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Protect and Defend #1
Under His Protection
He’ll protect her at any cost…
Protect and Defend, Book 1
Protecting the vice president’s daughter is Secret Service agent Mason Russell’s top priority. With the election looming and the party’s hold shaky, Mason’s been given an important assignment – rein the controversial party girl Blake Hewitt in.
He’d like to rein Blake in all right. Keep her under his control and naked beneath him at all times. Blake is the sexiest thing he’s ever seen but she’s strictly off limits. Though she tempts him like no other.
Banished from the capital and sent far away to the family’s vacation home, Blake seizes her chance. She’ll make Mason hers no matter what it takes. But the noble Mason doesn’t make it easy, and danger lurks where they least expect it…
Protect and Defend, Book 1
Protecting the vice president’s daughter is Secret Service agent Mason Russell’s top priority. With the election looming and the party’s hold shaky, Mason’s been given an important assignment – rein the controversial party girl Blake Hewitt in.
He’d like to rein Blake in all right. Keep her under his control and naked beneath him at all times. Blake is the sexiest thing he’s ever seen but she’s strictly off limits. Though she tempts him like no other.
Banished from the capital and sent far away to the family’s vacation home, Blake seizes her chance. She’ll make Mason hers no matter what it takes. But the noble Mason doesn’t make it easy, and danger lurks where they least expect it…
246 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2012
15 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Karen Erickson
98 books1,436 followersUSA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson lives in central California with her family. Being a romance writer and bringing her characters to life is her greatest dream come true.
She also writes as NYT & USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.
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https://www.karenerickson.com/newsletter
She also writes as NYT & USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 30, 2012
Being the Vice President’s daughter may come with many privileges, but for Blake Hewitt, living in the public eye has lead to disappointments and the feeling of inadequacy. Blake knew all too well how her father felt about her and he made no bones about letting her know what he thought every day. The frustration of never being good enough yet always seeking his approval and love has made it extremely difficult for her to be herself. Constantly pushed aside and made to feel unimportant by everyone around her, Blake develops a fear of letting anyone get too close. Her situation is made worse when a series of events made for great tabloid fodder, has her father reevaluating her presence on his reelection campaign trail. Bitterness quickly follows her banishment to the family cabin, but it’s the unrequited lust she has for the Secret Service agent assigned to her that becomes the focus. She is resolved to crack the hard exterior he presents if only to prove his attraction to her, but can she accept what he has to offer when she does.
Duty quickly turns into overwhelming desire when Mason’s assignment turns into a secluded getaway with his charge. With nothing but time on his hands, Mason quickly learns that Blake is a mass of interesting contradictions. When Blake makes it perfectly clear that she would like to move their relationship beyond the professional, Mason is conflicted over the risks of giving in. Vigilance is the key to his job of protecting her and her defiance is not only problematic, but a turn-on. Especially when Blake decides his watchfulness deserves a tempting peep-show reward. A battle of desirous wills ensues, but when the unexpected happens, Mason needs to decide if Blake has become more to him than ‘just the job’.
With loads of sexual tension, a dash of suspense, and plenty of spice the story has all the makings of an unstoppable read. The contemporary setting and characters are made for TV quality with clear descriptions and a perfect pacing that ensures never a dull moment. Mason is that wonderful balance of take-charge alpha with an underlying tender side and Blake complements him wonderfully with her vixen looks and innocent outlook. They are in vulnerable positions of control and desire, susceptible only to each other and the emotional destruction that can follow. Although Mason made his intentions clear before the relationship physically develops, I admittedly was a bit frustrated with Mason since he was fully aware of Blake’s emotional state thanks to her father. However, sex for sex’s sake helped to relieve the tension and stress and opened the door for them to emotionally advance. Not to mention those intimate scenes are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Heat and heart are the two elements I have come to expect and enjoy from this author’s work and the first in her new Protect and Defend series most definitely delivers. Romance readers looking for a hero ready to protect and defend his woman should check this story out!
