Protecting Brianna

Watchdog Protector #2

by Olivia Michaels

Retired Navy SWCC (Swick) Brock “Badger” Jones has just left California to start a new job at Watchdog Protectors in Colorado when he ‘rescues’ a beautiful woman from a rushing stream—only to have her accuse him of trying to steal her fiddle. Brock is doing security for the upcoming music festival and Brianna is a tempting distraction from the grief of losing his best friend and teammate during a SpecOp meant to save a SEAL team.

All her life, Brianna has wanted one thing—to become a professional musician so she can escape the bad reputation her small town has given her. Two things stand in the way: her overprotective uncle who expects her to stay put and work in the family coffee shop, and her near-crippling fear of letting anyone watch her perform. When she sees a drop-dead gorgeous man walking off with her fiddle, she never dreams he’s the one who will give her the courage to pursue her musical ambitions.

Brianna has a shot at winning The Best New Artist contest at the local music festival. But one mysterious accident after another threatens to end her budding music career—and her life. Is one of the famous judges the target or is it Brianna herself?

With the help of Wolf, Caroline, and Tex, Brock must protect Brianna and win her heart. Or will the forces menacing the festival decide the music is over once and for all?

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Adult, Romantic Suspense

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2021

About the author

Olivia Michaels is a life-long reader, dog-lover, gardener, and a certified beachaholic. When she’s not throwing a Frisbee for her fur-baby, harvesting tomatoes, or writing, you can find her playing in the surf, kayaking, or kicking back on the sand and cracking open a romantic beach read.

Reviews

[Karen Roma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protecting Brianna is the second book in Olivia Michaels Watchdog Protector series and as with the first, this one hit all the right buttons. I must start by thanking Caitlyn O’Leary for requesting I read an ARC of Ms Michaels first book, More Than Love in the Watchdog Security series, as this author was placed on my “MUST READ” list instantly. Protecting Brianna is currently Ms Michaels sixth novel and the second in the spin-off Watchdog Protector series which is every bit as addictive as Watchdog Security. Now on to my review of Protecting Brianna.

Imagine if you will, a storyline written with such heartfelt passion that the author’s dialogue brings the melody to life and the music plays in your head as you follow each verse. I found myself believing I could feel the musician’s heartache and emotion as the tune from the fiddle resounded through mind; an author who inspires this kind of reaction certainly has an exceptional gift. But as is the theme with these stories about Alpha heroes and the risks they take to protect and serve, there was also underlying danger and malicious elements that revelled in evil and chaos.

Protecting Brianna tells a gut-wrenching, yet hopeful story of a young woman scorned and ridiculed for familial wrongs committed, yet out of her control, and wanting nothing more than to bask in the glory of her music and be accepted for herself rather than labelled by the misdeeds of those who have failed to protect her. But as with any story that has a knight in shining armour (or in this case a nice tight t-shirt) Brianna will soon learn that trust can be worth the risk, and that letting your guard down, can sometimes lead to the most magnificent experiences.

I could go on and on, but will simply finish by saying, “Read ALL of Ms Michaels stories”, you won’t be disappointed!

[Kirsty Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!! What a read.
The back story for each of the characters only builds and adds more depth to the story and characters themselves allowing you to fully imagine these characters and how they would manifest.

Once again love the play on the female lead character not always being the damsel in need of her knight. Author portrayed a more realistic and believable balance.

Incorporating characters from the other stories and adding extras to make each story relevant is a real bonus allowing with each book for you to develop a deeper love and understanding of the series.


Cant wait to read the next in the series.

[Jane A · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pull between Watchdog Protectors newbie Brock and fiddler Brianna is instant. He sees a shy but shining star he wants to protect and she sees a hero. Brock is working security for the music festival Brianna is desperate to compete in and with his unwavering support she absolutely blossoms into the star of the show. Of course, it’s not all plain sailing and there is good dose of action and suspense with Brianna’s unconventional family, a slimly rival competitor, close calls, bad guys, missing goods - the Watchdog Protectors have their work cut out. Can Brock work through his own demons and keep Brianna safe through to the end of the competition?
Entertaining read and I wish the music played through the pages! I received an arc from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in this second series by an author that is fast becoming a favourite for me and if you haven't read either of these series then what are you waiting for hurry up and grab them. Brock “Badger” Jones as just arrived in Colorado at watch dog security from California trying to build himself a new life after leaving the military where he served as a Swick he has also brought the last letter from his fallen brother to his sister who is the partner of the guy in charge of watchdog securities Colorado branch As his first job he will be helping with security at a local music festival a festival he sneaks into early not only to do recognisance but also to check out the river that his friend talked of so much Finding a fiddle he decides to take it to lost property but instead gets accused of stealing it by Brianna the woman who owns it. From this first meeting there is a strong connection between Brianna and Badger but danger is also closing in on Brianna caused by her family and the bad connections they have It will take both branches of Watchdog and some special friends to keep her safe and maybe give Badger a new reason to live.

[Marie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written story!!!! The attention to detail in every faucet of this book was amazing! I truly felt like I was right in the heart of it all. Oh and Badger…… the ultimate alpha hero with a heart of gold who may be the answer to all of Brianna’s prayers. Olivia has done it again!!! Magnificent job! Highly recommended

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia Michael's Watchdog Protector Series is a true hit. The second book, Protecting Brianna, has everything you are looking for in a romantic suspense novel. An alpha male you can fall in love with, a strong woman who goes through so much, but comes out on the other side even stronger, mystery, action and an HEA. Olivia Michael's has become my new One Click author.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Music, Mystery and Romance!!

This story had so many fabulous facets. The musicality was well written, the family and small town aspects were quite relatable, and the romance was divine!

Plenty of emotion, humor and sizzle - a perfect blend, and a delightful read!

**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

From thief to protector, all in the matter of an hour of meeting Brianna. Brock (Badger) sees something in Brianna that he wants to protect and it's a good thing he's on hand as someone seems to be out to get her. In this story, she blossoms from a shy introverted girl to the star of the festival. Totally shy about "breaking her cherry", totally not what you think! They each feel a pull towards one another, but can't quite figure out what it is. She's trying to protect what's hers without her family taking it away. Throw in a lot of suspense, a guy that you love to hate, some difficult family and a sweet dog, you've got one great story. "Anything you need."

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Ginny Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brock is in Colorado. His best friend that he lost always talked about this river so he needed to check it out. Now he is part of Watchdog.
Brianna is a fiddler. She has been accepted into the festival. The only problem is she has never played in front of anyone.
Brock and Brianna meet when Brianna thinks Brock is trying to steal her fiddle. Now they are together.
Someone is after Brianna. Is it because of her family? Is it to get her out of the festival? This has some twists I didn't see coming.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The protector and the fiddler. The best opening ever. Great story with all the goodness you expect from an Alpha book. Badger can badger me anytime.

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

[Sharon Roush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky and received an ARC for this story and was so glad that I did. The story is wonderful and has all the feel good to go with it. I highly recommend this book an the first book also of Watchdog Protector. Great job Olivia Michaels.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A retired Navy Seal and an up and coming violinist. He's working the security and she's in the contest for new upcoming artist. Her family backgroung, which she hasn't been a part of in years, is strange to say the least. But her twin brother's troubles become hers when the bad guys think she knows where the hidden stuff is. And of course you have the jealous element going on, so it's hard for the cops to figure out who's doing what, thank goodness you have the Watchdog protectors there he takes the lead. HEA.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brianna and Brock's Story . . .

Brianna’s big goal in life has been to become a professional musician and prove herself. This is the start of her dream if she does well. She might actually have a chance to win The Best New Artist contest at the local music festival if she can somehow gain some confidence. She has never played before a crowd before and is terrified at the thought.

Brock (“Badger”) is a retired Navy SEAL who works for Watchdog Protectors and is providing security for the upcoming music festival. He finds a violin in the woods and picks it up to keep it safe. But Brianna believes Brock is trying to steal her violin, and a humorous course of events occurs. He helps her get over her “stage fright” so she can give it her best performance.

However, It appears someone is out to hurt Brianna as one mysterious “accident” after another plagues her, so Brock decides to be her protector. The story line is well-written and the reader gets to visit with old friends Wolf, Caroline and Tex as they help Brock protect Brianna and win her heart. Grab your copy and enjoy their story.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protecting Brianna: Special Forces: Operation Alpha: Watchdog Protector Book 2 is by Olivia Michaels. Olivia has permission to use characters previously created by Susan Stoker.
Retired Navy SWCC (Swick) Brock “Badger” Jones has just moved from California to Colorado and his first job with Watchdog Protectors is to provide security for the music festival. He is walking along the river to get a feel of the place when he comes across a violin case lying on the ground with no one around. Thinking someone lost it, he picks it up to take it to security when he is accosted by a woman floating down the river on a tube. She thinks he is stealing her fiddle and falls off the tube to get to shore and save her violin.
Brianna is from the small town but is shy about playing her fiddle. Her family doesn’t know she had taught herself how to play nor that she would want to play in the festival since her family was always in the doghouse over something. However, she took herself out of her home and lived with her aunt and uncle.
Will she have the courage to play before strangers? Will Brock be able to encourage her and then to protect her? Why would she need protection?

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this read with Brock aka Badger and Brianna and catching up with the Watchdog couples as well as my all time fav couples, Wolf and Ice and of course Tex from Stoker’s world. Brock has started to work for Watchdog and is on security for a festival in the small town and meets Brianna, a musician who plays the fiddle. Their first meet has Brianna accusing Badger of stealing her fiddle and Badger living up to his name, badgers her into giving him a private performance to up her courage to perform in front of others….and that’s all it takes for the two. But her family is not all up to snuff and danger seems to be following her, which has Badger vowing to protect and be there for her through it all….will it be enough to keep her safe.
A great read with steam, some suspense, and great characters. I LOVED the banter between these two and the no drama, no secrets, no miscommunication and how easily they fit together….and I can’t wait for the next one!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First he tries to steal her fiddle. Then he rescues her from a raging tiver. Finally he goes on to be her biggest cheerleader and greatest fan. Brock "Badger" Winthrop is one of the good ones. Going to work for Watchdog Security in Colorado gives him a new lease on life and something to focus on other than loss and grief. Brianna Taylor has always had to "live down" her family's reutation and shady dealings. Getting a chance to prove herself on her own merits at prestigious local music festival just may be the chance she's been waiting for. Having Brock splash into her life and bolster her confidence gives her the leg up she needs. Now you know it can't be all smooth sailing. Along the way there's an egotistical competitor who uses insults and snide remarks to deride Brianna, drug dealers, family drama, sabotage and kidnapping. Rachael and Jake, Kyle and Arden, Gina "Spooky" Smith from Watchdog Security and Wolf and Caroline along with Tex Keegan from Susan Stoker books all appear in this interesting well written romance.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protecting Brianna is a magnificent romantic suspense by Olivia Michaels. Ms. Michaels has once again wowed me with her story-telling abilities with this well-written book. The characters in this book will charm you and the dialog is perfect. Brock believes he's helping when he picks up a violin left along the riverside. Brianna spots a man stealing her fiddle as she tubes down the river. Oh my! Brock and Brianna's story is packed with drama, humor, sexy bits, action and suspense. I loved every page of this book and look forward to my next book by Olivia Michaels. Protecting Brianna is book 2 of Watchdog Protector Series and is part of the Special Forces : Operation Alpha Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Watchdog Protectors series which is a spinoff of the authors Watchdog Security series. If you've read those books, you'll recognize some of the characters (Jake, Rachael, Kyle, Arden) but reading those books aren't necessary to enjoy this one. I haven't read the first book and was able to follow along and enjoy the story without any issues so it does hold well as a standalone. This book also uses some characters from Susan Stokers books. You don’t have to read Stokers books but if you have, you'll recognize Wolf, Caroline, and Tex. Olivia Michaels has a way of pulling you into the story, I had a hard time putting it down. The characters are fun, likeable and the story is always well thought out and written. If you love military suspense you want to pick up this book.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a security guard, Brock, (Badger) sees a fiddle in the woods and grabs it to keep it safe. Brianna goes ballistic thinking he is trying to steal the fiddle. Brianna is there for the music festival but she's scared because she's never played in front of anyone. Brock tries helping Brianna get over her stage fright so "Badgers" talks her into playing for him. This is a fantastic story that has plenty of suspense, humor, danger, protection and steam. Brianna ends up in some mysterious accidents so Brock decides to keep her safe. These two are perfect for each other. This is the first book I've read by this author. I will be getting Ms. Michaels first book "Protecting Harper" to catch up with other characters. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CKD! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brianna is finally going to live out her dream but before that can happen everything suddenly seems to be stacked against her. Brock is really at loose ends until he meets her and everything seems to fall into place for him. This was definitely an instant love story with some suspense mixed in. There wasn't a specific dog who played a role in this story but we see others from previous books. This story is part of a continuing storyline. I have read some but not all of Olivia's previous books and was able to keep up with everything happening. Overall this book is a stand-alone with a HEA. Brianna's character had a different backstory which was interesting. I will be getting the next in the series.

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still grieving his best friend’s death on an op, retired Navy SWCC Brock ‘Badger’ Jones walks along the river to prep for his new job VIP bodyguard/security and sees an abandoned fiddle case taking it to lost and found, Brock’s waylaid to help a woman losing control of her inner tube in the river. It’s hers, Brianna Taylor, a crowd shy fiddler that steals his heart.

Brianna’s participating in the invitation only competition Brock’s providing security for but she’s never performed in public and her family, doesn’t know she’s competing. With Brock’s encouragement, Brianna stands out to the instructors irritating a self-important, irritating townie who catches the eye of Brock’s team as sabotage and near misses begin.
Rating: 4.25stars

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brianna and Brock had such a great first meeting, you couldn't help but to root for them as a couple and for Brianna in the contest. Right from the start, Brock was a champion for Brianna and her music that it helped with all the fears she had. He stayed her biggest fan through out it all, even when the crazy started to happen and her family was right in the middle.

I felt sorry for Brianna. Her immediate family was a hot mess, but she found a stable home with her aunt and uncle. You could tell that they really cared for Brianna and wanted the best, not so much about the other part of her family.

Things got a bit wild towards the end, but Brianna had faith that Brock would be there for her and he was. You know these two will have a bright future ahead!

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always with me

Brock (Badger) and Brianna (Lifesaver) take center stage in this engaging story. One’s new to town, while the other is desperate to escape her parents’ shadow and legacy. Tex, Wolf, and Caroline all play important roles as strange and dangerous events continue to impact Brianna, Rachel, and the festival.

Family dynamics take the spotlight—exploring what truly defines a parent or a sibling. A new K9 joins the team, and a lineup of musical guests adds a fun layer to the story. The danger is multifaceted, with several moving threads that tie together in unexpected ways. Gina (Spooky) makes a timely discovery, and the epilogue delivers a perfectly creepy revelation.

An easy, fast-paced read filled with dogs, music, and plenty of character growth!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brock (a security guard) met Brianna when he spotted her fiddle in the woods. He picked it up thinking he would save it from harm, but Brianna saw him and accused hm of stealing it. She was there for a music festival and was going to play the fiddle. She was self talk and had never played in front of anybody. Her main family were drug dealers (pot now legally) but she figured they were also dealing illegal drugs also. Her aunt and uncle mostly raised her. Brock helped her gain confidence to perform in the show. This was a romance, mystery, drama wth an HEA.

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

[D.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protection and More

Brianna is an upcoming musician who plays the violin (fiddle) and Brock aka Badger is a retired navy seal who is now working for Watchdog Protectors. When they first meet, Brianna thinks Brock is trying to steal her violin. It is a comedy of errors in that meeting. The interaction between the two is interesting and Brock does his best to uplift Brianna.

It appears someone is out to hurt Brianna so Brock becomes her protector. The story line is well written and you will get to visit with Wolf, Caroline and Tex.

Suspense, family drama and romance along with an HEA makes Protecting Brianna a great read.

[Madm007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Badger and Brianna, the whole storyline keeps you in the zone. Set in beautiful Colorado, Badger falls for the gorgeous and talented fiddle player, Brianna. He needs to keep her safe, and keep his head in protection mode because there's someone out there who hates women, and Brianna’s family also has two sides, good and bad; and the bad side has a lot of enemies. A lot of intense action, high in suspense, sweet heat, and cameos from the Watchdog series members. A great read for sure, it can stand alone, but so much better when you read all this series offers. Oh, and Badger has earned his call name quite honestly lol.

[Rose Boniello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brock and Brianna

As with the prior book, enjoyable story but… there were moments where there was too much detail and it did not make sense. Also I understand the appeal of love at first sight but… this couple met, instalove happened. They experienced danger while falling in love and could not live without each other. And were engaged by the end of the week. That’s obsession. And even though you’re madly in love, doesn’t mean the person is right for you.

Brock and Brianna worked as a couple — they felt genuine. But the “rush” factor didn’t do it for me.

Probably a 3 1/2* book.

[Christina Standridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brianna is a fiddle player but she has never played in front of anyone before. She meets Brock (Badger) and he is the first one to hear her play. He had to hide in order to hear her though. Brock encourages her as she gets ready for a competition. Brock use to be a SWCC operator and left after his best friend died.As they get to know each other strange things start to happen.Is someone trying to hurt Briana? Must read to find out.

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

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hidden threat!

Brock is struggling with the anniversary that is looming until he stumbles across Brianna, the minute he sees her knows....she is his. His to protect, to love and most importantly his to convince just how amazing she is.
Brianna has no self confidence left, both family and locals have knocked her down time and again but verbal knocks suddenly become physical dangers sending Brock's protective instincts into overdrive!
Another fast paced book, filled with danger, twists and turns which I read on Kindle Unlimited.

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protecting Brianna

Wow! Another FANTASTIC story by Olivia! This story is about Brock and Brianna. The story begins with Brock finding a fiddle and thought someone had lost it. In comes Brianna looking at her fiddle walk away. What a start to their relationship. As the story progresses, things begin to happen to Brianna and some not in a good way. The villains in this story were a bit of a surprise. Gotta love the happy ending. The one villain basically disappeared. FANTASTIC job Olivia! I would recommend this book!