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WEST Protection #10
Zero Dark Cowboy
A relentless bodyguard seeks justice…but he doesn’t expect to find the perfect woman.
New bodyguard on the WEST Protection team Judd Abel draws the short straw that sends him to a snooty tech conference in Boston instead of the MMA fight in Vegas he’s been looking forward to. He’s far from excited until a stunning, smart and sexy woman with secrets galore and legs for miles demands his help. He’s up for the challenge…but keeping his distance from the fascinating woman might prove much harder.
Ari Bloomberg thought she’d be taking part in the conference. Turns out her daddy just wants her at his beck and call. To make matters worse, she’s received a death threat…and gained a bodyguard. Judd’s swagger is impossible to ignore, but what really intrigues her is his brain. Okay, and his toe-curling kisses are starting to shake her to the core.
As Ari and Judd fight for answers to the extortion scheme, a private matter that closed the doors to Judd’s own business crops up. The bold hunk is so intense when it comes to protecting Ari at the conference—and keeping her happy between the sheets—that she’s starting to believe she can mix business with pleasure.
What do you get when you force a bad boy into a cowboy hat AND ask him to wear a tux? Action and adventure meets twisted suspense and all the heat between the sheets that will keep you up well past ZERO DARK!
New bodyguard on the WEST Protection team Judd Abel draws the short straw that sends him to a snooty tech conference in Boston instead of the MMA fight in Vegas he’s been looking forward to. He’s far from excited until a stunning, smart and sexy woman with secrets galore and legs for miles demands his help. He’s up for the challenge…but keeping his distance from the fascinating woman might prove much harder.
Ari Bloomberg thought she’d be taking part in the conference. Turns out her daddy just wants her at his beck and call. To make matters worse, she’s received a death threat…and gained a bodyguard. Judd’s swagger is impossible to ignore, but what really intrigues her is his brain. Okay, and his toe-curling kisses are starting to shake her to the core.
As Ari and Judd fight for answers to the extortion scheme, a private matter that closed the doors to Judd’s own business crops up. The bold hunk is so intense when it comes to protecting Ari at the conference—and keeping her happy between the sheets—that she’s starting to believe she can mix business with pleasure.
What do you get when you force a bad boy into a cowboy hat AND ask him to wear a tux? Action and adventure meets twisted suspense and all the heat between the sheets that will keep you up well past ZERO DARK!
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2023
256 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
January 23, 2023
Zero Dark Cowboy is the 11th book in author Em Petrova's WEST Protection series. After a fiasco of a mission closed down their own protection agency, three of the five Abel brothers found themselves starting over and rebuilding their reputations after joining the WEST Protection agency. This is Judd Abel's story. Assigned to act as a bodyguard at a tech convention is definitely not Judd's idea of a good time. When he is sought out as being security by a beautiful heiress to a billionaire tech company, he immediately has flashbacks to another spoiled heiress he failed to protect on a mission which destroyed his company. At first he wanted no part of dealing with Ari Bloomberg. When she showed him a note threatening her life, he knew he was sunk not only to have to protect her but also that their chemistry is off the charts together. As his ward he is not allowed to enter a relationship with her. As he gets to know her more and discovers that she is not only beautiful but highly intelligent, has
business savvy, and is seriously confident Judd quickly realizes that he may not be able to resist her allure. But can he cross the line and mix business and pleasure? Can he keep her safe or will he risk yet another ward in his charge losing her life? Another Alpha cowboy protector is about to come face to face with his ultimate challenge- trying to win (and keep safe) the woman he has come to love.
Unbelievable that this is already the 11th book in the WEST Protection Series. Each one is standalone but best enjoyed in series order. I devoured this book in a single read. It was soooo, soooo good!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
business savvy, and is seriously confident Judd quickly realizes that he may not be able to resist her allure. But can he cross the line and mix business and pleasure? Can he keep her safe or will he risk yet another ward in his charge losing her life? Another Alpha cowboy protector is about to come face to face with his ultimate challenge- trying to win (and keep safe) the woman he has come to love.
Unbelievable that this is already the 11th book in the WEST Protection Series. Each one is standalone but best enjoyed in series order. I devoured this book in a single read. It was soooo, soooo good!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2023
Looking Forward to Seeing More of Those Abel Brothers!
Em Petrova’s “Zero Dark Cowboy,” Book 11 of the WEST Protection series of contemporary romantic suspense, gives us a glimpse of the Abel brothers who happen to be the newest additions to the WEST team. Judd carries the weight of the world on his broad back, shouldering the blame for something that ended up shutting the doors of the company he and his brothers had built. That’s one heavy load to take up all on one’s own. He has the whole sexy and broody thing going on, and he meets his match in the most unlikely of women — a brilliant and driven beauty named Ari Bloomberg, daughter of a self-important tech mogul who underestimates his daughter at every turn. Not only are Judd and Ari absolutely magnetic — all panty-melting sexy scenes aside (and boy there were more than a couple that had me fanning myself — what I love about them is that they really truly see through the armor each has on and get to who the other person is with all the flaws and insecurities. Kinda special honestly! As with all things Petrova, there’s the element of danger laced with enough action to keep you on your toes, the humor and spicy romance that sizzles off the pages, and the family element that is the whole amazing WEST team that fans have grown to adore. One of my favorite parts of this story is the way Judd really comes into his own and finds his place in the brotherhood. Got me a little teary eyed. I have read every single title in the WEST Protection series, and I don’t ever want it to end!!! Too much good stuff and ALLLLL the stars!
Em Petrova’s “Zero Dark Cowboy,” Book 11 of the WEST Protection series of contemporary romantic suspense, gives us a glimpse of the Abel brothers who happen to be the newest additions to the WEST team. Judd carries the weight of the world on his broad back, shouldering the blame for something that ended up shutting the doors of the company he and his brothers had built. That’s one heavy load to take up all on one’s own. He has the whole sexy and broody thing going on, and he meets his match in the most unlikely of women — a brilliant and driven beauty named Ari Bloomberg, daughter of a self-important tech mogul who underestimates his daughter at every turn. Not only are Judd and Ari absolutely magnetic — all panty-melting sexy scenes aside (and boy there were more than a couple that had me fanning myself — what I love about them is that they really truly see through the armor each has on and get to who the other person is with all the flaws and insecurities. Kinda special honestly! As with all things Petrova, there’s the element of danger laced with enough action to keep you on your toes, the humor and spicy romance that sizzles off the pages, and the family element that is the whole amazing WEST team that fans have grown to adore. One of my favorite parts of this story is the way Judd really comes into his own and finds his place in the brotherhood. Got me a little teary eyed. I have read every single title in the WEST Protection series, and I don’t ever want it to end!!! Too much good stuff and ALLLLL the stars!
January 20, 2023
Another great addition to the West Protection series. This is Judd and Ari's story. The author brings strong characters with a sizzling hot chemistry and weaves an exciting story filled with suspense and danger. She does a great job building the story and moves it fluidly with perfectly painted scenes and delivers a terrific story. Loved and recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 19, 2023
He had lost his security business due to a scandal. Now he worked at West protection and meets his match. She discovers that someone wants to hurt her, when she asks for help she gets more than she bargained for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2023
“Zero Dark Cowboy” is part of the ‘WEST Protection’ series of interconnected standalone stories. It’s hard to believe this is the 11th book in this series because although they are all linked, each new one continues to be fresh and exciting. If you’re not yet familiar with the series, you can jump in with this one and understand everything. Be warned though, it’ll make you want to work your way back and enjoy the stories you’ve missed.
Although he appreciates although he appreciates his job with WEST Protection, Judd still can’t get over the loss of those security company he owned with his brothers, and the devastating death of a client, which precipitated it. Assigned to a security detail for a tech conference, he’s doing his best to appear enthusiastic although he’d much rather be assigned to a different job site. Ari is the daughter of a tech billionaire whose father refuses to see her as anything but a pretty accessory; no matter what she does, he refuses to acknowledge her intelligence. When she receives a death threat, Ari quietly approaches Judd with it. The story that unfolds reveals big secrets each has been hiding from much of the world. The physical attraction that immediately exists between them is no secret to either of them, but Judd tries to fight it out of fear it will make him less capable of staying professional and protecting her.
It’s a romance novel so not giving anything away when I say that he eventually gives in to the mutual attraction. One of the great things about this book is that the characters do not fit the common stereotypes. He’s tough, but in touch with his feelings, and she’s beautiful but brilliant with everything but fashion. He’s also unafraid to acknowledge her intelligence and respect her for it – unlike her father. Together they are quite a formidable team. If you’re familiar with this series, you’ll recognize some of the secondary characters and be updated about them. Secondary characters associated with Ari provide some lighthearted moments that add to the story. This is one of those books that goes by very quickly because it’s well-written and fast-paced. I enjoyed every page.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions.
Although he appreciates although he appreciates his job with WEST Protection, Judd still can’t get over the loss of those security company he owned with his brothers, and the devastating death of a client, which precipitated it. Assigned to a security detail for a tech conference, he’s doing his best to appear enthusiastic although he’d much rather be assigned to a different job site. Ari is the daughter of a tech billionaire whose father refuses to see her as anything but a pretty accessory; no matter what she does, he refuses to acknowledge her intelligence. When she receives a death threat, Ari quietly approaches Judd with it. The story that unfolds reveals big secrets each has been hiding from much of the world. The physical attraction that immediately exists between them is no secret to either of them, but Judd tries to fight it out of fear it will make him less capable of staying professional and protecting her.
It’s a romance novel so not giving anything away when I say that he eventually gives in to the mutual attraction. One of the great things about this book is that the characters do not fit the common stereotypes. He’s tough, but in touch with his feelings, and she’s beautiful but brilliant with everything but fashion. He’s also unafraid to acknowledge her intelligence and respect her for it – unlike her father. Together they are quite a formidable team. If you’re familiar with this series, you’ll recognize some of the secondary characters and be updated about them. Secondary characters associated with Ari provide some lighthearted moments that add to the story. This is one of those books that goes by very quickly because it’s well-written and fast-paced. I enjoyed every page.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions.
January 24, 2023
Judd, Boone, and Landon were all assigned as security for a tech conference in Boston where they were expecting nothing much to happen. Boy were they wrong. Judd came face to face with Brian White from his past, a person involved in the case responsible for closing down Abel Security sending him and two brothers to work for WEST Security and the other two into construction. Seeing Brian gave Judd a bad feeling. During the first evening at the cocktail party, a beautiful woman, Ari Bloomberg walked straight up to him handing him a note. The note was a death threat from "The Broker". She was to influence her father to sign a certain contract which he was not going to do. Ari may have been an extremely intelligent woman and independent, but her father only considered her arm candy. He allowed her to have nothing whatsoever to have anything to do with his business. "The Broker" may have thought, he did his homework, but he sure failed. He knew a great deal about Ari, but he knew nothing about her father. The father was to self-centered to care about anyone else. Especially, when he was in bed with the Russian Mafia which ended up at the conference looking for "The Broker". Ari was assigned as Judd's ward for the duration of the conference, and it was no easy feat keeping her safe. Every moment they spent together, it grew harder for them to keep their hands off each other. Finally, Ari had all she could take and threw herself at Judd. I throughly enjoyed this fantastic romantic suspense, filled with action, lots of mystery, intrigue, and moments of pure love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2023
This was a romantic suspense.
Love this story! Great characters and the suspense had really good twists. A must read for any fan of the West Protection series. Highly recommend!
Ari Bloomberg is the CEO of a tech company and was planning to attend the conference to present her new company. She is asked by her father who owns the family tech company, to attend the tech conference in Boston. Her father has never recognized her brains and business acumen only her looks.
Judd Abel is a fairly new bodyguard with the West Protection team. He and his four brothers previously owned their own firm but after a tragic case went south closed their business. Several of his brothers also work for West.
Judd and two other bodyguards are working security at the conference when Ari approached him with a threatening note that was slipped under her door. West agrees to provide protection for her and look for The Broker the person who sent the note. Later that night at a cocktail party her father introduced her to Bryan White who happened to be the boyfriend of their former client who was unalived. While the West team is trying to find The Broker they discover disturbing information about her father's company and where he got financing for their latest expansion. Meanwhile Ari and Judd book up and start a steamy affair. The climax of the story has the bad being taken care of, her father's situation resolved and they get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love this story! Great characters and the suspense had really good twists. A must read for any fan of the West Protection series. Highly recommend!
Ari Bloomberg is the CEO of a tech company and was planning to attend the conference to present her new company. She is asked by her father who owns the family tech company, to attend the tech conference in Boston. Her father has never recognized her brains and business acumen only her looks.
Judd Abel is a fairly new bodyguard with the West Protection team. He and his four brothers previously owned their own firm but after a tragic case went south closed their business. Several of his brothers also work for West.
Judd and two other bodyguards are working security at the conference when Ari approached him with a threatening note that was slipped under her door. West agrees to provide protection for her and look for The Broker the person who sent the note. Later that night at a cocktail party her father introduced her to Bryan White who happened to be the boyfriend of their former client who was unalived. While the West team is trying to find The Broker they discover disturbing information about her father's company and where he got financing for their latest expansion. Meanwhile Ari and Judd book up and start a steamy affair. The climax of the story has the bad being taken care of, her father's situation resolved and they get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2023
Fast-paced, suspenseful, and steamy, this novel captivates the reader from the opening pages with humor to lighten the mood. Judd Abel has joined the WEST Protection team, and although he is doing what knows best, he is angry and trying to sift through what is left of his one epic failure. Sent to protect a conference full of suited nerds at a tech conference, he doesn't expect to be approached directly by one of the delegates who has received a death threat. Ari Bloomberg knows that she is a pawn in her father's games, but she has her own future to think of, and being her father's lure for future investors does not fit in with her plans. The chemistry between Judd and Ari is smoking hot and the fact that he doesn't just see her as a pretty face adds to the attraction between them. Discovering the source of the anonymous letter becomes urgent when more than one player seeks out the identity of the perpetrator, and Judd recognizes that time is running out. Echoes of his own past make him realize that he is overlooking something but whether or not he finds it in time is another matter. Just when it would seem that all is lost, Judd not only finds the missing pieces of his life but a future with the woman he has fallen in love with. I received a copy of this well-written and intriguing romance as a gift from BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 27, 2023
The last thing he expected
Judd has lost everything and he blames himself, he is lost, spiraling round and round the event that cost him everything, unable to focus or see a way forward. But the 'easy' job becomes anything but, then Ari knocks him on his ass, she is everything he never knew he wanted, but exactly what he needs and he will stop at nothing to keep her safe. It is great to see Judd's focus and confidence return, he doesn't become the man he was, but rather the man he wants to be going forward. He finally accepts the past, accepts and embraces his future at WEST. A good book but not my favourite of the series. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Judd has lost everything and he blames himself, he is lost, spiraling round and round the event that cost him everything, unable to focus or see a way forward. But the 'easy' job becomes anything but, then Ari knocks him on his ass, she is everything he never knew he wanted, but exactly what he needs and he will stop at nothing to keep her safe. It is great to see Judd's focus and confidence return, he doesn't become the man he was, but rather the man he wants to be going forward. He finally accepts the past, accepts and embraces his future at WEST. A good book but not my favourite of the series. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
December 2, 2025
Form: 📱Ebook in Books app
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Trope: Forced proximity/Bodyguard
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Angst: 😩
Recommend: 3
I needed a title that started with a Z.. this was short and fit the bill and ended up being not a bad little story at all. The writing was good and it wrapped up well. It’s a HUGE series, that I did not read from book #1, nope I read book # 10. No confusion, it’s a standalone in an interconnected series.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Trope: Forced proximity/Bodyguard
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Angst: 😩
Recommend: 3
I needed a title that started with a Z.. this was short and fit the bill and ended up being not a bad little story at all. The writing was good and it wrapped up well. It’s a HUGE series, that I did not read from book #1, nope I read book # 10. No confusion, it’s a standalone in an interconnected series.
February 1, 2023
Judd Abel is sent to Boston on assignment that seems to be boring. Ari Bloomberg works for her father's software company, but he just basically ignores her. She gets a death threat at the convention and goes to Judd for help.
Of course, this is a hot read!
Of course, this is a hot read!
January 20, 2023
This is a great addition to the West Protection series and I absolutely loved Ari and Judd along with the storyline. It has a little bit of everything that makes a great read, drop dead gorgeous men, a beautiful and intelligent woman, sparks of danger, and a hot romance. The s@xual fireworks between Ari and Judd is hot and explosive and a thrill to read. The story is well written, entertaining and pulled me in from the beginning to the very end. This is definitely a book worth reading along with the others in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2023
This is book eleven of the WEST Protection series and focuses on one of the newer recruits to the company, new bodyguard Judd Abel, who owned his own security firm with his four brothers, Jaren, Jace, Julius and Jennings, until their last job cost them their company. Judd has blamed himself for that ever since, with the death of a congressman’s daughter allowed to happen on their watch. Jace and Jaren have also joined WEST Protection, when the owners recruited them, but his other two brothers stayed behind and are deciding what to do with their lives. Two jobs are in the offering, one at an MMA fight in Vegas, which would be right up his street, but instead he is chosen to go to Boston to a tech conference, with fellow security Boone and Landon. They are supposed to be general undercover security for the whole tech conference, but Judd is quickly picked out of the crowd by Ari Bloomberg who has come early to the conference at the insistence of her father Solomon Bloomberg, the owner of a huge tech empire. She should be the heiress to her father’s tech empire, being his only child, but it seems he never takes her seriously and usually only brings her along to these conferences as eye candy for whoever he wants to get some business out of, or to set her up with! What her father doesn’t know, is that she has started her own company and is at the conference to be the special guest speaker, just he called her there a few days early!
Ari is a strong woman, with great business sense, but very little idea of how to dress for success or different occasions, preferring to just wear something comfy. After years of bullying in private school by a gang of mean rich girls, she hired her own stylist Tanya, and she and her assistants, Mario and Celia, sort out everything for her, for every occasion and from hair to make up as well. When she comes up to Judd, he thinks she is just another rich girl with nothing between her ears, but she has received a death threat from someone calling themselves ‘The Broker’ and wanting her to get her father to change the manufacturer of his chips. They obviously don’t know how little influence she has on her father’s business! Someone who her father introduces her to, Bryan White, seems to know an awful lot about her. Down to her favourite drink and food! He tries pushing himself on her at every opportunity and she can’t seem to shake him. What he really wants from her is unknown. Ari recognised Judd as being part of the undercover security team hired to work at the tech conference, by how different he was from all the tech nerds, even if he is still uncomfortable having to wear a white cowboy hat in his normal everyday life with WEST Protection. At least her, he has to dress to mingle with the crowds and appear as of them, but Ari spotted the difference straight away, having seen similar types to him doing high end security.
She passes him the note that was pushed under her door, but it gives Judd little to go on, especially when Ari knows so little about the real goings on with her father’s business empire. She created her own company, hAPPenstance, to show him what she could do, but he never seems to take her seriously. She had hoped her being the special guest speaker to al at the conference, might finally show him her worth and capability to take over once he is gone. What she doesn’t know is exactly who he has allowed himself to get mixed up with and it seems this is coming back to bite him and cause danger to his daughter. She will find out once and for all, just exactly how important or not, she is to him compared to his precious company! Judd takes Ari under his wing as his ‘ward’, but ends up breaking the most basic rule of all, in not getting involved with the person you are looking out for, as it seldom works out well. But as much as he can try and resist, Ari herself, finds a different side of her comes out when Judd is about and she pushes the envelope until he can resist no more. A close connection to the incident that caused the closing down of Judd and his brothers own security company has appeared at the tech conference and is very interested in Ari. Is this too much of a coincidence or just someone falling for a pretty woman? Add in lots of steamy romance and danger form the Russian mafia, as well as the secret person only known as The Broker, and lots begins to happen, almost all at once. Judd is lucky to have one brother, Jace, who is a computer expert, doing deep dives into any suspects they find and he soon finds out that his new family of brothers and their families, have become his as well. He may even find out answers to who killed his previous charge and release some of that guilt he has been holding in for months. A great read that builds up the action and romance as the story progresses and you get to know both characters really well. I loved the light hearted parts thrown in as her stylist Tanya and her crew tease her about Judd and come up with banter to release some of the stress of the situation she finds herself in. I can’t wait to read more of this series and get to know all the others in the WEST Protection family, having come late to the series. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Ari is a strong woman, with great business sense, but very little idea of how to dress for success or different occasions, preferring to just wear something comfy. After years of bullying in private school by a gang of mean rich girls, she hired her own stylist Tanya, and she and her assistants, Mario and Celia, sort out everything for her, for every occasion and from hair to make up as well. When she comes up to Judd, he thinks she is just another rich girl with nothing between her ears, but she has received a death threat from someone calling themselves ‘The Broker’ and wanting her to get her father to change the manufacturer of his chips. They obviously don’t know how little influence she has on her father’s business! Someone who her father introduces her to, Bryan White, seems to know an awful lot about her. Down to her favourite drink and food! He tries pushing himself on her at every opportunity and she can’t seem to shake him. What he really wants from her is unknown. Ari recognised Judd as being part of the undercover security team hired to work at the tech conference, by how different he was from all the tech nerds, even if he is still uncomfortable having to wear a white cowboy hat in his normal everyday life with WEST Protection. At least her, he has to dress to mingle with the crowds and appear as of them, but Ari spotted the difference straight away, having seen similar types to him doing high end security.
She passes him the note that was pushed under her door, but it gives Judd little to go on, especially when Ari knows so little about the real goings on with her father’s business empire. She created her own company, hAPPenstance, to show him what she could do, but he never seems to take her seriously. She had hoped her being the special guest speaker to al at the conference, might finally show him her worth and capability to take over once he is gone. What she doesn’t know is exactly who he has allowed himself to get mixed up with and it seems this is coming back to bite him and cause danger to his daughter. She will find out once and for all, just exactly how important or not, she is to him compared to his precious company! Judd takes Ari under his wing as his ‘ward’, but ends up breaking the most basic rule of all, in not getting involved with the person you are looking out for, as it seldom works out well. But as much as he can try and resist, Ari herself, finds a different side of her comes out when Judd is about and she pushes the envelope until he can resist no more. A close connection to the incident that caused the closing down of Judd and his brothers own security company has appeared at the tech conference and is very interested in Ari. Is this too much of a coincidence or just someone falling for a pretty woman? Add in lots of steamy romance and danger form the Russian mafia, as well as the secret person only known as The Broker, and lots begins to happen, almost all at once. Judd is lucky to have one brother, Jace, who is a computer expert, doing deep dives into any suspects they find and he soon finds out that his new family of brothers and their families, have become his as well. He may even find out answers to who killed his previous charge and release some of that guilt he has been holding in for months. A great read that builds up the action and romance as the story progresses and you get to know both characters really well. I loved the light hearted parts thrown in as her stylist Tanya and her crew tease her about Judd and come up with banter to release some of the stress of the situation she finds herself in. I can’t wait to read more of this series and get to know all the others in the WEST Protection family, having come late to the series. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
February 21, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
While this is a part of a series, you don't have to read the prior ones to fully understand and enjoy this one. I just adore WEST Protection series. I seriously hope that it never ends.
Judd used to own his own security agency along with his brothers. Their last case didn't end well. Judd and a few of his brothers moved north and joined WEST Protection. Judd and two others head to Boston to run security for a tech convention. While they are there, a young woman approaches Judd and hands over a note that was left in her suite. It is a very threatening note hand written and signed by "The Broker".
Judd wants to send her home but Ari won't go. She is tired of being treated like a porcelain doll on a pedestal! Ari grew up middle class until her father made it big in the technology sector. She has a team of people helping her with clothes and makeup as she doesn't have a clue. She prefers to be treated like a peer than a show piece. But she has to look the part, hence the help. Ari's dad, introduces her to Bryan White. Bryan sticks to Ari like glue. Judd doesn't like Bryan as Bryan's last girlfriend was a daughter of a very important person and she was murdered!
Could Bryan be behind the threatening note? Could there be other factors that play into the threat? Can Judd keep Ari safe and not end up like his last case? Can Judd and Ari deny their attraction to each other? Well you will have to read this for yourself!
This is a very sexy read so just a word of warning on that note. I would highly recommend this wonderful story to anyone over the age of consent.
While this is a part of a series, you don't have to read the prior ones to fully understand and enjoy this one. I just adore WEST Protection series. I seriously hope that it never ends.
Judd used to own his own security agency along with his brothers. Their last case didn't end well. Judd and a few of his brothers moved north and joined WEST Protection. Judd and two others head to Boston to run security for a tech convention. While they are there, a young woman approaches Judd and hands over a note that was left in her suite. It is a very threatening note hand written and signed by "The Broker".
Judd wants to send her home but Ari won't go. She is tired of being treated like a porcelain doll on a pedestal! Ari grew up middle class until her father made it big in the technology sector. She has a team of people helping her with clothes and makeup as she doesn't have a clue. She prefers to be treated like a peer than a show piece. But she has to look the part, hence the help. Ari's dad, introduces her to Bryan White. Bryan sticks to Ari like glue. Judd doesn't like Bryan as Bryan's last girlfriend was a daughter of a very important person and she was murdered!
Could Bryan be behind the threatening note? Could there be other factors that play into the threat? Can Judd keep Ari safe and not end up like his last case? Can Judd and Ari deny their attraction to each other? Well you will have to read this for yourself!
This is a very sexy read so just a word of warning on that note. I would highly recommend this wonderful story to anyone over the age of consent.
May 14, 2023
While this is a part of a series, you don't have to read the prior ones to fully understand and enjoy this one. I just adore WEST Protection series. I seriously hope that it never ends.
Judd used to own his own security agency along with his brothers. Their last case didn't end well. Judd and a few of his brothers moved north and joined WEST Protection. Judd and two others head to Boston to run security for a tech convention. While they are there, a young woman approaches Judd and hands over a note that was left in her suite. It is a very threatening note hand written and signed by "The Broker".
Judd wants to send her home but Ari won't go. She is tired of being treated like a porcelain doll on a pedestal! Ari grew up middle class until her father made it big in the technology sector. She has a team of people helping her with clothes and makeup as she doesn't have a clue. She prefers to be treated like a peer than a show piece. But she has to look the part, hence the help. Ari's dad, introduces her to Bryan White. Bryan sticks to Ari like glue. Judd doesn't like Bryan as Bryan's last girlfriend was a daughter of a very important person and she was murdered!
Could Bryan be behind the threatening note? Could there be other factors that play into the threat? Can Judd keep Ari safe and not end up like his last case? Can Judd and Ari deny their attraction to each other? Well you will have to read this for yourself!
This is a very sexy read so just a word of warning on that note. I would highly recommend this wonderful story to anyone over the age of consent.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Judd used to own his own security agency along with his brothers. Their last case didn't end well. Judd and a few of his brothers moved north and joined WEST Protection. Judd and two others head to Boston to run security for a tech convention. While they are there, a young woman approaches Judd and hands over a note that was left in her suite. It is a very threatening note hand written and signed by "The Broker".
Judd wants to send her home but Ari won't go. She is tired of being treated like a porcelain doll on a pedestal! Ari grew up middle class until her father made it big in the technology sector. She has a team of people helping her with clothes and makeup as she doesn't have a clue. She prefers to be treated like a peer than a show piece. But she has to look the part, hence the help. Ari's dad, introduces her to Bryan White. Bryan sticks to Ari like glue. Judd doesn't like Bryan as Bryan's last girlfriend was a daughter of a very important person and she was murdered!
Could Bryan be behind the threatening note? Could there be other factors that play into the threat? Can Judd keep Ari safe and not end up like his last case? Can Judd and Ari deny their attraction to each other? Well you will have to read this for yourself!
This is a very sexy read so just a word of warning on that note. I would highly recommend this wonderful story to anyone over the age of consent.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2023
This is the 11th book in the West Protection series and in it we finally get Judd's story that we have been patiently waiting for and it does not disappoint. Judd and Ari give us a thrilling, action-packed, intriguing suspenseful story full of secrets, betrayal and more twists. Ari is a very intelligent woman and she goes to the tech convention expecting to show her new company instead her father thinks that she's only good for being arm candy he doesn't recognize her intelligence or her talent. To make matters worse she's received a death threat which is how she comes to acquire Judd for a bodyguard. Ari approaches Judd with the letter that she received containing death threats and after seeing Brian White at the convention the man who was directly involved in the case that shutdown Abel Security forcing him and his brothers to work for West while the other two brothers went into construction. Judd knows that it's no coincidence that Brian White is there then all of a sudden death threats are being issued to an innocent beautiful woman he has a bad feeling about this he also has explosive chemistry with Ari. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this intriguing action-packed and suspenseful story full of secrets and twists to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book as well as the previous books in this wonderful series. I am looking forward to the next book in this exciting series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2023
Judd and Ari
I love that the WEST Protection crew keeps adding members to keep the series going. This was the first book featuring one of the Able brothers and it answered so many questions about the brothers.
Judd Able is still reeling over the loss of his own security company. He’s trying to get used to working for WEST and wearing the white Stetson, but he also wants answers about the case that destroyed his own company. When he’s assigned to protection detail for a tech conference in Boston, he grudgingly takes the job, not knowing this job will change the course of his life.
Ari Bloomberg is attending the tech conference with her dad. He’s underestimated her for years and she’s ready to step out of the shadows. When she gets a death threat, she asks Judd for help and is determined to find the threat while still attending the conference. While working with Judd and his team, Judd and Ari find something neither of them were prepared for. Now it’s more important than ever for Judd to keep Ari safe.
This was an exciting read with no lack of spice. Judd and Ari seem like an unlikely pair but they actually have a lot in common. I loved that they supported each other so seamlessly and trusted each other implicitly. The suspense was good, however I figured out who the Broker was pretty quickly. This was a great introduction to the Abel brothers and gave good background on the incident that led them to WEST Protection.
I love that the WEST Protection crew keeps adding members to keep the series going. This was the first book featuring one of the Able brothers and it answered so many questions about the brothers.
Judd Able is still reeling over the loss of his own security company. He’s trying to get used to working for WEST and wearing the white Stetson, but he also wants answers about the case that destroyed his own company. When he’s assigned to protection detail for a tech conference in Boston, he grudgingly takes the job, not knowing this job will change the course of his life.
Ari Bloomberg is attending the tech conference with her dad. He’s underestimated her for years and she’s ready to step out of the shadows. When she gets a death threat, she asks Judd for help and is determined to find the threat while still attending the conference. While working with Judd and his team, Judd and Ari find something neither of them were prepared for. Now it’s more important than ever for Judd to keep Ari safe.
This was an exciting read with no lack of spice. Judd and Ari seem like an unlikely pair but they actually have a lot in common. I loved that they supported each other so seamlessly and trusted each other implicitly. The suspense was good, however I figured out who the Broker was pretty quickly. This was a great introduction to the Abel brothers and gave good background on the incident that led them to WEST Protection.
January 19, 2023
Dark Zero Cowboy is the eleventh book Em Petrova’s WEST Protection series. It is an amazing romance novel filled with suspense, great chemistry, interesting characters, a fantastic storyline and a happily ever after.
Excitement was the last thing bodyguard Judd Abel was expecting when he is sent to a tech conference in Boston for his first assignment at WEST Protection. Then in walked smart and beautiful Ari Bloomberg with a request for help after receiving a death threat. Suddenly things are looking up and more complicated as he struggles to keep his distance. As Ari and Judd work together to uncover answers to a complicated blackmail scheme, issues from Judd’s past creep in. Will mixing business with pleasure lead to a happy ending or will Judd’s feelings and decisions end in disaster? Read it and find out!
Another fantastic addition to Petrova’s amazing WEST Protection series. I loved how Ari and Judd instinctively knew what the other needed and how they supported each other’s choices. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the explosive chemistry between Petrova’s characters, as well as the detailed and steamy scenes she describes between them. I can’t wait to read more about the Abel brothers!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Excitement was the last thing bodyguard Judd Abel was expecting when he is sent to a tech conference in Boston for his first assignment at WEST Protection. Then in walked smart and beautiful Ari Bloomberg with a request for help after receiving a death threat. Suddenly things are looking up and more complicated as he struggles to keep his distance. As Ari and Judd work together to uncover answers to a complicated blackmail scheme, issues from Judd’s past creep in. Will mixing business with pleasure lead to a happy ending or will Judd’s feelings and decisions end in disaster? Read it and find out!
Another fantastic addition to Petrova’s amazing WEST Protection series. I loved how Ari and Judd instinctively knew what the other needed and how they supported each other’s choices. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the explosive chemistry between Petrova’s characters, as well as the detailed and steamy scenes she describes between them. I can’t wait to read more about the Abel brothers!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2023
Judd Abel is the new bodyguard on the WEST Protection team. He and his four brothers lost their security company. Three of the five brothers became employees at WEST Protection. Judd and two other guards are sent to Boston to provide security at a tech conference.
Ari Bloomberg wants to be part of her father’s company BloomWorks, as more than a pretty face. Her father demands she attend a tech conference in Boston with him. Little does her dad know that she was going to be at the conference later in the week as a guest speaker launching her own company. On the first day there, Ari receives a death threat.
Ari finds Judd and gives him the note. The boss at WEST Protection tells Judd to protect Ari while they do some digging into why she is being threatened. Judd sees Bryan White at the conference trying to cozy up to Ari at her father’s urging. Bryan White was the boyfriend of Melanie Morris. Melanie was a congressman’s daughter who lost her life while Judd was protecting her. That incident is the one that cost them Abel Security.
Why is Bryan White trying to get close to Ari? Who is threatening Ari and what is her father hiding? Will Ari and Judd be able to keep things professional? What happens when the conference is over?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ari Bloomberg wants to be part of her father’s company BloomWorks, as more than a pretty face. Her father demands she attend a tech conference in Boston with him. Little does her dad know that she was going to be at the conference later in the week as a guest speaker launching her own company. On the first day there, Ari receives a death threat.
Ari finds Judd and gives him the note. The boss at WEST Protection tells Judd to protect Ari while they do some digging into why she is being threatened. Judd sees Bryan White at the conference trying to cozy up to Ari at her father’s urging. Bryan White was the boyfriend of Melanie Morris. Melanie was a congressman’s daughter who lost her life while Judd was protecting her. That incident is the one that cost them Abel Security.
Why is Bryan White trying to get close to Ari? Who is threatening Ari and what is her father hiding? Will Ari and Judd be able to keep things professional? What happens when the conference is over?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2023
Judd Abel joined WEST Proctection along with two of his four brothers after their own security company closed...Judd is getting used to Montana winters, pickup trucks rather than motorcycles in the Georgia heat, and a white Stetson hat. When sent on assignment for security at a technical conference in Boston, rather than security for MMA event in Vegas, he was disappointed. Ari was a brilliant young woman, daughter of the founder of Bloomworks, a computer company, but her father only saw her as an accessory rather than business woman in her own right...she was guest speaker at event for her own company, which her father didn't know about...so when she got a threatening note the first night of conference, she picked out Judd as likely security as he looked too muscular to be computer geek bound to a desk...then things got more interesting for Judd...he liked Ari's spirit, innovation, looks and that she was smart and sassy, but an old nemesis of Judd's was trying to swoop in on Ari...but who is threatening her and why...you will need to read this twisting, topsy-turvy story to see what happens...I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2023
Judd and Ari are on Fire!
Zero Dark Cowboy is the eleventh book in the WEST Protection series. This story gives background into the Abel brothers and the past that brought them to West Protection. Judd isn’t looking for excitement has he is still trying to recover from the job that cost them all their security firm. When Ari walks in there is nothing that can keep his eyes from her. When she approaches him and digs right in asking for help all he can do is get on board.
Ari never expected to be threatened when she attended the Tech conference, but she has. The sexy man she finds in the crowd working security. She never imagined he would turn her world upside down. Judd brings out a side of Ari she hasn’t felt before.
It is a story full of high suspense and lots of sexy times. These two connect and learn to grown and strengthen as a team. This is an amazing addition to the series and can’t wait for the next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Zero Dark Cowboy is the eleventh book in the WEST Protection series. This story gives background into the Abel brothers and the past that brought them to West Protection. Judd isn’t looking for excitement has he is still trying to recover from the job that cost them all their security firm. When Ari walks in there is nothing that can keep his eyes from her. When she approaches him and digs right in asking for help all he can do is get on board.
Ari never expected to be threatened when she attended the Tech conference, but she has. The sexy man she finds in the crowd working security. She never imagined he would turn her world upside down. Judd brings out a side of Ari she hasn’t felt before.
It is a story full of high suspense and lots of sexy times. These two connect and learn to grown and strengthen as a team. This is an amazing addition to the series and can’t wait for the next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2023
Judd does not get sent to Vegas for the MMA fight like he hoped, he is sent to Boston for the tech conference, the only upside, no white hat. What he does not expect is her, she is stunningly attractive and smart, his kryptonite. When she becomes a ward, he has to keep his distance, but is proving to be impossible.
Ari was attending the conference as a speaker when her dad invites her join, to help with investors. When she gets a death threat, that brings Judd and the team as her shadows, but mostly Judd. Judd is not just sexy and hot as heck, there is an intelligence that calls to her.
As boundaries are crossed by the pair, can they WEST team figure out who is coming for Ari before it is too late?
This is a steamy read, Judd cannot not stay away from her no matter how hard he tries. The pair heat of the room when near each other. This book has all the action and suspense as the others in the WEST Protection series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ari was attending the conference as a speaker when her dad invites her join, to help with investors. When she gets a death threat, that brings Judd and the team as her shadows, but mostly Judd. Judd is not just sexy and hot as heck, there is an intelligence that calls to her.
As boundaries are crossed by the pair, can they WEST team figure out who is coming for Ari before it is too late?
This is a steamy read, Judd cannot not stay away from her no matter how hard he tries. The pair heat of the room when near each other. This book has all the action and suspense as the others in the WEST Protection series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2023
Another Terrific WEST Protection Romance!!
Judd Abel and his brothers lost their security company, but are starting over on the WEST Protection team. Judd is sent to a tech conference in Boston with two other team members. Little does he expect a stunning woman to walk up to him with a note which is a death threat.
Ari has been kept out of the details of her fathers tech company. In frustration she started her own, and is doing quite well. Her father commanded her to join the conference as “decoration”, not knowing she is a secret keynote later in the week.
Judd is feeling deja vu. They lost a primary causing the loss of the business, and a key player back then is now at this conference. Judd is keeping close to Ari, and finding her brains just as attractive as her beauty. Action-packed, full of intrigue and romance. A fun read!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Judd Abel and his brothers lost their security company, but are starting over on the WEST Protection team. Judd is sent to a tech conference in Boston with two other team members. Little does he expect a stunning woman to walk up to him with a note which is a death threat.
Ari has been kept out of the details of her fathers tech company. In frustration she started her own, and is doing quite well. Her father commanded her to join the conference as “decoration”, not knowing she is a secret keynote later in the week.
Judd is feeling deja vu. They lost a primary causing the loss of the business, and a key player back then is now at this conference. Judd is keeping close to Ari, and finding her brains just as attractive as her beauty. Action-packed, full of intrigue and romance. A fun read!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
January 21, 2023
It's hard to believe this series is already up to book 11. And yet the stories are very diverse and keep you wanting more of these protectors and their women. In this story we get an introduction to the Abel brothers, a few of whom have joined WEST Protection after their security company had to close.
Judd isn't too excited about being sent to Boston for a tech conference, but things change when a beautiful woman whose life has been threatened seeks him out after correctly assuming he is part of the security detail. While Ari is thrown by the threat, she is also a very strong woman who has a good reason for staying at the conference so she can give her scheduled speech.
The story is full of suspense, danger, sexual chemistry, protectiveness, humor, and so much more. We learn some of what happened to the Abel's and their security firm although there are still some unanswered questions. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Judd isn't too excited about being sent to Boston for a tech conference, but things change when a beautiful woman whose life has been threatened seeks him out after correctly assuming he is part of the security detail. While Ari is thrown by the threat, she is also a very strong woman who has a good reason for staying at the conference so she can give her scheduled speech.
The story is full of suspense, danger, sexual chemistry, protectiveness, humor, and so much more. We learn some of what happened to the Abel's and their security firm although there are still some unanswered questions. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
January 24, 2023
I was glad to finally get to begin reading some of the Abel Brother's stories and Judd was EVERYTHING I had hoped it to be. Throughout the story, we get to see (and feel) how Judd's past continues to haunt him and how he continues to struggle with the aftermath. When he finds out that Ari, his latest ward might be connected to that past due to a man her father seems intent on having in her life well, things really begin to get complicated. One thing Judd finds is difficult to accept in his new role as a West Protection employee is that Ari is supposed to be "hands off" but it quickly becomes apparent that neither can resist the temptation to see what "might be". Great action and many surprises that just makes this a great story. Can't wait to get my hands on the next story that showcases Jace, another Abel brother and I hope this series keeps on going!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2023
Judd and Ari's Story . . .
Judd, now employed by West Protection, is assigned to a tech conference. It’s not the MMA fight in Vegas he was hoping to work at. But Ari Bloomberg, attending the conference with her father, approaches him for help with a threatening note signed by “The Broker” ordering her to influence her father’s decision over the signing of a contract. Her father, however, never respected her intelligence or views on anything. She had absolutely no influence over him in any way.
Judd became her bodyguard and found this conference was not as boring as expected. Finding an old nemesis, Brian White, at the conference, Judd had to keep alert at all times. And as he protected Ari, the two of them could no longer resist their attraction. Was there a future for them if they got out of this tense, dangerous situation? Grab your copy and enjoy the author’s handling of the suspense, intrigue, and love wrapped up in this exciting story line.
Judd, now employed by West Protection, is assigned to a tech conference. It’s not the MMA fight in Vegas he was hoping to work at. But Ari Bloomberg, attending the conference with her father, approaches him for help with a threatening note signed by “The Broker” ordering her to influence her father’s decision over the signing of a contract. Her father, however, never respected her intelligence or views on anything. She had absolutely no influence over him in any way.
Judd became her bodyguard and found this conference was not as boring as expected. Finding an old nemesis, Brian White, at the conference, Judd had to keep alert at all times. And as he protected Ari, the two of them could no longer resist their attraction. Was there a future for them if they got out of this tense, dangerous situation? Grab your copy and enjoy the author’s handling of the suspense, intrigue, and love wrapped up in this exciting story line.
January 17, 2023
These stories always leave me wanting more. I am already looking forward to the next West Protection book. This is another solid story about my favorite cowboy protectors. Judd feels like the odd man out. He is carrying around so much guilt. I love seeing him change his attitude. He pushes Ari away but knows he is wrong to do it. I love how Ari is so strong, smart, independent and sets her sights on what she wants and goes after it. I love how she surprises Judd and her father. She is so successful and driven. The suspense is well thought out and well written. The characters are fully developed with meaningful story lines. I am ready for a new story. Maybe we will get one about the witsec character or maybe it will be Clay, hmmm. I can't wait.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2023
Judd Abel is new to WEST and is ready for a test run after Abel Security closes under suspicious circumstances. He is assigned to a techie conference and ends up picking up a ward, Ari when she brings him threatening note that involves her father’s company signing a contract. After an attack on them, they escape to a safe house, cabin, on a mountain and are alone for several days. There is an intense attraction between them and they cross the line. Not such an isolated occurrence at the office. Ari has her own company to present that her father knows nothing about. Their dynamic is wanting. Can they unravel the conspiracy before someone gets killed? Another great addition to the WEST company and ….there are lots more Abel brothers from Atlanta that may join up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2023
I loved Zero Dark Cowboy Book 11 of WEST Protection. Judd wants to go to Vegas and protect an MMA fighter but instead he has to go to Boston for a tech conference. Ari thought her father was finally seeing her as an asset for his business but instead he just sells her as a pretty face. When she received a threat she goes straight to Judd and suddenly Judd isn’t upset about being in Boston. They have an instant attraction but he’s not right for her in his mind. Ari has other ideas. When the threat grows and Ari is attacked can they stop the threat before it’s to late? This was a great storyline and I love the characters. I love how they carry over in to each book. I would definitely recommend this book and the entire series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2023
This is the eleventh book in the West Protection series but it can be enjoyed as a standalone. If you're read the series you'll see some of those characters pop in. Judd and two of his brothers joined WEST Protection after the untimely demise of their protection company. Judd is weighed down by guilt about what happened and trying to get to the bottom of what went wrong. Ari wants her father to realize that she is way more than a pretty face. When she receives a death threat she reaches out to Judd and WEST Protection for help. Ari's world is turned upside down and Judd realizes he'd do anything to protect her and keep her safe. The pages practically smoke when they're together, plenty of heat and suspense to keep you turning the pages. Really looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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