The Protector by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Orion (8 Sept. 2016)
ISBN-10: 1409166406
ISBN-13: 978-1409166405
A new standalone novel from Jodi Ellen Malpas, the bestselling author of the THIS MAN and ONE NIGHT trilogies

People think they have Camille Logan nailed: daddy's girl, beautiful, spoiled young woman with her father's bank balance to fund her lifestyle. But Camille is determined to have a life free from his strings. Now, after fighting so hard to be independent and happy, she finds her life threatened as a result of her father's ruthless business dealings. Caught between resentment and fear, Camille prepares herself for the measures her father will take to protect her. But nothing could prepare her for the ex-SAS sniper who crashes into her life.
Jake Sharp resides in his own personal hell. He was distracted from duty once before, and the consequences were devastating - both personally and professionally. Accepting the job of bodyguard to Camille Logan isn't the kind of distraction from his demons he should take. Women and Jake don't mix well, yet protecting the heiress seems the lesser of two evils. But Jake soon discovers that she isn't the woman she's perceived to be. She's warm, compassionate, her presence settling, and his duty to protect her soon goes deeper than a well-paid job, no matter how hard he fights it. He needs absolution. He comes to need Camille. But he knows he can't have both.

Cover: I don’t love or hate the cover- it definitely matches the story anyway.

I’ve not read any of Jodi Ellen Malpas’s books, but when I saw someone haul this book, I was intrigued.

And I was happy when I was accepted to review it via netgalley.

Typical plotline- rich girl falls for bodyguard.  But I have to say I really enjoyed it.  Jake is ex-army, suffering with a form of PTSD, he gets through life with the help of meds, alcohol and sleeping around…and taking security jobs.

When he accepts the job to guard Camille Logan, he expects her to be a spoiled little princess.  But what he finds is that she strives to be fiercely independent, a loyal friend and a shrewd business woman.

Sparks immediately fly between them, but a relationship just wouldn’t work…would it?

I really liked both characters, and the immediate chemistry between them.  I did think it was more insta-lust than anything else.  And I wish it had more of a gradual build up- instant attraction is one thing, immediately acting on it is another. 

I loved seeing the change in Jake- how he starts off as a total hard ass, but softens towards Camille.  I’m not gonna lie I love a protective, possessive alpha male.  They’re a guilty pleasure.

I also love that it was set in London.

Over all, a great stand alone contemporary romance read.  Would definitely recommend picking it up.

4/5 stars.