Lynn
An unexpected and explosive beginning (pun intended) held my attention right from the beginning of the first chapter until the end. Protected is the third book in the Deadly Secrets series and a standalone novel.
Narked, newly divorced Kelsey McClane isn't happy her loving but controlling brothers have arranged a security detail for her after her ex-husband has repeatedly threatened her. Riding on her success as a new designer after her début at the New York fashion week, she's back in Portland for a television interview with Hunter O'Donnell in tow. When she receives a threatening text message before going live for her interview, she panics until fate takes over and her life is thrown into turmoil.
Best friend of Alec McClane, Hunter O'Donnell knows all about his friend's adopted sister Kelsey...she's off limits. When he's asked by the McClane family to watch her while the rest of the family are on holiday in Florida, he accepts because he cares too much for her safely knowing her ex-husband is a bully. When they're at the television station for Kelsey's interview, he's noticed her distress, but everything turns chaotic when an explosion becomes a catalyst for something sinister.
What I liked most about this novel was its ability to surprise me. I had no idea which direction the main plot would subsequently go and the narrative had far more depth than I expected. The mystery is a key element as Kelsey and Hunter try to uncover the identity of the person trying to kill her. Knowing a relationship isn't a good idea theoretically, both struggle to keep everything business like...and fail. However, too many other elements need to be resolved before the pair; who've hidden their attraction from each other for a long time, can act on their combustible chemistry. Resulting in an ever-present push and pull between them.
I've not read the previous two novels in the Deadly Secrets series, but this didn't impact my enjoyment of this one. I've read books by the author before and this one is probably my favourite.
***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***