by Jennifer Ryan
Series: Montana Heat #0.5
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
It was more than another blind date . . .
It was DEA Agent Caden Cooke’s third chance to impress beautiful chef Mia Martin. He’d already stood her up twice, and was shocked she was even giving him another chance. For Caden, taking down the bad guys is important, but Mia’s made it clear there’s no excuse for his bad behavior. So he’s vowed to make it worth her while with an apology he’s cooked up just for her.
From the moment they meet, it’s clear this isn’t just another fix up. The sparks flying between them are undeniable; the tension is electric. Then, suddenly, the best moments of their lives turn treacherous when a drug dealer set on revenge puts their lives in danger. And Mia and Caden quickly realize they will do anything to protect the other—and live for the love neither of them expected.
PROTECTED BY LOVE is a novella that kicks off the Montana Heat series by Jennifer Ryan. Filled with nonstop danger and undeniable heat Ryan offered up a page-turning romantic suspense. While it suffered from its length, I am excited to dive into book one.
Coffee Pot Review*:
PROTECTED BY LOVE is DEA Agent Caden Cooke’s story. His brother Beck “Trigger” will be at the heart of book one, ESCAPE TO YOU. Fans first met these sexy lawmen in STONE COLD COWBOY, the third book in Ryan’s Montana Men series. While this is a spinoff, series newcomers will be able to jump right in.
Ryan’s books are always good with a suspenseful storyline and developed characters. The cast of characters from the villains to the Aunts all added to the tale and had me devouring this in a single sitting. I loved Mia and her kickass fearless attitude. Caden’s a good guy whose work consumes him leaving very little time for a social life. Their aunts are close and arranged for Caden and Mia to go out on a date. Things were a little rocky at the beginning, but their first date made it clear the aunts should open a matchmaker service.
The suspenseful plot with danger, high body counts, and vengeful drug lords didn’t leave much time for romantic development. I can handle instalove and while Ryan tried to establish growth in the relationship things happened at warp speed. Sadly, there was more than enough story that this couple was cheated out of a full-length novel.
We do get the set up for ESCAPE TO YOU and a sneak peek is included with this title. I like Trigger and cannot wait as the story holds the promise.
Would I recommend PROTECTED BY LOVE? Yes, just go in prepared it had humor, adorkableness and plenty of suspense but you’ll need to swallow the little blue bill for the romance and just believe.
Protected by Love by Jennifer Ryan kicks off the Montana Heat series. Share on X*Coffee Pot Reviews are reviews done in the time it takes me to brew a pot of coffee.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Angie
It’s so frustrating when you feel like characters were cheated by not getting a full story. I’m glad you were able to enjoy it anyway.
Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Right. I wanted more page time!
The Bibliophile Babe
Always nice to see a kick ass heroine!
kimbacaffeinate
I completely agree!
Angela Adams
If the story and suspense hold a reader’s interest, often it’s okay for the romance to be a supporting player.
kimbacaffeinate
I am the same, but the romance moved rapidly.
Evie
This sounds like a great suspenseful read. I loved that you enjoyed it despite the romance bit you mentioned.
kimbacaffeinate
I really did Evie and the characters were fun..I just wanted a little dinner before dessert 🙂
Mary Kirkland
That sounds like a good read.
kimbacaffeinate
It was fast paced and made me laugh. You would love Mia.
Laura Thomas
Sounds like the character’s needed more time to shine. And I’m a bit tired of the instalove thing. Thanks for the great review!
kimbacaffeinate
They had shine, I just wanted more chance to experience the romance
Debbie Haupt
Hmmm, I haven’t read her and this is right up my alley. Thanks Kim
kimbacaffeinate
I really enjoy her novels Debbie
Heidi
I like all the things you mentioned expect for the insta love feel and needing a blue pill to believe the romance.
kimbacaffeinate
They had fabulous chemistry and a genuine connection, it just moved at a blinding speed..lol
Ethan
I can definitely appreciate a crime novel that doesn’t take itself too seriously. I just finished a VERY serious one!
kimbacaffeinate
Ryan does a nice mix of romance and suspense Ethan.
Nick
I haven’t read a Jennifer Ryan book, mostly because I don’t care for cowboys, but seeing all the praise for her around the blogosphere definitely makes me want to check her out. This one sounds like a good introduction novella! Glad you enjoyed it overall! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I love a cowboy, especially stand up, law enforcement types 🙂
Sophia Rose
Good to know. I’ve done the bittersweet thing with plenty of novellas to swallow the pill often. Nice that the whole series is not that way and has some big promise of what’s to come.
kimbacaffeinate
It was great getting his story but I would have preferred the sit-down meal.lol
sherry fundin
Aww…cheated out of more lovin’
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe….it had its moments but they were fast..LOL
ty
This is embarrassing, but is that the same model from JLA’s Lux series? Pepe? Haha, oh man, you know you read too much when you recognize book models.
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, it might be. A lot of publishers use stock photos so it happens.
kimbacaffeinate
You made me look…LOL I don’t think so. There is an age difference, but very similar 🙂
Cyn
I’ve been hearing good stuff about this! Glad it was able to get you excited for book one! Will need to check it out. Awesome review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
It really did and Mia was a hoot.
blodeuedd
I could go for adorkableness
kimbacaffeinate
Right. This was fun.
Cindy
I like the sound of Mia and sometimes romance may not be needed. This one sounds good and thanks for this great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed and I had fun with them. Mia was badass.
Geybie's Book Blog
Sounds like the type of book that has so much potential. Thanks for the review, Kim. Awesome.
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed the characters. Mia was fearless.