The Protector

by Jodi Ellen Malpas

[Lynn]

3.5 Stars

The Protector is the first novel I've read by Jodi Ellen Malpas and it's standalone.

Camille Logan is a socialite, the daughter of Trevor Logan, the London-based business and property tycoon. She's stunningly beautiful; a sought-after model and wannabe fashion label owner. Despite a hefty trust fund income, Cami is trying to forge her own way in life and away from her controlling and possessive father, only he won't let her. He's overprotective, especially after her spell in rehab, caused by her association with Sebastian Peters; her abusive drug-taking ex. Little wonder, she's livid when her father tells her he's hired a bodyguard to protect her. Only the six foot four ex-SAS sniper is an intrusion she didn't think she'd welcome.

Jake Sharp, works to keep busy and to distract him from his demons. At thirty-five, he knows personal problems need facing head-on, but that's too tough for the former SAS sniper. When he's assigned a job as a bodyguard for Trevor Logan's daughter Camille, he views it as just another job, only his illusions are shattered when she doesn't fit his preconceived idea of a spoilt 'princess'. Additionally, the reason he's protecting her doesn't add up either. With that thinking, Jake's determined to find out the real reason he's protecting Cami, never envisaging he'd become more than her protector.

I found the first half of the book a bit slow, as we become acquainted with the protagonists. Whilst I liked them together as a couple and enjoyed their sizzling interaction, the plot surrounding them wasn't convincing in the beginning. Their love story is the highlight as we witness them overcoming personal obstacles to find happiness and love together. Despite Jake's rough, tough exterior, he's adorable and romantic. Camille shows she's the opposite of what the tabloid and glossy magazines write about her.

The latter part of the book came to life around the 80% mark but as Jake finds his closure for his happy ending, I'm left feeling underwhelmed about the ending. I don't need my books to end in neat Happy Ever After bows, but even for me, there wasn't enough there to make me satisfied about what potentially lies ahead for Jake and Cami as a couple.

Overall, I enjoyed The Protector but it just lacked 'je ne sais quoi' to make it a fabulous read. That being said, I'm still more than happy to try other books by Ms. Malpas in the future.

***arc generously received courtesy of Forever via NetGalley***