Review soon-to-be posted @ Night Owl Reviews
Duty quickly turns into overwhelming desire when Mason’s assignment turns into a secluded getaway with his charge. With nothing but time on his hands, Mason quickly learns that Blake is a mass of interesting contradictions. When Blake makes it perfectly clear that she would like to move their relationship beyond the professional, Mason is conflicted over the risks of giving in. Vigilance is the key to his job of protecting her and her defiance is not only problematic, but a turn-on. Especially when Blake decides his watchfulness deserves a tempting peep-show reward. A battle of desirous wills ensues, but when the unexpected happens, Mason needs to decide if Blake has become more to him than ‘just the job’.
With loads of sexual tension, a dash of suspense, and plenty of spice the story has all the makings of an unstoppable read. The contemporary setting and characters are made for TV quality with clear descriptions and a perfect pacing that ensures never a dull moment. Mason is that wonderful balance of take-charge alpha with an underlying tender side and Blake complements him wonderfully with her vixen looks and innocent outlook. They are in vulnerable positions of control and desire, susceptible only to each other and the emotional destruction that can follow. Although Mason made his intentions clear before the relationship physically develops, I admittedly was a bit frustrated with Mason since he was fully aware of Blake’s emotional state thanks to her father. However, sex for sex’s sake helped to relieve the tension and stress and opened the door for them to emotionally advance. Not to mention those intimate scenes are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Heat and heart are the two elements I have come to expect and enjoy from this author’s work and the first in her new Protect and Defend series most definitely delivers. Romance readers looking for a hero ready to protect and defend his woman should check this story out!
Review soon-to-be posted @ Night Owl Reviews
February 22, 2018
This is the first of two books in Erickson's Protect and Defend series and the first book that I have read by this author. The plot and characters were engaging, but the editing was sub-par. I can understand one or two errors; but when there are many misspelled words, incomplete sentences, etc., I become annoyed. If the book had been better edited, it would have been a 4-star read for me.
Secret Service agent Mason Russell has been assigned to keep the Vice-President's daughter, Blake Hewitt, out of the public eye and out of trouble. With the election looming, her bikini-clad photo was recently on the cover of many tabloids and her father is furious and wants her out of the limelight. They have been whisked out of D.C. and sent to a family vacation home off the coast of California. The attraction they have for each other is palpable and Mason is trying very hard to keep his relationship with Blake on a professional level, but Blake is trying her hardest to get him to cross the line.
Secret Service agent Mason Russell has been assigned to keep the Vice-President's daughter, Blake Hewitt, out of the public eye and out of trouble. With the election looming, her bikini-clad photo was recently on the cover of many tabloids and her father is furious and wants her out of the limelight. They have been whisked out of D.C. and sent to a family vacation home off the coast of California. The attraction they have for each other is palpable and Mason is trying very hard to keep his relationship with Blake on a professional level, but Blake is trying her hardest to get him to cross the line.
April 27, 2012
I have discovered Karen Erickson thanks to her erotic historical romance novella Lessons in Indiscretion last year, I enjoyed it so much I knew she would be an author to follow, and when I saw her latest delicious releases (Under His Protection and Worth the Scandal) I couldn’t resist.
Under His Protection is the first novel in Karen Erickson’s new romantic suspense series all featuring deliciously handsome Secret Service agents as their heroes, the Protect and Defend series.
Under His Protection is Blake Hewitt’s story, who is the daughter of the vice president of the United States. Though Blake is an intelligent and successful, beautiful young woman due to her parents political ambitions she grew up quite alone without the warmth and care of a loving family. She constantly feels the judgment and disapproval of her father even though she is no child anymore. My heart went out to Blake so many times, she tried so hard to help her father, to make him value her and love her only to be faced with his disappointment and emotionless response. Due to this emotional abandonment of her family and having been taken advantage of because of her position Blake is a fragile and vulnerable young woman when it comes to human relationships. But what amazed me was that despite all the deceit and disappointment she has had to face was how trusting and optimisitic she was. She always wanted to see the best in people, and her need to have friends and people close to her sometimes made her blind to reservations and natural doubt. I liked how despite having been burned several times Blake was not a vulnerable heroine, and she still retained her humour:
“I love it when you call me that. No one ever calls me anything but Blake or Ms. Hewitt or pain in the ass.”
The hero of Under His Protection is Mason Russell, one of the two Secret Service agents appointed to ensure Blake’s safety. Of course as the other agent is a middle-aged happily married father there is no competition to Mason who is ruggedly handsome, and no wonder his serious dedication to his job and his quiet intensity make him irresistible to Blake.
Due to their relationship (boss’ daughter, working relationship) Mason does everything he can to resist the sparks that fly between them and tamp down his attraction and lust for Blake. But his attraction is more than simple lust, being her shadow he has an understanding of Blake’s true character and witnessing how her father’s treatment affects her he feels sorry for her and angry on her behalf.
When finally Blake wears down Mason’s resistance then Karen Erickson brings out the fireworks: at times their lovemaking is passionate, at times tender but it is always hot!
“You’re beautiful in this light. Your skin…glows,” he whispered and she forgot all about her hang-ups, her worries over gaining a few pounds.
If you haven’t yet read any Karen Erickson book you don’t know it yet, but you can always expect some heart-melting romantic scenes, and Mason sure did not disappoint:
“I’ll protect you with my life,” he vowed, meaning every single word.
“What are you doing here?” She pulled away, staring up at him with wonder as she cupped his cheek with cold, slender fingers.
“I came for you.”
Verdict: I found the suspense element in Under His Protection not too original as the plot twists could be guessed in advance since Karen Erickson laid down the groundwork with ample clues and details left here and there, but despite this I found it an addictive read, one I gobbled up in no time. The resolution and flow of the story bring no surprise, like a well orchestrarted romantic comedy the reader knows what they will get. What Under His Protection delivers are a swoonworthy quiet yet intense hero, steamy and sensual love scenes and a movie worth big ending scene. Under His Protection is a great mix of a dashing and fiercely protective hero, hot loving and just a pinch of thrill, served shaken.
I give Under His Protection 3.5 stars!
Plot: 7/10
Characters: 7/10
Writing: 8/10
Ending: 8/10
Cover: 10/10
Under His Protection is the first novel in Karen Erickson’s new romantic suspense series all featuring deliciously handsome Secret Service agents as their heroes, the Protect and Defend series.
Under His Protection is Blake Hewitt’s story, who is the daughter of the vice president of the United States. Though Blake is an intelligent and successful, beautiful young woman due to her parents political ambitions she grew up quite alone without the warmth and care of a loving family. She constantly feels the judgment and disapproval of her father even though she is no child anymore. My heart went out to Blake so many times, she tried so hard to help her father, to make him value her and love her only to be faced with his disappointment and emotionless response. Due to this emotional abandonment of her family and having been taken advantage of because of her position Blake is a fragile and vulnerable young woman when it comes to human relationships. But what amazed me was that despite all the deceit and disappointment she has had to face was how trusting and optimisitic she was. She always wanted to see the best in people, and her need to have friends and people close to her sometimes made her blind to reservations and natural doubt. I liked how despite having been burned several times Blake was not a vulnerable heroine, and she still retained her humour:
“I love it when you call me that. No one ever calls me anything but Blake or Ms. Hewitt or pain in the ass.”
The hero of Under His Protection is Mason Russell, one of the two Secret Service agents appointed to ensure Blake’s safety. Of course as the other agent is a middle-aged happily married father there is no competition to Mason who is ruggedly handsome, and no wonder his serious dedication to his job and his quiet intensity make him irresistible to Blake.
Due to their relationship (boss’ daughter, working relationship) Mason does everything he can to resist the sparks that fly between them and tamp down his attraction and lust for Blake. But his attraction is more than simple lust, being her shadow he has an understanding of Blake’s true character and witnessing how her father’s treatment affects her he feels sorry for her and angry on her behalf.
When finally Blake wears down Mason’s resistance then Karen Erickson brings out the fireworks: at times their lovemaking is passionate, at times tender but it is always hot!
“You’re beautiful in this light. Your skin…glows,” he whispered and she forgot all about her hang-ups, her worries over gaining a few pounds.
If you haven’t yet read any Karen Erickson book you don’t know it yet, but you can always expect some heart-melting romantic scenes, and Mason sure did not disappoint:
“I’ll protect you with my life,” he vowed, meaning every single word.
“What are you doing here?” She pulled away, staring up at him with wonder as she cupped his cheek with cold, slender fingers.
“I came for you.”
Verdict: I found the suspense element in Under His Protection not too original as the plot twists could be guessed in advance since Karen Erickson laid down the groundwork with ample clues and details left here and there, but despite this I found it an addictive read, one I gobbled up in no time. The resolution and flow of the story bring no surprise, like a well orchestrarted romantic comedy the reader knows what they will get. What Under His Protection delivers are a swoonworthy quiet yet intense hero, steamy and sensual love scenes and a movie worth big ending scene. Under His Protection is a great mix of a dashing and fiercely protective hero, hot loving and just a pinch of thrill, served shaken.
I give Under His Protection 3.5 stars!
Plot: 7/10
Characters: 7/10
Writing: 8/10
Ending: 8/10
Cover: 10/10
January 13, 2013
I rounded this up. If there were half and quarter stars, this would be a 2.75(ish).
I liked the book. I Did. It was a quick read and since I like the author, it was worth the time. However, she's written better. (Jane's Gift was awesome and Worth the Scandal was better than this one, in my opinion.) She created a great hero in Mason. I didn't really like Blake though. And here is why. She was a brat, a rich brat in fact who wouldn't tell the people in her life who treated her like crap to go to hell. I can't get passed that. Not to mention, one minute she was all "I love Mason" and the next she was icy. One minute she was stripping for him, the next she was standoffish. And the way she hid in the car, I was like, "Oh hell no, you are NOT cowering in that F-ing car. Get your skinny butt out of that car RIGHT NOW!" Yeah, I was NOT happy when they happened. Not.At.All.
Mason was hot, cool and sexy. The one problem I had with him though was how he seemed to hold back a part of himself during sex because he was worried about how Blake would react. He was an clearly an alpha and at times his inner monologues made it sound like he was also a bit of a Dom, but he held back. Denying that part of his character I didn't think was fair to him, nor was it honest. And that leads me to the next issue: the inner thoughts of Blake and Mason. There was a bit too much of it. I found myself skimming it because it was getting under my skin. I wanted to see more of the two talking, and erm, maybe doing other things...not talking.
One other issue I had with the book was the way her parents weren't consistent. One minute they treated her like crap and the next her dad was giving her his blessing. I also got frustrated that this woman, who was in her mid to late twenties, couldn't stand up to them. She kept saying she wanted to be independent, stand on her own, etc. but yet she did everything they told her. It seriously pissed me off. And staying away from the man she supposedly loved after what happened, after what he did, because she was told to?! Let me tell you, there has never been a time I wanted to throttle a heroine more. And I was seriously wishing Mason was in love with someone else, someone way more deserving. I'd have told them where to stick it and given him the TLC he needed and F the consequences about what mom and dad would think.
Anyways, even with my dislike of the heroine it was a decent read. I have read other books by this author and will continue to do so, maybe even in this series. And the sex scenes were, as usual for Karen Erickson, awesome! ;)
I liked the book. I Did. It was a quick read and since I like the author, it was worth the time. However, she's written better. (Jane's Gift was awesome and Worth the Scandal was better than this one, in my opinion.) She created a great hero in Mason. I didn't really like Blake though. And here is why. She was a brat, a rich brat in fact who wouldn't tell the people in her life who treated her like crap to go to hell. I can't get passed that. Not to mention, one minute she was all "I love Mason" and the next she was icy. One minute she was stripping for him, the next she was standoffish. And the way she hid in the car, I was like, "Oh hell no, you are NOT cowering in that F-ing car. Get your skinny butt out of that car RIGHT NOW!" Yeah, I was NOT happy when they happened. Not.At.All.
Mason was hot, cool and sexy. The one problem I had with him though was how he seemed to hold back a part of himself during sex because he was worried about how Blake would react. He was an clearly an alpha and at times his inner monologues made it sound like he was also a bit of a Dom, but he held back. Denying that part of his character I didn't think was fair to him, nor was it honest. And that leads me to the next issue: the inner thoughts of Blake and Mason. There was a bit too much of it. I found myself skimming it because it was getting under my skin. I wanted to see more of the two talking, and erm, maybe doing other things...not talking.
One other issue I had with the book was the way her parents weren't consistent. One minute they treated her like crap and the next her dad was giving her his blessing. I also got frustrated that this woman, who was in her mid to late twenties, couldn't stand up to them. She kept saying she wanted to be independent, stand on her own, etc. but yet she did everything they told her. It seriously pissed me off. And staying away from the man she supposedly loved after what happened, after what he did, because she was told to?! Let me tell you, there has never been a time I wanted to throttle a heroine more. And I was seriously wishing Mason was in love with someone else, someone way more deserving. I'd have told them where to stick it and given him the TLC he needed and F the consequences about what mom and dad would think.
Anyways, even with my dislike of the heroine it was a decent read. I have read other books by this author and will continue to do so, maybe even in this series. And the sex scenes were, as usual for Karen Erickson, awesome! ;)
May 6, 2012
There can be a fine line between a manly hero and an overbearing one. Karen Erickson manages to create our hero, Mason, who is both super-protective (he's a secret service agent!), yet also is incredibly thoughtful and sweet. That thrown in with just a slight bit of vulnerability and I was hooked. Even though he literally has to watch over Blake, the vice president's daughter, 24/7, it never once seems like he misuses that power. In fact, he does everything he can to remain a gentleman and keep his distance. Until that moment when the tension builds to a level too high to ignore. And boy, is it worth it when they are finally able to let loose.
I thought I was going to find Blake a bit annoying after the book opens with her being called a "party girl" But, once she and Mason get exiled far away from Washington, her true nature is seen, and she becomes very likable.
Although the book is categorized as "romantic suspense", it's really about 90% romance and 10% suspense. But, I didn't miss the extra action. The story did just fine focusing on the relationship between Mason and Blake. The ending was nice, but sort of felt like an epilogue wrapped up a bit too neatly. I think I instead would have liked to see a bit more of the private struggles for each of them in that time between the climax and the ending. As it is, they are only mentioned in passing.
Overall, a very good romantic "suspense" novel. I read it in a day.
3.5/5 stars.
I thought I was going to find Blake a bit annoying after the book opens with her being called a "party girl" But, once she and Mason get exiled far away from Washington, her true nature is seen, and she becomes very likable.
Although the book is categorized as "romantic suspense", it's really about 90% romance and 10% suspense. But, I didn't miss the extra action. The story did just fine focusing on the relationship between Mason and Blake. The ending was nice, but sort of felt like an epilogue wrapped up a bit too neatly. I think I instead would have liked to see a bit more of the private struggles for each of them in that time between the climax and the ending. As it is, they are only mentioned in passing.
Overall, a very good romantic "suspense" novel. I read it in a day.
3.5/5 stars.
May 5, 2012
As posted on The Smutty Kitty
Blake and Mason have a lot of sexual tension pulling the two of them together but Mason is trying so hard to be a professional and resist the urge to show Blake just how much he wants her. He has worked really hard to get to where he is and doesn’t want anything to jeopardize his future. While Blake and Mason are in such close contact on an island it was harder and harder to stop the magnetic pull between them. It takes Blake being kidnapped and held hostage (albeit only for a very short time) for Mason to realize how much he cares for her. After he is injured she thinks she has lost him forever but has she?
I feel sorry for Blake, even though she has never had to want for money she does want for affection and true friendship. Being the daughter of a big time politician all her life has meant lots of fake friends who only like her for her connections. I liked this one overall. It must have grabbed me even more than I thought because once I started reading I couldn’t stop until I finished it. I just couldn’t put it down. I definitely want to see where the rest of this series goes.
Blake and Mason have a lot of sexual tension pulling the two of them together but Mason is trying so hard to be a professional and resist the urge to show Blake just how much he wants her. He has worked really hard to get to where he is and doesn’t want anything to jeopardize his future. While Blake and Mason are in such close contact on an island it was harder and harder to stop the magnetic pull between them. It takes Blake being kidnapped and held hostage (albeit only for a very short time) for Mason to realize how much he cares for her. After he is injured she thinks she has lost him forever but has she?
I feel sorry for Blake, even though she has never had to want for money she does want for affection and true friendship. Being the daughter of a big time politician all her life has meant lots of fake friends who only like her for her connections. I liked this one overall. It must have grabbed me even more than I thought because once I started reading I couldn’t stop until I finished it. I just couldn’t put it down. I definitely want to see where the rest of this series goes.
May 3, 2012
Under His Protection is the first book in the Protect and Defend series. I was hooked from the beginning. The chemistry between Blake and Mason sizzles off the page. The push and pull of Mason fighting his desire for Blake and staying strictly professional is well written and intriguing to see how he will finally give in. This is a romance so we all know he gives in.
The question that kept me turning the pages in beginning of the book was how he would give in. Once Mason gave in, I was hooked to find out how they would come to terms with their attraction and get their happily ever after.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. A must read for anyone looking for a hot, contemporary romance.
The question that kept me turning the pages in beginning of the book was how he would give in. Once Mason gave in, I was hooked to find out how they would come to terms with their attraction and get their happily ever after.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. A must read for anyone looking for a hot, contemporary romance.
November 15, 2013
Under His Protection is an engaging romance novel that explores the deceitful human nature in acts of love and passion. When you combine politics, men in suit (Secret Services) how can you go wrong? Masons attempt at being professional while Blake tries to draw him in adds intensity to the novel leaving the readers wondering is he going to give in or what? It is a well written, highly sensual novel that will leave you desperate for the next book in the trilogy.
April 7, 2012
I just love a hot, ALPHA male; in this case Mason who happens to be tough, good-looking, HOT, always-in-control Secret Service agent. But what I love is how Ms. Erickson, doesn't turn them into some APLHA a**hole, but rather a real sweetie underneath their gruff exterior. Throughly enjoyed the story and am definitely looking forward to the next story in this series!
May 18, 2012
Great read!! Super sexy! Loved it!
May 28, 2012
What a hot read! I can't wait for the 2nd book. I love the hot, strong Alpha male. Gets me everytime!
May 28, 2012
Nice! Loved the characters. Good length for the story. Hot Chemestry. Good Job!
June 4, 2012
Ehhh definitely a Lifetime Movie type story. Cheesy and predictable, plus I didn't really believe any of the romance between the main characters.
June 16, 2012
I liked this book. I thought it was well written a little slow at times. I will read the rest of the series.
January 31, 2015
Good romance. I liked Mason's aloofness. Blaire was needy and naive.
March 6, 2013
I liked this book but it wasn't my favorite by this author.
April 21, 2013
Love the teasing and bantering between H & h. Got to love the story of secret service fall in love with his protectee
July 28, 2013
This one was fucking HOT!!!!!! Pardon my French but ready for next one on this series thx good read
April 23, 2017
i was in a bodyguard romance mood after readin the synopsis of ninja girl, and this was a pretty good one. i thought the romance development was on point and i loved the bit of tension filled action scenes near the end. there werent many side characters bc of the isolated nature of the setting but the main characters were interesting enough. i also quite enjoyed the adorable ending this book had.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews