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Breaking The Rules #1
Protected By My Grumpy Hero
It was clear from the start. She can’t be mine. She’s younger, my boss’ daughter, and under my protection. Her life is threatened and I need to stay focused to keep her safe. But her tight body and sweet smile is distracting as hell. Keep it professional. Just follow the rules. Don’t let her get close. Don't sleep with her. Definitely don’t fall in love. I’ve broken all three and now my heart is on the line. A grumpy sheriff’s self-restraint is put to the test in this steamy small town romance. An off limits, age gap romance with spicy love scenes, and a swoon worthy happily ever after. Get ready for passion and sizzling slow-burn tension as their undeniable chemistry is put to the test when they’re stuck under one roof. Will their fake relationship seal the deal?
304 pages, ebook
Published May 2, 2023
839 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 17, 2023
Although I liked Blake and Callie , the first 1/3 of the story moved so slowly I almost DNF (ed). I expected a lot more action in a stalker/bodyguard situation.
So of course, fill the story up with repetitive sex scenes to make up for a lack - luster plot! Sorry!
So of course, fill the story up with repetitive sex scenes to make up for a lack - luster plot! Sorry!
November 13, 2023
Not Giving up
First by this author, this one didn’t impress me - and Callie annoyed me. But I’m not giving up, she has other books that I will read and hopefully find more enjoyable.
Side notes - honestly don’t know if this is the author’s first book, but I found the writing very basic.
Also, can someone tell me what the point of bringing up Callie and not liking her stepmother with zero explanation or backstory?
First by this author, this one didn’t impress me - and Callie annoyed me. But I’m not giving up, she has other books that I will read and hopefully find more enjoyable.
Side notes - honestly don’t know if this is the author’s first book, but I found the writing very basic.
Also, can someone tell me what the point of bringing up Callie and not liking her stepmother with zero explanation or backstory?
September 6, 2023
2.5 stars
Rounded up to 3 but this book kind of dragged for me and the stalking aspect was very lacking. It was a decent book just not a favorite
Rounded up to 3 but this book kind of dragged for me and the stalking aspect was very lacking. It was a decent book just not a favorite
December 20, 2023
The idea of the storyline was fine. The writing, however, was not. This needed to be edited for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Errors were littered throughout. In addition, a large majority of the paragraphs were just 2 sentences long, which made it look choppy. The characters thoughts were bland, stated facts that lacked creativity and descriptiveness. I like to read smut, but the smutty scenes were too frequent and lacked the tension and build-up to really make them hot.
December 18, 2023
A sweet, grumpy + sunshine, age gap, close quarters romance!
This book was really sweet! It has some action, a bit of mystery, push-and-pull between the two leads (almost completely on his part!), and of course romance!
When Blake first saw Callie, he was drawn to her like a moth to flame. It wasn't until after he helped save her from someone with less than good intentions that he learned who she was, and because of it, he left town. He wanted to remain professional and couldn't by being near her.
Years later, they're reconnected when Callie is being threatened, and living with her stepmother with her father is intolerable (I can relate!). So, they send her to live with him so he can watch over and protect her. He tries to keep his distance, but she's just so warm, sweet, and beautiful that it becomes harder and harder to stay away. There's no bullying, no OW drama, no agnst, just two people who start to fall for each other, despite at least one of them thinking it's a bad idea.
The ending wasn't TOO much of a surprise, but it wasn't totally obvious, either. There's connections that I didn't realize would be there, and even if you think you know who's involved, there's still a bit of doubt because there's a few different ways it could have gone!
I definitely recommend this book if you need a bit of a sweet, basic non-heartbreaker!
This book was really sweet! It has some action, a bit of mystery, push-and-pull between the two leads (almost completely on his part!), and of course romance!
When Blake first saw Callie, he was drawn to her like a moth to flame. It wasn't until after he helped save her from someone with less than good intentions that he learned who she was, and because of it, he left town. He wanted to remain professional and couldn't by being near her.
Years later, they're reconnected when Callie is being threatened, and living with her stepmother with her father is intolerable (I can relate!). So, they send her to live with him so he can watch over and protect her. He tries to keep his distance, but she's just so warm, sweet, and beautiful that it becomes harder and harder to stay away. There's no bullying, no OW drama, no agnst, just two people who start to fall for each other, despite at least one of them thinking it's a bad idea.
The ending wasn't TOO much of a surprise, but it wasn't totally obvious, either. There's connections that I didn't realize would be there, and even if you think you know who's involved, there's still a bit of doubt because there's a few different ways it could have gone!
I definitely recommend this book if you need a bit of a sweet, basic non-heartbreaker!
December 10, 2023
This book is an okay read that I’m glad I read on Kindle Unlimited. I got pulled in by another Instagram
Ad that was slightly deceptive because the scene they shared was three questions of the way into the book.
Anyway, Callie is the daughter of the Texas Governor. Blake was the head of his security. There are threats aimed at Callie towards the Governor. They decide the best decision is to have Callie come and stay at Blake’s house in the country so he can protect her 24/7. BTW, Blake is the sheriff in the small town.
This is an age gap, forced proximity, protective hero, grumpy/sunshine romance that I had high hopes for. My last IG referral was so great that I was hoping this one would be too. Instead it was average and while this is a part of a series, I’m stopping here. Too much out there to read.
Ad that was slightly deceptive because the scene they shared was three questions of the way into the book.
Anyway, Callie is the daughter of the Texas Governor. Blake was the head of his security. There are threats aimed at Callie towards the Governor. They decide the best decision is to have Callie come and stay at Blake’s house in the country so he can protect her 24/7. BTW, Blake is the sheriff in the small town.
This is an age gap, forced proximity, protective hero, grumpy/sunshine romance that I had high hopes for. My last IG referral was so great that I was hoping this one would be too. Instead it was average and while this is a part of a series, I’m stopping here. Too much out there to read.
Read
October 27, 20243/5🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️
These dang Instagram ads got me again! This book was better than I expected and I would pick up another Ella Sloane book in the future.
➕
- If you like bodyguard, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity and age gap, this is a short and sweet read.
- I liked how the age gap was done in this book. It was instalust when he saw her when she was 20 and he immediately distanced himself. They then got together 5 years later. There's never any weird power dynamic or grooming.
- The angst and tension before they finally get together 🤌🏻.
- Callie is a romance reader and there was a discussion about book boyfriends 🤪.
➖
- The writing was easy to read but a few grammatically awkward sentences threw me off.
- The third act fight seemed forced to me.
- While the climax didn't happen exactly how I'd predicted, it was not very exciting.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
These dang Instagram ads got me again! This book was better than I expected and I would pick up another Ella Sloane book in the future.
➕
- If you like bodyguard, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity and age gap, this is a short and sweet read.
- I liked how the age gap was done in this book. It was instalust when he saw her when she was 20 and he immediately distanced himself. They then got together 5 years later. There's never any weird power dynamic or grooming.
- The angst and tension before they finally get together 🤌🏻.
- Callie is a romance reader and there was a discussion about book boyfriends 🤪.
➖
- The writing was easy to read but a few grammatically awkward sentences threw me off.
- The third act fight seemed forced to me.
- While the climax didn't happen exactly how I'd predicted, it was not very exciting.
May 9, 2023
Second book I have read by this author. Age gap. Bodyguard. Slow burn. Grumpy/Sunshine.
Blake is a bodyguard for the governor. He was entranced by a woman and soon found out she’s the governors daughter.
Fast forward 5 years later and he is now the one who needs to protect Callie from unknown threats. She ends up moving in with him and his fortress of safety.
He never forgot her and now is trying to keep things professional.
She understands it but at the same time doesn’t so she loves pushing him/teasing him.
I enjoyed these two together and loved how Callie pulled smiles out of him. How well she got along with his niece and family.
I did feel like this was a little predictable to me though. It was definitely instalust but slow burn romance and action.
Blake is a bodyguard for the governor. He was entranced by a woman and soon found out she’s the governors daughter.
Fast forward 5 years later and he is now the one who needs to protect Callie from unknown threats. She ends up moving in with him and his fortress of safety.
He never forgot her and now is trying to keep things professional.
She understands it but at the same time doesn’t so she loves pushing him/teasing him.
I enjoyed these two together and loved how Callie pulled smiles out of him. How well she got along with his niece and family.
I did feel like this was a little predictable to me though. It was definitely instalust but slow burn romance and action.
