Overprotected

Dec 10, 2011 Haley ~ YA-Aholic rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

“Everything you need to know about love is already inside of you...”

Overprotect: to overly defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult; cover or shield from injury or danger.

When I picked up Overprotected I expected to read a nice easy fluffy read, but what I got was thrown onto a roller coaster of emotions, suspense, and of course romance. .and I loved every minute of the ride!

Overprotected is about a girl Ashlyn, all she wants is to be a normal teenager. But Ashlyn does not...more “Everything you need to know about love is already inside of you...”

Overprotect: to overly defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult; cover or shield from injury or danger.

When I picked up Overprotected I expected to read a nice easy fluffy read, but what I got was thrown onto a roller coaster of emotions, suspense, and of course romance. .and I loved every minute of the ride!

Overprotected is about a girl Ashlyn, all she wants is to be a normal teenager. But Ashlyn does not have a normal teenage life, actually it’s anything, but normal. She has a body guard everywhere she goes, she can’t hang out at friend houses, and if that wasn’t enough..as if she couldn’t already hate her life enough..daddy just happened to hire a new bodyguard for her, and he’s not just any bodyguard, he is Colin, her childhood bully. As Ashlyn’s family starts to fall apart more and more by every passing day, she finds comfort in the very guy she thought she hated, Colin, but Ashlyn doesn’t know..Colin isn’t the only one watching her..

I really did not expect to enjoy Overprotected as much as I did, this was my first novel I have read of Jennifer’s and I can safely say that I am now a forever fan! I have been so sucked into paranormal books lately it was such a relief to read a contemporary romance with an awesome thrill ride along with it!

Jennifer Laurens put together a great story, along with that great story she also put together some amazing characters! Ashlyn I could not help, but feel so sorry. I could never imagine having such a protective father who never lets her do anything, she is almost an adult and he protectors her as if she is still an infant!

Colin…well he is just hot! I adored him and I believe any girl in her right mind will enjoy him too, I mean come one, some hot strong guy, who wants to be an FBI agent when he gets older? He is also Ashlyns body guard? If that doesn’t scream hot I don’t know what does! Along with a pretty face though, Colin is a protective caring guy who is all around admirable inside and out!

Ashlyn’s mother I also felt sorry for..sometimes I dis liked her, but by the end of the story I grew such a soft spot for her. I know she was supposed to be kinda evil in the beginning, but at the end all I could think was how depressed she seemed..and how desperate she was just to be showed some love that no one was showing her..ya she had fancy nice things, but this story really teaches you money can’t buy happiness.

Ashlyn’s father was the only character I could not stand at all. He was great for the story and the story would not had been a story if he was gone, but lets just say if he were a real person I would probably punch him in the face. He was cold hearted, and I feel his power and money was what got to his head and honestly made him go crazy. I am just glad that his crazy-ness did not affect Ashlyn and Ashlyn was able to stay such a strong character threw everything he caused.

All in all if you’re looking for a story of romance, suspense, and maybe even a story that teaches you a few life lessons then Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens is a book you need to go pick up now.
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Mar 29, 2012 Wendy Darling marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook-egalley, indie-author, young-adult, realistic-fiction

Hey peeps, this title and SEASON OF EDEN are currently free for Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Overprotected-e... and http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004...

And they may be free in the UK Kindle store, too! Still full price on Nook, though. Thanks to Rosa for the heads up on the first one. :)

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Jan 22, 2013 Jamie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kidnapped, not-so-bad-boy, protect-me, young-adult

Source: innocence-is-lost.tumblr.com via Debbie on Pinterest

The guy on the cover of this book is not working for me. I found my own version of Collin. I think mine looks better :) And I totally could picture him as being the 21 year old rather than that guy on the cover who looks 40.

Now for the book, I really liked the storyline, I mean truely. But for starters I had no idea this was a Young Adult book. That I can't blame on the book, that was my fault for not looking more into the book befor...more

Source: innocence-is-lost.tumblr.com via Debbie on Pinterest

The guy on the cover of this book is not working for me. I found my own version of Collin. I think mine looks better :) And I totally could picture him as being the 21 year old rather than that guy on the cover who looks 40.

Now for the book, I really liked the storyline, I mean truely. But for starters I had no idea this was a Young Adult book. That I can't blame on the book, that was my fault for not looking more into the book before I read it. I had bought the book a while ago as a freebie and thought the storyline sounded really good.

I felt so sorry for Ashlyn. Her dad was an overbearing prick, who wouldn't even take the time to listen to what his daughter was trying to tell him. I really think he had her best intentions in mind, but not allowing her to have even the freedom to have friends is a little extreme. No wonder the girl was constantly trying to escape. At first I thought her mom was a royal bitch, well not just at first but during the majority of the book. I mean the main reason she was having anything to do with her own daughter was just to get Colin's attention. They for sure had a messed up family. I applaud Colin for taking the job and deciding to stick it out. Wow, what a situation he got himself into.

BUT, there were so many things about the book I just didn't get. I felt we never got all of the answers. From Ashlyn's mom, dad, or Colin. Ashlyn kept asking her dad and mom what had happened the day of the incident, in the end we never got that answer. Ashlyn kept asking her dad when and what happened to her parent's marriage, we never got the answer to that. AND, my biggest thing was I felt like we never got a complete conversation out of Ashlyn and Colin. I wanted to know when (view spoiler) THEN, the ending??? What the hell was that?!?!?! (view spoiler) I felt like we could have had all of these question answered had Colin and Ashlyn just had a conversation in the end. After all they had gone through I felt the ending was just lacking.

If you follow my reviews you know I am a very generous rater. I can get lost in any story and enjoy it no matter reviews or ratings. To me it's not about everything being perfect in a book just if I get lost in the story or not. I did get lost in this story and enjoyed it, I just felt in the end I had questions still left unanswered and I just felt the ending was lacking the big finale with Colin and Ashlyn I felt they needed. I think the book had the potential to be extremely good but just left me a little disappointed. :((less)

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Mar 21, 2012 Simcsa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-english, read-in-2012, contemporary-realistic-ya

3.5 stars

Obsessed with keeping his society-princess daughter safe, Charles hires his daughter's childhood enemy to be her bodyguard. He never imagines that Ashlyn would fall in love with Colin.

It was a good story, but as far as I'm concerned Ashlyn wasn't in love, she was in lust. Sorry, girl, it's true. Why did you like him so much? Because he was sexy? Nope, that's not love. However, it's not uncommon to mistake lust for love, when a girl is as inexperienced as Ashlyn. Everything she knows abo...more

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Feb 20, 2011 Katrina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ashlyn: A lonely society princess living in New York City.

Daddy hired you to be my bodyguard.

Colin: Childhood enemy, now her protector.

Daddy thought I’d be safe. He thought I’d never fall in love. He thought he could keep me forever.

Charles: obsessed with keeping her safe, keeping her his, he hires the one person he knows she could never fall in love with: Colin.

Daddy was wrong.

**My Review ******************************************************************************************************...more

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Jun 27, 2012 Lindsay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-freebie, kindle-books, musicians-rock-star, reviews

This book has been on my TBR list…forever. I always hesitated to buy it because of the price. Then the most amazing thing happened…I found it for free on Amazon. Needless to say, I snatched it up and never looked back (I also told as many people that would listen to do the same).

Before I started this book, I expected a bratty, rebellious teenager with protective parents that just want what’s best for her. I expected immature hijinks, where she tried to ditch the bodyguard or treated them badly....more This book has been on my TBR list…forever. I always hesitated to buy it because of the price. Then the most amazing thing happened…I found it for free on Amazon. Needless to say, I snatched it up and never looked back (I also told as many people that would listen to do the same).

Before I started this book, I expected a bratty, rebellious teenager with protective parents that just want what’s best for her. I expected immature hijinks, where she tried to ditch the bodyguard or treated them badly. What I actually got was something completely different and unexpected.

I don’t normally waffle about ratings. I normally know the number of stars to give a book. But with this book, I was torn. The biggest drawback to this book was the formatting. Paragraphs would be broken off in the middle and start on the next line again. Nothing was lost, it was just mildly distracting.

I honestly loved this book. It started as a light book about a girl that was feeling oppressed by her parents and their overprotective ways, but the further I went in it, the more dark and emotional and full of angst it became. I just finished reading Effortless by S.C. Stephens and I didn’t want another angsty read. But I got one anyway. Ashlyn was an amazingly strong girl for what lived with. The author did an amazing job of making the book darker and more emotional with the new revelations that Ashlyn became aware of. The more she grew as a person, the more aware she became of her familial situation, the more angst ridden the book became. It wasn’t anywhere near and gut wrenching as Thoughtless, but it still kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to find out what happened next.

I heard some complaints about the ending from friends that read this book, but I had no problems with it. I thought it was a fitting ending to the story. It doesn’t give great detail to the future, but it leaves you with a definite HEA and a sense of how things now stand in Ashlyn’s life.

I will definitely be re-reading this book, and I would be more than willing to read other books by the author.
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Apr 10, 2011 The BookWhisperer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Is there such a thing as OVERPROTECTING your children? Jennifer Laurens dives head long into the reality of a life for a young girl that has just that. After being kidnapped at five years old Ashlyn has learned to live a life of constant surveillance. Now at almost eighteen life is changing for this young woman, but her father is determined to remain limiting her experiences and understanding of the real world. While rebelling against her father wishes she finds herself without a body guard. Who...more Is there such a thing as OVERPROTECTING your children? Jennifer Laurens dives head long into the reality of a life for a young girl that has just that. After being kidnapped at five years old Ashlyn has learned to live a life of constant surveillance. Now at almost eighteen life is changing for this young woman, but her father is determined to remain limiting her experiences and understanding of the real world. While rebelling against her father wishes she finds herself without a body guard. Whom is quickly replaced by the one person that she hoped to never meet again.

Truth be told Ashlyn’s father must have realized that with his “princess” changing that he had more to protect her from than years prior. Now as a beautiful and talented young woman it became clear that she was no longer a little girl, but her father was determined to avoid changes that would allow her to life, learn, and most importantly love. When Colin and Ashlyn spend more and more time together it becomes clear that the memories she holds of this young man does not represent the man that he has become. As the story unfolds, so does the attraction and mystery of these two characters. Anticipation will keep readers on the edge throughout this novel with Colin’s constant dedication to her job. Even as Ashlyn begins to show her feelings; it appears as though the feelings are not reciprocated. Though it soon becomes evident that his strength to hide his true emotions are beginning to slip.

As an overall story it was a bit depressing to see this young woman craving adventure and knowledge that her protection prohibits. While at this age most young adults are experimenting and studying their selves; this young woman is under constant demand to continue being a child. This is a sweet love story that readers will enjoy, and remember long after the last page

Merged review:

Is there such a thing as OVERPROTECTING your children? Jennifer Laurens dives head long into the reality of a life for a young girl that has just that. After being kidnapped at five years old Ashlyn has learned to live a life of constant surveillance. Now at almost eighteen life is changing for this young woman, but her father is determined to remain limiting her experiences and understanding of the real world. While rebelling against her father wishes she finds herself without a body guard. Whom is quickly replaced by the one person that she hoped to never meet again. [return][return]Truth be told Ashlyn� s father must have realized that with his � princess� changing that he had more to protect her from than years prior. Now as a beautiful and talented young woman it became clear that she was no longer a little girl, but her father was determined to avoid changes that would allow her to life, learn, and most importantly love. When Colin and Ashlyn spend more and more time together it becomes clear that the memories she holds of this young man does not represent the man that he has become. As the story unfolds, so does the attraction and mystery of these two characters. Anticipation will keep readers on the edge throughout this novel with Colin� s constant dedication to her job. Even as Ashlyn begins to show her feelings; it appears as though the feelings are not reciprocated. Though it soon becomes evident that his strength to hide his true emotions are beginning to slip. [return][return]As an overall story it was a bit depressing to see this young woman craving adventure and knowledge that her protection prohibits. While at this age most young adults are experimenting and studying their selves; this young woman is under constant demand to continue being a child. This is a sweet love story that readers will enjoy, and remember long after the last page[return](less)

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Apr 10, 2011 Gale rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can't believe I got excited for this book. I'm really really disappointed. All the characters were annoying. Yes, even Ashlyn. Even though she got seriously really overprotected and sexually harassed? Yep. Still hate her. Well, let's see. She whines and yearns for trust yet she doesn't seem to do anything to gain it. She keeps on escaping from her bodyguards, wanders on her own and she even calls her Dad, Daddy. Even though she had a terrible past with bodyguards, she should have done her best...more

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May 17, 2013 Paula Phillips rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

All Ashlyn has ever wanted was a taste of freedom , after an incident that happened when Ashlyn was younger she has been surrounded by bodyguards and protected but not in a you can still have your freedom way but in a way that she is over-protected. Coming up to Eighteen , Ashlyn yearns for her freedom and for her parents to stop treating her like a little child and someone that needs protecting. When her first bodyguard gets fired , Ashlyn hopes that it is the last - but her enjoyment is outli...more

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Feb 02, 2013 astoryoflegends rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Book Review: Overprotected is the second Jennifer Laurens book I have read. The first being A Season Of Eden (taboo teacher/student romance which I absolutely love) Having thoroughly enjoyed A Season Of Eden I had hoped to enjoy this one just as much if not more. Although overprotected was a really fun quick read (I swear Jennifer Laurens books are always very short?) It lacked..something. The plot was predictable. There was no exciting surprises for me which singled this book out from many othe

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Book Review: Overprotected is the second Jennifer Laurens book I have read. The first being A Season Of Eden (taboo teacher/student romance which I absolutely love) Having thoroughly enjoyed A Season Of Eden I had hoped to enjoy this one just as much if not more. Although overprotected was a really fun quick read (I swear Jennifer Laurens books are always very short?) It lacked..something. The plot was predictable. There was no exciting surprises for me which singled this book out from many other YA romances I have read in the past. Regardless of all this Overprotected was very entertaining in some parts and a speedy read.

What I liked: I liked the general idea of the book. Overprotective dad hires bodyguard to protect daughter, daughter falls in love with bodyguard bla bla bla. The book description is what made me want to read the book in the first place. I also liked some of the subplots which occurred towards the middle of the book with Ashlyn’s parents. To be truthfully honest I found the drama between the parents more absorbing that the romance between Ashlyn and Collin. Which brings us onto what I didn’t like.

What I didn’t like: The romance between Ashlyn and Collin became kinda boring to me halfway through the book. After the initial omg I used to hate you when I was a kid why am I having strange feelings for you moments passed the romance lacked something. I found myself focuses more on other parts of the book. I also found the book fairly predictable. Especially the end with the ex bodyguard Stuart coming back. I saw that coming since the beginning of the book. Finally the thing I disliked most about the novel was the ending. Although everything became wrapped up nicely there was one vital part which they could have ended better. “I turned a glance over my shoulder to see if the suited man was still tailing me. He was. I waved. His head averted the second I made eye contact.
Facing forward, I kept my gaze out ahead. A long as the suited guy kept his distance, we were good. I had more important things on my mind.
What. Whaaat? The who novel was about how Ashlyn absolutely abhorred being under constant watch of a body guard. Then the ending she simply says she has more important things on her mind? I would have liked to see that issue dealt with more better as it was such an underlying controversy throughout the whole novel.

To summarize, Overprotected was enjoyable. It was fun and light and contained drama which made you want to carry on but at the same time it lacked a lot of points which would have made it a great book. The cover is simply horrendous one of the most ugly covers on a book I have ever seen (if that middle aged man on the cover is supposed to be Colin then wtf..)

3.5 stars (less)

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Oct 20, 2012 Deanna rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: free-ebook, mild-language

Oy. I spent AT LEAST the first three-fourths of this book constantly cringing and covering my face with my hair in embarrassment at all the awkwardness. It was like I was stuck in a torture land where the conversations, situations, and writing were present just to pester me to the max. I seriously read this book as fast as I could so it would all end (minus the many breaks throughout were I just sat in my chair with my hands covering my face in horror). If you enjoy experiencing really awkward m...more Oy. I spent AT LEAST the first three-fourths of this book constantly cringing and covering my face with my hair in embarrassment at all the awkwardness. It was like I was stuck in a torture land where the conversations, situations, and writing were present just to pester me to the max. I seriously read this book as fast as I could so it would all end (minus the many breaks throughout were I just sat in my chair with my hands covering my face in horror). If you enjoy experiencing really awkward moments then this book is for you.

I got this book for free on Amazon and the premise of a high school girl with a bodyguard peaked my interest so I thought "Why not?" and I read it. Bad move.

I had so many problems with this book but one of the glaring problems was the fact that I couldn't see why Ashlyn needed a bodyguard. It seemed way too dramatic and unnecessary so the entire plot of the story crashed for me just from that. I thought that Ashlyn's parents would have more of a reason for her needing a personal bodyguard, like an actual threat on her life, but there was NOTHING in the way of her safety. There weren't any crazy stalkers or hit men chasing after her or anything. She didn't need a stupid bodyguard AT ALL!!

Then Ashlyn is a never-ending ball of fun (that's sarcasm). Ashlyn, sweetie. I do not want to hear about all of your personal thoughts about your crush on Colin, nor do I want to witness your non-stop humiliating conversations that you create.

Here are some "memorable moments":
- "These chapters were technical, fascinating, with illustrations that left my eyes wide...I could use this book."
- "I’d read in my romance novels that women’s hands often traveled up their hero’s chest. Would he like that? I allowed my hands to inch upward."
- "I’d read about heroines in my romance novels letting their fingers play in the hair at the nape of the hero’s neck. I allowed my fingers to explore Colin’s thick hair."
- "“Can I get you two anything?” A wiggling blonde bartender dipped and shimmied next to us. The tray in her hand balanced perfectly with eight empty glasses even with her dancing. Colin shook his head. “I’ll take a scotch,” I said. Colin’s eyes widened for a moment. “We’ll pass, thanks.” He took my elbow. I pulled free. He brought himself tight to my chest, his warm breath at my ear when he hissed, “No drinking.”"
- "I slowed, catching my breath then reached skyward, my eyes closed, savoring freedom. Dad didn’t know where we were. No one knew, except Colin and me. We were alone. Alone. I whirled, laughed, and stuck my tongue out, tasting the slushy falling flakes. We may not have been on a beach in the tropics, and we may not have ended up in a rolling kiss, but we were alone."
- "I would taste him and find out for myself."

Ugh, there are so many more quotes but I just can't. I wanna be done with this book so buh bye.(less)

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May 22, 2012 ~Christina's BookReviews~ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 Stars

When I read the synopsis to this book I was quickly intrigued. About halfway I was rushing to finish it, but only because I got bored.

Ashlyn is sick of the life she has as a prisoner in her own home. Everywhere she goes there is a bodyguard next to her. She only has one friend, Felicity, that her father okayed. She has never had a boyfriend because it is not allowed. The only men are her companions, or bodyguards. After 17 years, almost 18, or living under the scrutiny of her father she...more

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May 07, 2012 Charlie rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, chick-lit, romance

I am disappointed with this book. I expected more from Ashlyn, due to being overprotected for almost half of her life but she comes out as an unintersting character for me.

The way she acts sometimes makes me forget that she is 17 and not 12. She's whiny and a shows inappropriate act for a 17 years old. Yes, she's deprived from attending a lot of stuff most kids do but it's like she knows absolutely nothing about what's happening to the real world.

I expect more character development but I was dis...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Ms. Library rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-general-fiction, don-t-bother

This book was terrible. It was written so, so badly. Here are a few examples:
“This kiss was like the petals of one flower gently coaxing another to open and bloom.”
“Everything you need to know about love is already inside of you.”
“His whisper slipped into my soul, just like it had countless times before, and wound around my tender heart.”
“Mother swiveled out the door.”
“I lifted my shoulders. I was used to visitors being taken in by an opulence I now passed by with second nature.”
“With year...more This book was terrible. It was written so, so badly. Here are a few examples:
“This kiss was like the petals of one flower gently coaxing another to open and bloom.”
“Everything you need to know about love is already inside of you.”
“His whisper slipped into my soul, just like it had countless times before, and wound around my tender heart.”
“Mother swiveled out the door.”
“I lifted my shoulders. I was used to visitors being taken in by an opulence I now passed by with second nature.”
“With yearning fingers, the song reached deep inside my soul.”
“I jerked to my feet, rubbing my arms to ward off a chill. But the chill wasn’t real. Underneath the bumps covering my flesh, warmth flurried.”
"To quell the storm inside of me, I continued playing the melody taunting my head. Daddy watched my hands move over ivory keys I used to speak a language he could never understand."
There's also this kissing scene where it seems that the gentlemen is about to suck her soul out, because the author keeps mentioning his darkening eyes. THEY TURNED SO BLACK WITH NEED. What does that even mean?
This is probably the worst book I've read this year, and its mostly because of the shoddy writing. Think of Chasing Liberty with Mandy Moore, only written by an overly emotional teenager in their journal at night.
Some scenes reminded me of the really bad Lord of the Rings fan-fiction I used to write in biology. The writing was so amateurish. The characters never said anything; they huffed, or sighed, or snickered. It was just terrible. This is the kind of book where I would read passages aloud to my husband just to hear him groan.
The characterization was abysmal, and the plot was so predictable. This had so many terrible YA tropes: the bitchy mean girl that was never really characterized besides OH MY GOD THEY ARE SO EVIL BECAUSE THEY ARE FLIRTING WITH THE GUY, the Ridiculously Gorgeous Male trope, and the instant love/connection trope. There was also the fact that the heroine played the same song over and over, and her best friend could only make jokes about Chinese food. I almost started playing a drinking game with myself about that one. WE GET IT FELICITY. YOU DON'T LIKE CHINESE FOOD AND YOUR PARENTS MAKE YOU EAT IT. It was supposed to add humor, but I was just annoyed.
It was tripe, all right.
I know this review is really harsh, but it is as honest as I can make it. The writing was horrid, and the plot was predictable, and the characters were cardboard. I would suggest this if you like watching bad movies, because it had the same groan-worthy entertainment value. Otherwise, skip it and just watch Chasing Liberty instead. At least you'll get to stare at a gorgeous guy for two hours.(less)

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Jan 31, 2012 Lilibeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Even though I like the happy-go-lucky families in my novels as much as the next girl, I think the fights this family had is what made this 4 stars instead of 3. The reasoning behind Ashlyn's father's--Charles--overprotective nature is what built up the tension for the Adair family from the start. It is only when an "old family friend"--as Ashlyn's mother, Fiona puts it--takes authority of being Ashlyn's bodyguard that things start to go haywire in the family's townhouse on Fifth Avenue.

When Ashl...more Even though I like the happy-go-lucky families in my novels as much as the next girl, I think the fights this family had is what made this 4 stars instead of 3. The reasoning behind Ashlyn's father's--Charles--overprotective nature is what built up the tension for the Adair family from the start. It is only when an "old family friend"--as Ashlyn's mother, Fiona puts it--takes authority of being Ashlyn's bodyguard that things start to go haywire in the family's townhouse on Fifth Avenue.

When Ashlyn Adair started to feel uncomfortable with her bodyguard Stuart, she knew it was time to convince Daddy to let her have her freedom once and for all. But, as per usual, Charles ignores his little girl's wishes--and by this time she's almost eighteen--and decides to hire another bodyguard that'll annoy Ashlyn just as much, Colin Brennen. The strange feeling that Ashlyn gets around Colin hasn't ceased to grow inside her since the last time they saw each other but the bullying that Colin administered when they were younger is particularly unforgettable. This by no means stops Ashlyn from acting out her longing wish of freedom.

Since I've read four other books by Jennifer Laurens and one under her pseudonym J.M. Warwick, and since I loved ALL of them, my expectations were very high. But honestly I was just glad to be able to read another book by her again. When I first read the synopsis for Overprotected, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and when I finally did, it took no longer than two days to breeze through it.

While the romance that slowly kindled between Ashlyn and Colin was passionate and tasteful, I think the core of the plot centered on Ash's familial issues. And there were plenty to be dealt with. All the imperfections that surrounded her didn't deter her determination to fulfill her one wish of freedom. Her love of music and playing the piano with an excellent skill provided the "innocent" quality that others see in her and a humbleness since she doesn't realize her own innocence. For some reason, going into this book, I expected Ashlyn to be more outspoken and rebellious; and while she does rebel against her father when she can find the courage, her subdued demeanor radiates a sense of inborn class. I admired Ashlyn for her individualistic character while in a household that feels more like a cage than a home. Colin wasn't as mischievous as I thought either, but whenever he flashed those intense blue eyes and crooked smile, I could admit to myself that his protective FBI persona was hot.

The writing was not any less addicting than in Ms. Laurens' previous novels, but every once in a while I'd catch myself in the middle of one family argument and had to stop and take note of the impressive manipulative skill that was demonstrated in the conflicting personages of each individual. Charles' irrationality when it came to his daughter's freedom and expression made me reflect on how parents' final decisions can ultimately affect the child--or children--and have their own repercussions.

