5 guys and her .. it’s never made sense. Gingerbread ✅sugar ✅winter✅animals✅can’t remember the other
But he was represented ✅She is from spirit… so she represents that realm. and Christmas trees and joy .. is inhabited by tiny pixies Honestly there should have been a maté representative from there but what do I know…. ?
Profile Image for S.L.Moore.
128 reviews
January 1, 2022
I've been on a short book binge lately, and while I love this premise, hell I'm going to read the next book when I can, this suffers from too fast of pacing. The guys already have an insta love thing, which can work, but I want some non-magical-plot connection too so I can root for the group. Actually, the one I like the most is the Mouse Prince because he actually has a good personality. I'm going to read the second book for him.

I went into this book not expecting an epic fantasy. We all know we like our reverse harems fast and loose. But there were a few plot points that I'm curious about. Like the fact that there were seven people, plus Clara was born under the same Christmas star and that means they are all fated to be together, but one of said people is also her twin brother. It's strange and I might be too destroyed from Game of Thrones to not have a more innocent view of the situation.

I will say the twist at the end was called out in the chapter before. If that had been removed I think the ending would have been fun and shocking. But, that's just me.

I read this book in two days but easily could have put this down in one sitting. It was fun, and it's very refreshing to not have a submissive female character. She's clueless, for sure, but that makes sense. But once she's with her guys she knows what she wants and I can't tell you how refreshing that is. One of the many reasons I'll be continuing on! This was whimsical and not something to take seriously.
Profile Image for Shelley.
231 reviews82 followers
dnf
January 9, 2023
This is supposed to be a spicy holiday novella but I was almost halfway through and we were still talking about the plot buildup. DNF at 48%
81 reviews
January 1, 2022
What a book!

This was such an awesome find of a book! It was just as good as I hoped. It was loaded with holiday charm, with a heroine that you can cheer for! I can’t wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Sharon Noble.
2,186 reviews6 followers
December 18, 2021
Loved it!

A new take on the Nut Cracker with all the characters too! When ClaraMarie Wales up under the Christmas Tree & finds the Nut Cracker has come a live, she thinks it's so a dream!
1 review
December 17, 2021
Loved it

I was actually not prepared to enjoy this book as much as I did. The characters are individually lovely and the world building is well thought out as well. I absolutely cannot wait for the next one.
67 reviews
December 11, 2021
Go Claramarie!

I loved the beginning of Claramarie and her men's story if love. Can't wait to see what happens next. I do wish it was all in one book because I hate waiting for the happy ever after.
Profile Image for Crystal.
49 reviews
December 6, 2021
Fun Christmas fantasy

Aidy Award once again brings a wonderful fantasy to life in her version of the nutcracker. Ofcourse being lead by our strong, spunky main character, Clara, she finds herself in a whole new magical world where she is told she is a born princess destined to save her people from the evil mouse queen. She there meets her sworn protectors who are willing to give their lives to keep her safe and have her fulfill her destiny.
This story does end on a cliffhanger, just a warning to all! I loved the characters and fun fantasy world that was created here and I'm excited to see how it will come together in the next book!
7 reviews
December 10, 2021
Protected

I loved the different take on a classic story. I was hooked after the first chapter and now looking forward the other books to come. I've read may of her other books and enjoy them. If you want a steamy take on a classic tale do take the time to read this. Love it
Profile Image for Jane Elizabeth .
4,342 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2021
🥰😍🥰😍

A different twist on the Christmas tale ... The Nutcracker Ballet. It is fast moving, if a bit confusing at times. Cliffhanger ending with, I am guessing, at least four more sections to go.
Profile Image for Raina.
4,193 reviews34 followers
December 4, 2021
Amazing and so unique. I have a whole new appreciation of the Nutcracker story. The main character is ClaraMarie. She is a big beautiful young woman and she is very innocent and sweet. She loves to dance ballet but in the human world a ballerina most be thin. She will soon learn that there is so much more than the world she has known and is about to begin a dangerous quest. But her Nutcracker guards will be by her side and things with them will get amazingly hot as she won’t have to choose between them. This is the first book and can’t wait for book two to see where the story brings us next.
352 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2021
Adult Nutcracker Fantasy!

This is not your childhood nutcracker suite! I really loved the adult spin to this wild fantasy tale. I really loved this RH and while that's not usually my thing the fact that it's a spin on this classic story made me want to read it. It's really beautiful in the way it honors the story without being raunchy or cheap. The bond with the characters is deep and wonderful. It's a little OTT and the editing of the ARC I read could use some TLC but it wasn't so awful that it knocked me out of that world. Perfectionists might cringe but the average reader may not even notice. Looking forward to future installments! Going in I knew this was a cliffy. So, that's your warning. This is no where close to resolved.
Profile Image for Babara-Anne.
1,726 reviews17 followers
December 2, 2021
A nice steamy sometimes witty adult fairytale filled with guards of the seven realms which involves a nutcracker captain, two fae princes. gingerbread Viking prince and a dark mouse prince not to mention an evil mouse queen and a greedy brother!

Take a breather and escape to princess Marie Clara’s winter realm where she has to find seven missing pieces of each realm to gain her rightful place as the most powerful and just ruler with many , many lovers!

I await the next book with baited breath to learn more about what lays in store for our curvy fiery princess and her harem of gorgeous men!
Profile Image for Corinne Akers.
1,146 reviews7 followers
December 3, 2021
If you want to get in the holiday spirit, and you’re a fan of the Nutcracker, Fae Princes, Mother Gingerbread and the Mouse Queen - then this book is definitely for you! But wait! There’s even more excitement for you and our heroine ClaraMarie when she is magically transported to the Winter Realm and meets not one but four deliciously gorgeous men who are part of her guard and sworn to protect her! Whaaaat? Yes, she discovers in the Winter Realm she has powerful magical powers and must try to defeat the Queen Mouse and her army of - you guessed it- mice!! 🙌🏻 This story is so well written and flows seamlessly in between the Nutcracker theme and an amazing love story that I flew through these pages so quickly! I know you will too!!

Amazing, amazing read! Well done! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
776 reviews11 followers
December 2, 2021
Here is the modern version of the Nutcracker and it is fabulous! Claire Marie is whisked into a world of magic as she creates a little mayhem. Apparently, Claire Marie is the lost princess of this world and is tasked with reuniting all the magical kingdoms. Oh, she also has to mate with several princes to complete this task. Count me in! I loved the modern take on this old tale. It ends in a cliffhanger so beware. Download and enjoy this holiday treat.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
1,897 reviews8 followers
December 3, 2021
This was such a great twist to the classic Nutcracker story! So very enjoyable with great characters! Lots of excitement and drama with a lot of twists! Such a great holiday story with plenty of steam! Very entertaining and can’t wait for more! Absolutely loved it and highly recommend! Received arc and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
1,966 reviews10 followers
December 1, 2021
Absolutely amazing!

I love this book! Aidy has done it once again! She gives the reader a great story in this retelling of the Nutcracker. Clara finds out there’s more to her than she originally thought when her family’s Christmas party doesn’t turn out the way she expected. She starts down the path to an adventure that will be unlike anything she has ever experienced before!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
Profile Image for Stephanie Villere.
1,400 reviews6 followers
December 2, 2021
This is Protected: A Curvy Girl Why Choose Romance based on the Nutcracker stories of old. When ClaraMarie is led into the fantasy world, she realizes that the fairly tales told to her have all been based on truth. She must help her heroes save the land without losing even one of her hot hunks! You go girl! You got this!! It’s gonna be fun and hot as all get out to watch her find her way!
256 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2021
This adult Nutcracker version is absolutely delightful! Aidy has put as much magic and sass as she could, having me laughing out loud SEVERAL times! Of course, there’s plenty of heat and adventure: that’s what makes Aidy’s books so enjoyable!

Can’t wait to read the others!
144 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2021
But the greatest is love

There is a lot going on here! It kinda makes me think of Taryn's series meets the lion, the witch, and the wardrobe. It has adventure and action, and love conquers all.
121 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2021
Good idea but fell short. Spoiler free review.

I was so excited to read this story. I love the Nutcracker story and always wished to read a romance version of it. This however, wasn't what I thought it was going to be.

First of all, if I had realized that it was only a 120 pages, I would have never read it. Thankfully I have KU and used that, because if I had paid 4 dollars for this half book, I would have been seriously mad. It's literally 13 chapters long and so much is drawn out its not even funny. Add in the many grammar issues (miss placed words and commas in unnecessary places, just to name a few) and the fact that it tries to read as an historian novel but has current slang thrown about, is more than I can handle. It was a struggle to finish the whole book, and I was skimming through the last 2 chapters just to get it done.

This is a new-to-me author, I don't even know if they have other books or not, but I will not be looking for any others if so. When I did notice that there were so few characters, I figured that they were longer chapters to cover more time in a possible standalone, or that there was a significant amout of the story told. I love a good duet or even trilogy, but this is hardly anything at all.

And the 'cliffhanger' it ends off on? Definitely not necessary. It could have ended with an open ending, something leading up to the journey ahead, and for actual cause for another book (still not necessary though with how little happens in this book.) Instead the author is trying to force another purchase onto readers to see what happens next. Obviously there are readers that are ok with this, because a lot of authurs keep doing it, but I'm not one. I have no interest to see where this goes, or how many books the author tries to stretch the story across.
1,553 reviews11 followers
December 1, 2021
This was a super sweet take on the Nutcracker story. Clara Marie has always struggled with her weight and how people viewed them. She has always wanted to be a dancer but was always passed over. She gets a toy nutcracker for Christmas and then everything changed that night for her. She ends up meeting Nuss a nutcracker soldier who told her that she is the lost princess of spirit and magic and she is supposed to go with him to the Winter Realm. She is confused at first and doesn't believe thinks its just an dream. Thing progress and the mouse queen sends the mouse prince after her. He tried to take her but is saved by Nuss, Leb, Zucher and Tau they are four of her betrothed consorts. They are loving protective and sweet to her right from the beginning. This story progresses quickly and you get some HOT steam with the four characters and things start to change. This story is a quick read and gives you all the Christmas Warm and Joy. It does end on a Cliff Hanger can't wait for second book.
1,332 reviews4 followers
September 20, 2023
Warning 😳

Must like mice. Yep! Those lil varmints like to crawl all over a body and bite. Shivers eww. Must be ok with intimacy between 2 M, as well as voyeurism. Definitely for those over 18!! Most think of the holiday ballet of the Nutcracker with beautiful ballerinas and characters like the Sugarplum faire, but this version definitely has a twist because it's a far. Nus is the Nutcracker captain, Leb is the Ginger Prince fae, Zucker and Tau are the Sweet and Flower Princes fae, and the two other princes are traitors. Or are they? Yes there's a cliffhanger. Clara Marie is the Princess, but she's definitely not a lil girl, rather a curvy young woman who needs the help from the Princes to find her magic and the missing pieces of a crown. So far she's gained one and if you want to find them and dive deeper into the bonding of these characters you'll need to read the next book. Enjoy 🤓
Profile Image for Linda Dunn.
1,282 reviews29 followers
December 1, 2021
A Nutcracker adventure you don't want to miss...

This is a fantasy that has come alive. If you love the Nutcracker, you are in for a treat. I am overjoyed with this story, it gets you in the Christmas spirit. The heroine ClaraMarie, thought she was dreaming when she found herself in a world where she has 4 mouth-watering men who are devoted to her and are there to protect her at all costs. She definitely had no complaints about that.

It is essential that ClaraMarie trounce the Mouse Queen and her minions who are of course mice, how nasty. This story has everything, suspense, sexy times and of course who doesn't love a good fight. I am anxiously waiting for the next book to see how everything unravels.
Profile Image for Sonia.
376 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2022
So this is kind of an adult version of The Nutcracker. It's a reverse harem storiy which provides a bit more diversity than I was expecting, but not in a bad way and I enjoyed the twists to it.
Clara finds herself in another kingdon with four guards who are so different from each other that she doesn't understand how she ends up being attracted to each one in a different way. Having that said I liked how she bonded with each of the four men. Overall, a very nice combination which makes for a fun read.
Be warned that this story does end on a cliffhanger but I'm excited to see how it will come together in the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews

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