Protect Her

Come for Me #0.5

by Kelly Finley

Protecting her friend is a sexy adventure—until it goes too far…

Former Marine Charlie Ravenel devotes her life to guarding women. A job that lets her forget her own pain and past. A job that finally finds her laughing again on a luxurious, exotic island vacation with her best friend.

One problem. She’s not supposed to befriend her mark—the celebrity woman she’s protecting...

But it’s too late. The world loves Juliette Jones. The young woman rocketed to fame and now the A-list megastar can’t even have a date…or more…without risk.

Unless Charlie is there. As Juliette’s bodyguard and best friend, she’ll protect her. Charlie will make sure her friend is safe and satisfied in one indulging night of steamy, provocative fun.

It’s just that one of the men who wants Juliette. He’s a threat. Charlie can sense it. And that other man? The sultry one that seems so intent on Charlie. He wants her.

Can Charlie do this? Protect one woman and herself from a night of risking it all?

PROTECT HER, the PREQUEL for the COME FOR ME series, is a steamy, hot, suspense novelette featuring a strong, kickass heroine who helps her best friend find fun... all while she is about to find much more.

Genres: Mystery Thriller

111 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2021

About the author

Kelly Finley is an author of contemporary romances featuring bada** women and grown-a** men.

She lives in the Carolinas with her husband and family. A rebel with many causes, she fancies black leather, dirty jokes, and smart mouths.

Thrilled by a flipped script, she gives us steamy, sexy heroines who are often missing, particularly from suspense and military romance. Her books feature heat we almost can't handle & shameless characters we champion and love.

She's most likely at her keyboard right now, putting the next heroine on the page.

Reviews

[Kelly Finley]

This Prequel Novelette book releases November 11, Veterans Day.

I'm humbled and honored to introduce this Romantic/Suspense heroine on this day.

While brave women make up less than twenty percent of the military services in the U.S.A., and they courageously comprise small numbers globally, they make it to even fewer romance covers and pages celebrating them.

Not anymore.

This series—Come For Me—is inspired by real love, tragic events and incredible people. There’s even more fun, thrilling, hot fiction baked in too. I share stories, interviews and more on my website at kellyfinley.com.

Here I will share—I had to have a Charlie in my life. Teaching about actual badass women for over twenty years, I never met many in fiction. Not women characters with big hearts, smart minds and mouths, with bodies that will proudly f*ck someone up, and shamelessly f*ck in the same story.

My friends complained about the same thing. So, here she is!

I hope you love her as much as I do. If she makes you smile once, swoon twice and perhaps shout "hell yes"...then I'm fulfilled.

Your honest reviews are always appreciated too.

[Pooja Peravali · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read introducing the character of Charlie Ravenel, a former Marine and current bodyguard to the stars. In this book, we learn about Charlie as she goes ahead to take down a sleazy man. I was surprised by the amount of steam and sex in this novella, and felt it sometimes overwhelmed the thin plot. However, I did find the character of Charlie intriguing.

Disclaimer: This book was won in a Goodreads giveaway. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Charlie. I’m not usually a huge romance novel reader but my friends were beta readers and told me I had to read it. I’m looking forward to learning more about Charlie and what is next in her story.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and steamy prequel for my girl Charlie Ravenel! 🔥🥵🔥🙌

A steamy foursome, and mysterious bad guy, and a badass heroine who is not only strong, fierce, and loyal, but an amazing friend too…

This prequel is a perfect precursor for the upcoming Come For Me series.

I live how Kelly Finley writes strong females. Women from all backgrounds and various painful pasts are able to band together and show strength and support for one another. No shame, no forcing others to deal with things they may not be ready for. Just pure, unadulterated support. We need more of this in our books!!!

[Meredith (SweetReadsandTreats) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novelette has me dying to read more about Charlie, an army vet who now works as a bodyguard protecting women. She is ruthless when protecting her mark, hiding in the shadows and from the world. Scarred by life, she lives as a ghost of her former self, haunted by the past. Charlie is a character that you immediately like and want her HEA.

Protect her was the perfect little tease for Kelly Finley's upcoming release of Pierce Her. I can't wait to dive into Charlie's past and future more. She kicks ass and takes names and I am here for it.

[Anastacia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novellas are always hit or miss for me, and this one landed somewhere in the middle. I went in hoping for more of the backstory on how Charlie and Juliette’s friendship began, but instead, we got a snapshot from a year into their friendship. It was still a decent read, just not quite what I was hoping for. I wonder if I would’ve enjoyed this more if I’d read it after the first book. Knowing how Charlie’s story plays out kind of took away some of the spark for me. That said, it wasn’t bad, just not as impactful as I’d hoped.

[Brittany Pickard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella was a small insight into Charlie before she met Daniel. I went into this hoping to find out more about Juliette and how her and Charlie met and how Charlie protected her, but instead it was a small snippet of them on holiday together enjoying their time off. I love Juliette and her fun sexy sweet attitude. Of course I love Rob. It does make me happy to see how far Charlie has come from her time protecting Juliette to when she meets the love of her life Daniel. But I was just disappointed. I wanted more. Way more.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This very short little glimpse into the main character of this series, Charlie, is eye opening with its honesty and down-to-earth approach. I found myself liking Charlie, a lot, respecting her decisions and intrigued to know more about her past.

I look forward to reading the first full novel in the series, Pierce Her,to get to know her better and hopefully learn she is indeed ready for some positive changes in her life.

[Stefanie Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super quick glimpse into Charlie’s world before book one. The way it ends, you want to keep going. From the start, you can feel Charlie’s strength, while also feeling the darkness of her path. I can’t wait to read more.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My intro to Kelly's books. I love a quick read. I can't wait to dive into the whole series.

[Fareeha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this introduction into the world of the new and upcoming Come For Me series. It really gave some interesting insight into the main character in Pierce Her, Charlie Ravenel who is a former marine and current bodyguard with a superstar client who just happens to be her best friend. This was a short and sweet read that got me so excited for Pierce Her, and I can't wait to find out more about Charlie.

[2manybooks2littletime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad that Kelly Finley decided to write this prequel. I loved having a little backstory before diving into PIERCE HER. Of the two, this definitely has the most steamy scene, so be ready to have your socks knocked off almost literally!

[Haley Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

I loved this prequel- it was such a great intro to Charlie an getting to know the type of badass female she is. I can’t wait to see what Book One has in store.

[marshas_world_of_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This novella packs a punch, in the best possible way! I was sucked in and before I knew what happened it was over. Now I need more answers about Charlie and her background! Then there’s the steamy scenes with Juliette, Kelly did not hold back when writing those and I love it! And I love this book. This is one you should snatch up and read for sure!

[Ellen Rummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steamy read! This book doesn't shy away from sexy times!

[Dianah Hoving Stedman · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot of history that I didn't get in this prequel but it's piqued my interest enough to keep going with the series since its in KU.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's better than a STRONG BADASS lead? Oh well maybe some voyeur action, hot sex, suspense and a lead that is confident in who she is.

You get all that and then some with Charlie. I'm so in love with her.

Kelly delivers what I desire in a female lead.

While the prequel is short, as prequels wont to do, you'll learn quick the strength behind our girl. I've already read book 1 and I gotta tell you. CHARLIE FUCKING ROCKS MY SOCKS OFF!

[Melissa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part romance, part suspense, all badass! I’m coining her #ComeForMe series as #smutspense !!! 🔥🔥🔥
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Finally a #heroine for the modern woman to identify with….smart, sexy, stubborn, strong and insatiable!
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Get your copy and dig in NOW!

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protect Her by Kelly Finley
Come for Me #0.5 (Prequel)

Novelette that packs a punch ~ Great introduction to a series I can’t wait to read more of!

What I liked:
* Charlie: ex-Marine, strong, capable, lethal, intuitive, strong instincts, reads people well, grieving, scarred, good friend, wise, someone I would love to have as a friend
* Juliette: actress, wealthy, wants to let her hair down, friend to Charlie, knows what she wants and willing to reach out for it, trusts Charlie and Rob
* Rob: colleague working with Charlie to keep Juliette safe, strong, good friend to Charlie, would like to know more about him
* Garbriel: older man at resort, interested in Charlie, tempting, intriguing
* How Charlie handled herself when she uncovered a threat
* The foreshadowing of things to come
* The setting…sounds lovely indeed
* That such a short story could be so complete

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like

Did I enjoy this story? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!

Thank you to the author for the story given when I signed up to receive her newsletter – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Emilie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great read that pulls you in and leaves you wanting more. Cannot wait for Pierce Her to see where Charlie’s story goes!!! Hats off to Kelly Finley!!

[Mrs.Capone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice level:🔥🔥🔥🥵
This was such a good Prequel! The writing is so smooth to read! I can not wait to see Charlie concur her past❤️ CLIFF HANGER that makes sure you HAVE to read the next book🎉🎉🎉🎉 I'm here for it👏👏

[Luc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie is an ex special forces young woman who , at her young age is widowed, has been tortured and has a baggage that she carries around. There are two people that she trusts implicitly. Her protectee (Her Mark as she calls her), and her partner.
The author approaches the delicate subjects of grief, sufferance, friendships, and physical deformities self consciousness as well as self blame with respect , determination and tact.
Juliette, her protectee and best friend is an actress that has her own baggage but refused to give up on her Best friend.
I look forward to reading the sequel to learn what has affected Charlie.
Even of it is a prequel, the book is very well-written and deserves a 5 Stars rating.

[Iskra Dimitrova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short introduction to the world of Charlie Ravenel, our scarred heroine had me from the start.


She’s so deeply rooted in her ways, taunted by a trauma she carries so potently into her armour:


But, never faltering to be there for her friends, or responsibilities as a protective detail.

I was captivated, felt so many emotions while she went through them.
5/5 without a doubt.


I was blessed to receive this by the author, and can’t wait to devour her next instalment. Following Charlie’s journey.

[Deborah Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protect Her, a novelette, is where we are introduced to Charlie Ravenel. As a bodyguard, she isn't sweet. She's hard-hitting, badass, and tells it like it is. Protecting the mark is all that matters. Forget her own comfort. She goes above and beyond her duties using the expertise she gained in her former life to ensure everyone's safety. Thanks to Rob, her coworker, we learn who she has in her thoughts when she has some time to herself. Now, to find out if Charlie's thoughts become reality when I pick up the first book in the series, Pierce Her. Care to join me?

[Kaitlyn Oglesby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know it was just a novella to introduce the series but it didn’t do much for me. The storyline was mid and the spicy scene was more like a 2/5 for me. I do admit to already reading: Tempt Her, Make Him, Holiday for Six, and Halloween for Six prior to this so I know the kind of spicy scenes and storylines Kelly is capable of. I’m still excited to read all the stories of Charlie/Daniel/Redix/Cade/Silas and then move on to Beau/Blair/Colton. More to come…This was a really light read and took less than 2 hrs to complete. On to the next one!

[Toni Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie Ravenel is #goals

I loved this introduction into the life and relationships of Charlie Ravenel. The way that she and Juliette connected on a deeper level than just bodyguard & mark was one of those lifelong friendships. Her connection with Rob was special too. Their connection is one of absolute trust & a brotherhood/sisterhood full of love and a familial bond that they both needed.
Charlie is also very intense & instinctual. Her gut feelings are not to be ignored. She’s always in point and is determined. She WILL protect the girl, & she WILL achieve justice.

[Christin James · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐ This is a fun novelette prequel to a series. The premise is great and the spice was fun but I didn't necessarily buy the comradery between the three main characters. The nicknames and name calling felt a little forced. Novellas are hard cuz the struggle to flesh out characters quickly is real. I think if I had read the series first and come back to this prequel, I might have enjoyed it more.

[Rachael Harless · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Holiday for Six and fell in love with the characters and needed to know their stories. So I started her with a brief introduction to Charlie. It had me on the edge of my seat waiting for something bad to happen. Gabriel seems too good to be true and I can’t wait to see what came of that more. And I can’t wait to learn more of Charlie and her story. And these scars! Onto the next I go!!!

[Lisa (TorontoMetalMom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read Halloween for six and immediately wanted to read everyone's story.

This little novella was such a great introduction to Charlie's past that I am jumping right into Pierce me and the rest of her journey tonight.

Kelly just became a one click purchase for me. She writes it, I'll read it.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short novella gives you a glimpse of what's to come by introducing the characters.
Loved to hate the twist and eager to delve more into their pasts as their hidden strengths are already inspiring.
Definitely a good starter book baby for this debut author.