I would recommend Overprotected for the sole reason that it is by Jennifer Laurens, but for those in need of more persuasion, I'd say to pick up the book because you won't want to miss how one girl separate from the outside world becomes the missing girl everyone in New York is buzzing about.

Grade: B(less)

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Jan 26, 2012 Charity rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

Imagine being a teenaged girl who is constantly under the watch of a bodyguard - for no apparent reason. Your parents are not under the watch of a bodyguard, just you. Would you be frustrated with it? Would you want to break free? Or would you fall in love with the bodyguard hired to protect you?

In Overprotected, Jennifer Laurens weaves the tale of Ashlyn, a 17 year old girl who has lived the majority of her life under strict watch by her parents and bodyguards. While she knows why she is being...more

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Nov 17, 2011 sarcastic added it · review of another edition

My Thoughts: Another Jennifer Laurens book that I adore! We meet Ashlyn who is 17 years old. She lives with her mother and father who basically treat her like a child. When she was just a little girl, she was kidnapped so ever since she has had a personal bodyguard and is watched over 24/7. The only time she is ever really alone is in her house in her bedroom, and her bodyguard still lives with them. But at least she's free to go room to room on her own. Ashlyn is fighting to have a little indep...more My Thoughts: Another Jennifer Laurens book that I adore! We meet Ashlyn who is 17 years old. She lives with her mother and father who basically treat her like a child. When she was just a little girl, she was kidnapped so ever since she has had a personal bodyguard and is watched over 24/7. The only time she is ever really alone is in her house in her bedroom, and her bodyguard still lives with them. But at least she's free to go room to room on her own. Ashlyn is fighting to have a little independence. She wants to be able to walk down the street on her own. Her latest bodyguard Stuart, has became infatuated with her and is in love with her. She eventually gets him fired. Her dad is too quick to find her another bodyguard.

All Ash wants to do is be normal, she wants to play piano, have friends, go on dates, and think about college.

Whose her new bodyguard? Does Ash know him? Who is he? She comes down the steps to meet him and its none other than Collin, the boy who tortured her and picked on her when she was a child. She hates him with a passion. She spent years trying to get over him picking on her, and now he's her bodyguard?? NO!

It doesn't help matters that Collin has actually turned nice and hot so Ash has trouble staying mad at him. They spend more and more time together and she starts to feel things she shouldn't be feeling. Remember, she's supposed to hate him.

She's got quite a few dilemmas on her hands, as her parents are fighting, there are always girls at school trying to get Collin's attention, Ash just can't catch a break.

There are also new threats on Ash's life and she has people watching her every move.

I won't say much more. You have to read the book to find out what happens. The story between Collin and Ash was beautiful. I had been in love with this cover ever since I saw it, and the book did not disappoint me one little bit. I feel in love with it from the very first page.I loved Ash and Collin's story.

Overall: I loved Overprotected. I'd love to have Collin guard me any day of the week! Swoon!

Cover: Love it! Its sexy! Her standing behind him is awesome, and he's a good looking guy! Very sexy and awesome cover. (less)

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Sep 09, 2011 Pam rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I made the mistake of starting this at 10:30 last night and finished it at 7:30 this morning. Not sure how many hours of sleep I got in between.

Ashlynn was kidnapped when she was 5 by a woman who worked for her father. After she was rescued, Ashlynn's family pulled up stakes and moved from California to New York City. Since then her father has been obsessed with her safety and protection, to the point where she has a live-in bodyguard, or "companion" as her family likes to call them.

Ashlynn's ne...more

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Jul 29, 2011 Resti rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

read this a couple days ago. i took this because the cover interested me. you see, the girl who protected by bodyguard with sunglasses. really interesting.
beside the titled and the synopsis sounds good to me. until i read it.
I was disappointed. when I saw the cover, i thought it was a chicklit kind of book. because, you know the guy on the cover looked old and the woman too. i didn't know that she's only 17 and the guy is 21 until i read the book. I hated her father. still hate actually. and i h...more

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Jul 09, 2011 Ritwika rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: readers who savour pathetic reads

sad book...The premise of the story was undeniably promising,the heroine's musical genius a delightful new experience and the wordplay wonderful; I delighted reading the way the author crafted words into beautiful pieces of art, subtly weaving in emotions of both the protagonists. But as the narrative progressed, the story steadily waned to any other commonplace romance that you can pick up on the street, and the ending sealed the fate of the book. Now, all I am left with is that twinge of bitte...more

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Jun 07, 2011 Krista rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: general-fiction

Okay, I see you raising your eyebrow at this reading choice. It was free, what can I say? I'll read the phonebook if it is free!

And this isn't the phonebook. "Overprotected" is a sweet little piece of fluff--the titular overprotected daughter, Ashlynn, lives with her father's obsessive (frankly, highly creepy) desire to control and shelter her. Ashlynn is growing up and starting to rebel against her father's wishes, and against the hothouse environment of her parents' twisted marriage. Against t...more

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Jun 06, 2011 Krista Basilio rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jennifer Laurens brought Overprotected to life by weaving an engaging, slightly creepy, romantic tale and offering us likable (and hate-able) characters you couldn't help vest myself into.

Ashlyn is a society princess stuck under the heavily jeweled hand of her mother and the thumb of her highly successful, powerhouse father. As ridiculous as the situation sounded it really was brought to life. I fell into Ashlyn's life, urging her to strengthen her backbone and trying to sway those around her....more Jennifer Laurens brought Overprotected to life by weaving an engaging, slightly creepy, romantic tale and offering us likable (and hate-able) characters you couldn't help vest myself into.

Ashlyn is a society princess stuck under the heavily jeweled hand of her mother and the thumb of her highly successful, powerhouse father. As ridiculous as the situation sounded it really was brought to life. I fell into Ashlyn's life, urging her to strengthen her backbone and trying to sway those around her. Ashlyn, despite the perfect air around her that usually would turn me off, was and extremely likable and easy-to-relate to character. As the situation grew, so did Ashlyn and her emotions and actions were something I couldn't help but hang onto.

Colin, the previous enemy of Ashley, is the guy who Ashlyn's father chooses to protect his princess. Everything about Colin seemed to wrong, yet so right. The way his character fell into his place presented us with a situation which could have went any number of ways, but Jennifer Laurens took the story by the horns and guided Colin exactly the way she wanted him. At first, I didn't know how to read Colin. His personal character was so all over the place, in a completely different way than Ashlyn's, but he offered a steadier presence where Ashlyn was concerned allowing for the story of Ashlyn and Colin to come to life.

Although the writing in Overprotected is quite simple, it flows well and Jennifer Laurens did a fantastic job of elaborating in all the right places and keeping the story on track. Her easy way with words made it easy to the turn the pages and hard to put down. Add that with a little of swoon-worthy romance and a bad case of overprotective-parental-units and you have a story you have to see through.

Overprotected oozed sexual tension, something I have found Jennifer Laurens is a master at creating, yet it never crosses that line, making it a great story for romance lovers (who doesn't adore some serious sexual tension) and those who want romance but want it a little more on the clean side. Fun, slightly mysterious (who doesn't want to find out why Ashlyn's parents are the way they are?), and romantic, Overprotected is definitely worth a read and completely fabulous.(less)

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Jun 02, 2011 Seanean rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

http://librarytalker.blogspot.com/201...

Ashlyn is a high society girl who doesn't get to live with the rest of society. Ever since she was kidnapped by a former nanny who was obsessed with her dad, her dad has been obsessed with her safety. She's escorted everywhere by a bodyguard, has no moment of peace outside of her own bedroom, and is followed by the stares of others who think she's strange for her security detail.
.
Weirded out by her current bodyguard of three years who seems to have develo...more http://librarytalker.blogspot.com/201...

Ashlyn is a high society girl who doesn't get to live with the rest of society. Ever since she was kidnapped by a former nanny who was obsessed with her dad, her dad has been obsessed with her safety. She's escorted everywhere by a bodyguard, has no moment of peace outside of her own bedroom, and is followed by the stares of others who think she's strange for her security detail.
.
Weirded out by her current bodyguard of three years who seems to have developed a bit of an obsession about her, Ashlyn conspires to get him fired. She's also trying to get rid of the detail altogether since she's nearly 18 and figures she can now be trusted on her own.
.
She was wrong.

Not only does her father hire a new guard in record time, but he's the boy who used to torture Ashlyn as a child. There's no way she'd be in danger of falling in love with him.

Or is there?

Final thoughts: Blech. Poorly written tripe. It's a YA Harlequin with bad characters, shifting time and plot structures, no real story, and a horribly written "romance". It's obvious almost from minute one what's going to happen all the way through. Everything is telegraphed way in advance. You KNOW she will fall in love from Colin the moment she sees him on the street. You KNOW what will happen near the end of the book with Stuart. You KNOW how it will all end by the second chapter. It's awful. Ashlyn's "hatred" of Colin seems to solely be based on him chasing her with a crab on the beach when she was five and even that, which is sooo important at the start of the story, is ignored halfway in. Other things bug me like why would a father so extremely concerned with his daughter's safety hire a 21-year-old with NO training (only aspirations to be an FBI agent) instead of hiring a 40-something former cop? Why would Colin reach for a gun that wasn't there at one point in the story when no one ever mentioned a gun before? Why would the author telegraph that Ashlyn calling her father "Dad" instead of "Daddy" would be a big deal by saying something to the effect of "I later figured out..."? Why is the guy on the cover 30 something and the girl obviously in her 20's when she's supposed to be 17 and he's supposed to be 21? So much more to complain about, but I've wasted enough time on this book already.

Skip it.(less)

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May 12, 2011 Mari rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ashlyn: A lonely society princess living in New York City.

Daddy hired you to be my bodyguard.

Colin: Childhood enemy, now her protector.

Daddy thought I’d be safe. He thought I’d never fall in love. He thought he could keep me forever.

Charles: obsessed with keeping her safe, keeping her his, he hires the one person he knows she could never fall in love with: Colin.

Daddy was wrong.

Aw, I dunno but for me, this reads like a mediocre Harlequin romance novel whose main character was replaced with...more

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Apr 24, 2011 Aimee (Coffee Table Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, favorites

Ashlyn's sheltered life was such a fantastic story to read. I didn't expect it to be as amazing as it was, but I thoroughly lost myself in the story. Ashlyn's need for independence, even through her father's overreaction of a traumatic event early on in Ashlyn's life, is just great to see. The growth of the character is very evident as she tries to free herself of her fathers strict rules.

I loved Colin. Even though they didn't get along much as kids, since kids will be kids, Colin's character sh...more

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Apr 06, 2011 Eleni ( La Femme Readers ) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Have you ever felt trapped in a world where your whole life was mapped out for you? The answer to this question lies within the pages of Ashlyn's frustrating reality. Due to a kidnapping at a young age, her parents made it their duty to control every step of their daughter's existence. By doing so, they've eliminated any normalcy for her vibrant and talented attributes. As a reader, I quickly established sympathy towards Ashlyn's situation. Honestly, I wouldn't be able to handle the non-stop sec...more

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Feb 02, 2011 Gina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Where do I even begin? Overprotected is an AMAZING book to put into simple words. The style of Jennifer Laurens writing is so easy to connect with and is very raw. All the emotion and conflict capture you and keep you until the very end.

Overprotected is about a girl named Ashlyn, Her daddy is a very well known lawyer and is very rich. Ashlyn was kidnapped by her nanny when she was 5 years old and ever since then daddy hasnt let ashlyn out of his sight without protection. Ashlyn is a 17 year old...more

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May 12, 2011 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The story of completely overbearing parents who want their daughter to be a perfect little thing, not a young woman with opinions and dreams.
Ashlyn has always had a bodyguard, ever since she was kidnapped at the age of five by her nanny, who had fallen in stalker-type love with Ash's father, who refused her advances. After her most recent bodyguard is fired, Charles (that's the father) hires Colin, a family friend who used to torment Ash when they were growing up (who has FBI aspirations) to ta...more

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Apr 15, 2011 Lindsay Paige added it · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, favorites, own

Title Thoughts: Title says it all.

Cover Thoughts: I really like it. Bodyguard standing in front protecting and Ashlyn looking over his shoulder, probably planning an escape.

WARNINGS: Has the average thoughts of a 17 year old girl who reads too many romance novels. Ex. He pushed me on the door in a passionate kiss. Or something like that.

Okay, I just love this book. For some reason, I was thinking Ashlyn would be a snob. Why? I have no clue. Well, she wasn't. She was just a girl who was used to l...more Title Thoughts: Title says it all.

Cover Thoughts: I really like it. Bodyguard standing in front protecting and Ashlyn looking over his shoulder, probably planning an escape.

WARNINGS: Has the average thoughts of a 17 year old girl who reads too many romance novels. Ex. He pushed me on the door in a passionate kiss. Or something like that.

Okay, I just love this book. For some reason, I was thinking Ashlyn would be a snob. Why? I have no clue. Well, she wasn't. She was just a girl who was used to living in a beautiful house and who had always had a "companion" aka bodyguard. She was just a girl who was 17 and wanted to be able to go to the bookstore without someone accompanying her there. I liked her a lot and thought she would be an awesome friend, if of course her father approved me.

Colin. He was just such a gentleman. Something most men these days aren't. He opens the door for her, y'all. I think I would have melted right then and there! What I loved most about this book and Laurens writing, was that as the reader I was able to fall for Colin right there with Ashlyn.

I was surprised at the obsession her father had and the irony of Ashlyn's safety which had something to do with him. Oddly enough, I was able to relate to the relationship between Ashlyn and Charles, her father. Not because of his obsession with her safety but because there are two things our fathers have in common. One: They want us to always be their little girl. Charles expresses this through his nickname for Ashlyn. Princess. Two: they don't listen to us. Ashlyn tried and tried to talk to her father and get him to see her side of things and he just wouldn't do it. I know how she feels.

I love the way I didn't want to close the book the whole time I was reading because I was enjoying the characters too much. I love the way Laurens just sailed me through, page after page. I loved how I was able to picture everything so easily. I even love how I was surprised that I ended up liking Ashlyn's mother. I love how Ashlyn grew. I just loved it all.

Addict's Last Words: Overprotected was definitely more than I thought. It was a pleasant surprise and I will definitely be reading more of Laurens' books.

To Buy or To Borrow: I am so happy to have this book on my shelf. I think this is a book everyone can enjoy.

Favorite Quotes: "Everything you need to know about love is already inside of you..."

Disclosure: I participate in tours with The Teen Book Scene and a copy was provided to me by the author, publisher, or another third party source. No payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was not any obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist, or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.(less)

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Apr 29, 2013 Alex Dianne rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bad-boy-feels, perfect-guy-protagonists, fresh-concept, unsatified-with-the-ending, e-books

Sweet. It was a good book. Ashlyn's former childhood enemy, Colin, became her bodyguard. This is not a spoiler (it was in the plot). Her parents was really something. Anyway, Colin's hot and sweet and, yes, hot.

This book was light to read. I like Ashlyn and Colin. I love the concept. For me, it was new and refreshing. I'm not a good reviewer and all but, for me, something's lacking.
(view spoiler)...more

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