January 19, 2025
Callie is the daughter of the Governor and has had threats against her. They had met once at an event and when Blake was assigned to her detail, he quit because he knew his attraction would distract him. Now she is forced to go live with Blake in the small town where he is a sheriff. Her father trusts him to keep her safe but they don’t know for how long.
This book is what you expect it to be. It doesn’t get very deep, it is predictable and neither bothered me in the least. As long as you know what to expect, it was good. I got hooked in the intrigue and when he was going to give in. The secondary storyline with his niece was nice and his family is cute. It was just a good, light read with lots of spice.
This book is what you expect it to be. It doesn’t get very deep, it is predictable and neither bothered me in the least. As long as you know what to expect, it was good. I got hooked in the intrigue and when he was going to give in. The secondary storyline with his niece was nice and his family is cute. It was just a good, light read with lots of spice.
November 26, 2023
Blake and Callie
I did enjoy this but thought it was a bit slow most of the book. Dual POV, age gap.
Blake and Callie met 5 years ago and had an attraction but nothing happened. Years later, Callie is receiving threats and Blake takes her in to protect her. There is clearly still an attraction between them and one Blake is determined to ignore and not cross a line. Eventually they both in to the attraction and the threat to Callie still lurks but eventually gets resolved. They get their happily ever after.
I did enjoy this but thought it was a bit slow most of the book. Dual POV, age gap.
Blake and Callie met 5 years ago and had an attraction but nothing happened. Years later, Callie is receiving threats and Blake takes her in to protect her. There is clearly still an attraction between them and one Blake is determined to ignore and not cross a line. Eventually they both in to the attraction and the threat to Callie still lurks but eventually gets resolved. They get their happily ever after.
May 7, 2023
Blake is the grumpy sheriff in a small town, and Callie is the governor’s daughter and a profession dancer, and when her life is in danger her dad asks Blake to protect her. This is a well written story which is a slow burn, with an age gap, forbidden romance, passion, family, danger, suspense, intrigue, undeniable chemistry, emotions, and love, which leads to a steamy small-town romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2023
This was Blake and Callie's book. It was clear from the start. She can’t be his. She’s younger, my boss’ daughter, and under his protection. Her life is threatened and he needs to stay focused to keep her safe. But she's distracting. Keep it professional. Follow the rules. Don’t let her get close. Don't sleep with her. And definitely don’t fall in love. An interesting read. And voluntarily leaving my review.
November 8, 2023
Protected by my Grumpy Hero
I loved this story!!! Blake and Callie are awesome together. She is so funny and trying to get Blake to even smile? What a job she has to do. When Callie's life is threatened, look out, Blake is going to make sure nothing happens to his Callie. Through it all, he really learns what and who he needs in his life and does everything he can to get it.
Another hit book Ella Sloane, love it!!!! ❤️
I loved this story!!! Blake and Callie are awesome together. She is so funny and trying to get Blake to even smile? What a job she has to do. When Callie's life is threatened, look out, Blake is going to make sure nothing happens to his Callie. Through it all, he really learns what and who he needs in his life and does everything he can to get it.
Another hit book Ella Sloane, love it!!!! ❤️
November 15, 2023
Blake and Callie
I really enjoyed reading this book! It captured my attention from the start and I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t help but cheer for Blake (Mr Grumpy Cop) and Callie (the happy dancer) to get together. I must issue a Tissue Warning. Yes, I ugly cried in several times. I had to take my glasses off and clean them to continue. This book has suspense, action, is very emotional, romantic and has lots of steam. Definitely a 5 star read.
I really enjoyed reading this book! It captured my attention from the start and I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t help but cheer for Blake (Mr Grumpy Cop) and Callie (the happy dancer) to get together. I must issue a Tissue Warning. Yes, I ugly cried in several times. I had to take my glasses off and clean them to continue. This book has suspense, action, is very emotional, romantic and has lots of steam. Definitely a 5 star read.
May 24, 2023
A surprisingly 🔥 hot 🔥 read!
Oh goodness—you’re definitely going to need a couple of iced drinks for this book! The storyline is totally kick ass; the characters are pretty well developed; the plot twists and turns really keep you going; and the HEA…well dang! You’re going to really like this bad boy, so grab a copy today!
Oh goodness—you’re definitely going to need a couple of iced drinks for this book! The storyline is totally kick ass; the characters are pretty well developed; the plot twists and turns really keep you going; and the HEA…well dang! You’re going to really like this bad boy, so grab a copy today!
November 30, 2023
I wasn’t sure how I’d like this but it was pleasantly enjoyable. Color me shocked when I realized Andrew wasn’t part of the kidnapping threats. I enjoyed Blake and Calle together and they seemed very mature and communicative despite the age gap of 14 years. Enjoyed the authors writing style and will probably read again
January 11, 2024
For a bodyguard romance this was seriously lacking in threat. It's a sweet story, but just quite boring! There is a bit of action right at the end, but there really doesn't seem to be terribly much drama.
The main couple are sweet enough and it's a light and easy read but just doesn't quite fulfill it's potential!
The main couple are sweet enough and it's a light and easy read but just doesn't quite fulfill it's potential!
January 24, 2024
Loved this so much
Loved this story. I loved Blake. He was great. He tried to hard to stay away but failed miserably. I think he loved her from the first moment he laid eyes on her. Unfortunately she was too young and it took 5 yrs to see her again. I loved her character too. She was great for Blake.
Loved this story. I loved Blake. He was great. He tried to hard to stay away but failed miserably. I think he loved her from the first moment he laid eyes on her. Unfortunately she was too young and it took 5 yrs to see her again. I loved her character too. She was great for Blake.
February 26, 2025
cute
Callie and Blake were cute together. The book was a good read but I didn’t love the way the description of the scenes were relayed….i felt they were a little cliche and cheesy… meaning I would giggle more than blush. It was sweet though of Blake’s protectiveness and that they got their HEA!
Callie and Blake were cute together. The book was a good read but I didn’t love the way the description of the scenes were relayed….i felt they were a little cliche and cheesy… meaning I would giggle more than blush. It was sweet though of Blake’s protectiveness and that they got their HEA!
September 11, 2025
He was awful and she was a walkover.. the story changed halfway though she tried really hard to find him after he ghosted her but by the end the story says she did it on purpose. She also sleeps with him really quickly even though he hasn’t been anything but rude telling her where to go and what to do.
October 15, 2023
Cute read
The protective grump meets the dancer he can't get out of his mind...
Yep, fun and cute read as their romance progressed. And at the end she finally got her head out of her butt and realized she missed her Blake and came home to be with him. 💙
The protective grump meets the dancer he can't get out of his mind...
Yep, fun and cute read as their romance progressed. And at the end she finally got her head out of her butt and realized she missed her Blake and came home to be with him. 💙
November 29, 2023
Protected by my grumpy hero
Great storyline a bit slow to start with but picked up pace when they both realized they wanted each other. Would have liked a bonus scene into the future perhaps this wedding or having a baby. Will definitely read more of Ella's books 👍🏼
Great storyline a bit slow to start with but picked up pace when they both realized they wanted each other. Would have liked a bonus scene into the future perhaps this wedding or having a baby. Will definitely read more of Ella's books 👍🏼
May 10, 2023
Loved it
September 13, 2023
Another awesome story!!
Another story by this amazing writer that I just couldn't put down and i can't wait to read the next one!!
Another story by this amazing writer that I just couldn't put down and i can't wait to read the next one!!
September 17, 2023
Story 4 ⭐️ Spice 3.5🌶️
October 30, 2023
Good, I would read again. A little too spicy for my taste.
November 17, 2023
Loved it!
This was a great story- I loved it!
A good plot that kept me guessing along with amazing characters. I’m so glad I read this!
This was a great story- I loved it!
A good plot that kept me guessing along with amazing characters. I’m so glad I read this!
November 19, 2023
A little predictable in places, and some strange tension build ups that don't seem to go very far, but 2 really well written characters and a clever plot line that keeps you reading!
November 19, 2023
Good book, but a slow read.. kinda lost interest 3/4 of the way through but it was a good story.
December 5, 2023
a good quick read
I do wish there had been a bit more action but overall it was fun. It feels like it left off where a sequel could pick up.
I do wish there had been a bit more action but overall it was fun. It feels like it left off where a sequel could pick up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews