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Benevolence #3
Protecting What’s Mine
If you can’t stand the heat, don’t fall for a firefighter…
Fire Chief Lincoln Reed is known for his heroics in the fire department and in the bedroom. Life is a never-ending good time. Until she lands in the middle of the accident scene he’s working…and then his backyard. Too bad she’s immune to flirty first responders.
Flight trauma surgeon Mackenzie O’Neil is on a crash course with burnout. She’s got a scar on her face and a shake in her hands. A temporary job as a small-town family physician is just the prescription. She’ll learn to meditate. Sleep more. Take up gardening.
She definitely won’t take her shirtless, firefighting neighbor’s hot body for a test drive.
But Linc and his tattoos are very persuasive. What’s a harmless little adrenaline-fueled fling between neighbors? It’s all naked fun and games until the shadows from Mack’s past find their way into her present. Can Linc be her hero when she needs him the most or will their scars ruin everything?
One thing is certain: Someone is going to get burned.
Author’s Warning: This small-town happily ever after is smokin’ hot, sweetly hilarious, deliciously suspenseful, and a one-two punch to the feels. One-click for a disaster dog, precocious kids, a good ol’ fistfight, nosy neighbors, high-adrenaline first responder heroics, firefighter bromance, and kitchen sexytimes.
Fire Chief Lincoln Reed is known for his heroics in the fire department and in the bedroom. Life is a never-ending good time. Until she lands in the middle of the accident scene he’s working…and then his backyard. Too bad she’s immune to flirty first responders.
Flight trauma surgeon Mackenzie O’Neil is on a crash course with burnout. She’s got a scar on her face and a shake in her hands. A temporary job as a small-town family physician is just the prescription. She’ll learn to meditate. Sleep more. Take up gardening.
She definitely won’t take her shirtless, firefighting neighbor’s hot body for a test drive.
But Linc and his tattoos are very persuasive. What’s a harmless little adrenaline-fueled fling between neighbors? It’s all naked fun and games until the shadows from Mack’s past find their way into her present. Can Linc be her hero when she needs him the most or will their scars ruin everything?
One thing is certain: Someone is going to get burned.
Author’s Warning: This small-town happily ever after is smokin’ hot, sweetly hilarious, deliciously suspenseful, and a one-two punch to the feels. One-click for a disaster dog, precocious kids, a good ol’ fistfight, nosy neighbors, high-adrenaline first responder heroics, firefighter bromance, and kitchen sexytimes.
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2020
14980 people are currently reading
40002 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Score
70 books60.8k followersLucy Score is an instant #1 New York Times bestselling author. She grew up in a literary family who insisted that the dinner table was for reading and earned a degree in journalism.
She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their obnoxious cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym.
She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.
Sign up for her never annoying newsletter at https://www.lucyscore.net/subscribe-l....
She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their obnoxious cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym.
She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.
Sign up for her never annoying newsletter at https://www.lucyscore.net/subscribe-l....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,499 reviews
February 16, 2020
Fire Chief Lincoln Reed is well known and liked for for his heroics in the fire department and the smile he has left on the faces if women he has dated, but now his feeling the itch to settle down and when he meets flight trauma surgeon Mackenzie (Mack) O’Neil he finds himself unable to keep away and determined to get through the barriers she has up.
A really enjoyable read, the banter between Linc and Mack had me smiling a fair bit. I liked the fact that Mack wasn't positioned as some sort of slut simply because like Linc she had enjoyed her share of none serious relationships. The author uses a tone in her writing that ensures there is not any unnecessary or annoying judgment imposed on Mack.
At times I wanted a bit more tension and heat, considering what was happening but this was a small niggle.
The kids (Linc's nephews and nieces) in this book also added a good layer of humour and cuteness to more than one scene. The shenanigans of the small town and their nosiness was funny to see, although I think it would drive me batty if I lived their.
Potential Triggers: Child neglect, assault (more than once), and attempted murder.
Acquired via KU.
A really enjoyable read, the banter between Linc and Mack had me smiling a fair bit. I liked the fact that Mack wasn't positioned as some sort of slut simply because like Linc she had enjoyed her share of none serious relationships. The author uses a tone in her writing that ensures there is not any unnecessary or annoying judgment imposed on Mack.
At times I wanted a bit more tension and heat, considering what was happening but this was a small niggle.
The kids (Linc's nephews and nieces) in this book also added a good layer of humour and cuteness to more than one scene. The shenanigans of the small town and their nosiness was funny to see, although I think it would drive me batty if I lived their.
Potential Triggers: Child neglect, assault (more than once), and attempted murder.
Acquired via KU.
April 24, 2020
Lucy Score's books remind me so much of Kate Canterbury. It is a very very slow burn romance with many effort on building the character and the chemistry. It is a tough to swallow for someone who likes fast and quick romance.
Protecting What's Mine is rom com with a dash of drama. The angst is minimum and the whole book is very playful with the help of Linc and McKinsey. What makes me take down 1 star from this book is the climax regarding McKinsey 's family. I was holding my breath for something dramatic. When it was revealed, my jaw dropped open and then... disappointment hit. That's all is all about? Where is the climax, the drama, the angst? I need it more.
Overall this is an funny cute read to start my weekend.
4 stars
Protecting What's Mine is rom com with a dash of drama. The angst is minimum and the whole book is very playful with the help of Linc and McKinsey. What makes me take down 1 star from this book is the climax regarding McKinsey 's family. I was holding my breath for something dramatic. When it was revealed, my jaw dropped open and then... disappointment hit. That's all is all about? Where is the climax, the drama, the angst? I need it more.
Overall this is an funny cute read to start my weekend.
4 stars
June 3, 2021
5 shooting stars!
From the first heart pounding chapter to the last sweet words, this book captured my attention, and my heart. When Fire Chief Lincoln Reed first sees Doctor Mackenzie O’Neill step off a helicopter at a horrific crash scene he is smitten, and so was I! Chief Sexy Pants and Doc Dreamy are two of my favorite characters ever. They are both smart, complicated, strong, confident, scarred, and vulnerable. They both know what they want, but will they end up wanting the same thing? Transient Mack and hometown hero Linc are so much more than I expected, I loved their rocky road to love!
This book is exciting, funny, sweet, heart pounding, and incredibly sexy! I loved going on the ride-along that is Protecting What’s Mine!
The audiobook is amazing! Natalie Duke is an outstanding narrator who imparts so much excitement to the story!
From the first heart pounding chapter to the last sweet words, this book captured my attention, and my heart. When Fire Chief Lincoln Reed first sees Doctor Mackenzie O’Neill step off a helicopter at a horrific crash scene he is smitten, and so was I! Chief Sexy Pants and Doc Dreamy are two of my favorite characters ever. They are both smart, complicated, strong, confident, scarred, and vulnerable. They both know what they want, but will they end up wanting the same thing? Transient Mack and hometown hero Linc are so much more than I expected, I loved their rocky road to love!
This book is exciting, funny, sweet, heart pounding, and incredibly sexy! I loved going on the ride-along that is Protecting What’s Mine!
The audiobook is amazing! Natalie Duke is an outstanding narrator who imparts so much excitement to the story!
May 30, 2024
This book was extremely long
60 chapters to be exact. There were many many detailed day to day events that could have been edited out. Many side characters that were extremely unnecessary for plot development. This caused this book to draaaaaaaag.
The action and drama didn’t even come into play until chapter 47 when we finally find out about the family Mack has been hinting at. It was a long freaking wait.
I did like both characters and always love a good dog character but if about 250 pages were cut maybe this book wouldn’t have been so taxing. Not likely to read another by this author, I don’t have that kind of time.
60 chapters to be exact. There were many many detailed day to day events that could have been edited out. Many side characters that were extremely unnecessary for plot development. This caused this book to draaaaaaaag.
The action and drama didn’t even come into play until chapter 47 when we finally find out about the family Mack has been hinting at. It was a long freaking wait.
I did like both characters and always love a good dog character but if about 250 pages were cut maybe this book wouldn’t have been so taxing. Not likely to read another by this author, I don’t have that kind of time.
January 5, 2020
Linc and Mack....Dr. Dreamy and Chief Sexy Pants. In my opinion, out of all Ms. Scores series, Benelovence would be my dream place. To go back to Benelovence and see Harper and Luke, Aldo and Gloria, Ty and Sopie and all the kids! So while I loved catching up on everyone the adrenaline and emotion that come with Linc and Mack is swoon worthy. Both have careers where life and death is in their hands each and every day. Linc and Mack both deal with feeling inadequate for the love of another. Throw in sunshine....a crazy family....fire (not just in the bedroom) and you have heroes in the making.
If you haven't read Ms. Score or Pretend Your Mine, Finally Mine and now Protecting What's Mine (The Benelovence Books) why?!?!?
If you haven't read Ms. Score or Pretend Your Mine, Finally Mine and now Protecting What's Mine (The Benelovence Books) why?!?!?
January 29, 2020
A second book from this author I DNF. But this time it took me much longer, up to 50% maybe? But guess what, basically nothing interesting happened in that first 50%.
The start was really good, but from there it dragged sooooo much. Moreover, I didn’t feel the chemistry among the MC’s. Also, why am I supposed to read about a bunch of other random people and an even bigger bunch of their kids whose names I forgot immediately after I read them?
Well, life’s too short to read boring books even though I believe this one could be really good after some proper editing. Which unfortunately didn’t happen.
The start was really good, but from there it dragged sooooo much. Moreover, I didn’t feel the chemistry among the MC’s. Also, why am I supposed to read about a bunch of other random people and an even bigger bunch of their kids whose names I forgot immediately after I read them?
Well, life’s too short to read boring books even though I believe this one could be really good after some proper editing. Which unfortunately didn’t happen.
June 25, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️
* definitely the best one in this series, if you don’t like third person pov then i would not recommend this because i only got through this by listening to it
* definitely the best one in this series, if you don’t like third person pov then i would not recommend this because i only got through this by listening to it
January 5, 2020
Confident Hot Firefighter - Check
Mysterious New Doctor in town - Check
Adorable scene stealing dog - Check
All your past Benevolence favourites - Check
A Linc & Luke fist fight - Check
Unexpected danger- Check
Well delivered HEA - CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!!!
Lucy Score has put all of this into this book and so much more. The highly anticipated 3rd visit to Benevolence definitely delivers and stands on its own with the previous two instalments. This can be read as a stand-alone however if, like me, you prefer to read in order I highly recommend grabbing Pretend Your Mine and then Finally Mine before diving into Protecting What’s Mine.
I really enjoyed Linc. Like, a lot. We already knew that he was a ladies man however the author has done a fine job in delivering a confident, slightly cocky and sweet leading man without it leaning into arrogance. His dedication to his job, his family and his town are central to his character. Then there’s the flowers and dirty talk, also central to his character.
Mack is a strong and somewhat mysterious character. A flight trauma surgeon, she’s come to Benevolence for a change of pace, to reset before getting on with her life. Working in a family practice is how she intends to achieve this. There’s no room in the plan for her sexy neighbour. Watching her grow was one of the best parts of this story.
And of course there’s Sunshine. The goodest of good girls. The four legged best friend we all deserve.
I really enjoyed Linc wearing Mack down. I found I couldn’t leave this story alone. I just wanted more of Linc’s charming ways and Mack doing her best to resist.
The author also has taken great care to be respectful of and get as much as possible correct in regards to the two main characters professions and I am always grateful when an author does this. It creates such an authenticity to the story that keeps you glued to the page.
Highly recommended. It left me feeling very satisfied and knowing this will go on the reread rotation!
Mysterious New Doctor in town - Check
Adorable scene stealing dog - Check
All your past Benevolence favourites - Check
A Linc & Luke fist fight - Check
Unexpected danger- Check
Well delivered HEA - CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!!!
Lucy Score has put all of this into this book and so much more. The highly anticipated 3rd visit to Benevolence definitely delivers and stands on its own with the previous two instalments. This can be read as a stand-alone however if, like me, you prefer to read in order I highly recommend grabbing Pretend Your Mine and then Finally Mine before diving into Protecting What’s Mine.
I really enjoyed Linc. Like, a lot. We already knew that he was a ladies man however the author has done a fine job in delivering a confident, slightly cocky and sweet leading man without it leaning into arrogance. His dedication to his job, his family and his town are central to his character. Then there’s the flowers and dirty talk, also central to his character.
Mack is a strong and somewhat mysterious character. A flight trauma surgeon, she’s come to Benevolence for a change of pace, to reset before getting on with her life. Working in a family practice is how she intends to achieve this. There’s no room in the plan for her sexy neighbour. Watching her grow was one of the best parts of this story.
And of course there’s Sunshine. The goodest of good girls. The four legged best friend we all deserve.
I really enjoyed Linc wearing Mack down. I found I couldn’t leave this story alone. I just wanted more of Linc’s charming ways and Mack doing her best to resist.
The author also has taken great care to be respectful of and get as much as possible correct in regards to the two main characters professions and I am always grateful when an author does this. It creates such an authenticity to the story that keeps you glued to the page.
Highly recommended. It left me feeling very satisfied and knowing this will go on the reread rotation!
January 17, 2020
Lucy Score has moved up into my top 5 comfort read authors. If I want a romance covers the Hs - humor, heat and heart - Ms. Score usually has me covered. Now I’d read the first book in the series, Pretend You’re Mine, which I struggled with, but Lincoln Reed was one of those characters that I wanted to know more about, so when I heard he was getting his own HEA, I said sign me up. I’m happy I did, because it was a happy escape of a read.
Lincoln and Mack, two first responders (he’s a firefighter and she’s a doc on medevac flights, both in the military and civilian), so I liked their connection right off the bat. Mack doesn’t swoon, and I LOVED that she’s not the innocent virgin, but a woman who’s seen alot and lived through it, and not afraid of her sexuality. She may have commitment issues, but I appreciated that this was a character-driven romance. Lincoln’s wooing is well done and hard won, but by the end I thought the big-time flirt had more than earned his HEA. I’d also like to give props to Ms. Score for really working on keeping her small town romances diverse, which is appreciated, though there is a phrase used a couple of times that I realized is probably common for someone from my generation, but is actually a slur against the disabled, and it bothered me enough to edit this review. It’s unnecessary and at first I thought it was a typo, but I re-checked it and nope, it’s there. The difference of one letter would have rendered this sentence unnecessary and that's a shame for an author who's made an effort for diversity to include it. Other than that, my small quibble about the cover? The heroine looks in no way like Mack, and I wish that it did.
Anyway, at the end of the day, if character driven small town romances filled with sweet heat and humor are your jam, you may really enjoy this.
**ARC provided by author for review**
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May 15, 2020
3.5 stars.
I appreciate Ms. Score effort to bring diversity and lgbt community voice in her book.
But she need an editor who will help her to make those voice blended in the story smoothly.
Dropping, this guy have a bf, that girl have gf or those kids adopted from this or that country or the brother in law came from this country is not enough to make it believable. You just need to turn it down those things a little bit. Less character perhaps but give them more pages and blend it in the story better, okay 😘
Also, the kids in here are ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ clever! Hm, please no!
However, this is still an interesting and fun story and free on KU!:)
❤️
I appreciate Ms. Score effort to bring diversity and lgbt community voice in her book.
But she need an editor who will help her to make those voice blended in the story smoothly.
Dropping, this guy have a bf, that girl have gf or those kids adopted from this or that country or the brother in law came from this country is not enough to make it believable. You just need to turn it down those things a little bit. Less character perhaps but give them more pages and blend it in the story better, okay 😘
Also, the kids in here are ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ clever! Hm, please no!
However, this is still an interesting and fun story and free on KU!:)
❤️
January 15, 2020
If you are looking for a book that makes you feel from beginning to end, this is the book for you. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not over the top angsty, but it is the perfect combination of community, love, everyday heroes, and overcoming adversity. Mix that with a dirty talking firefighter and an elusive trauma surgeon, and you have perfection.
With each and every book Lucy releases, I feel like I’ve found a new favorite, but this book definitely earns a spot in my top five favorites! It is one I know I will come back to and reread over and over. It is action packed, full of all the good vibes a strong community can bring, and has a love story for the ages. Linc is epic book boyfriend material. I also loved Mack. I love that they are both deeply layered characters. While Linc may seem like a playboy for life, I loved seeing so much depth beneath that surface. I also loved learning more about Mack throughout the story and understanding why she made the choices she did. There was so much about both of them that brought all the feels.
As with all Lucy books, the writing in this book is fantastic. Once you start reading, you will be glued to your chair forgetting the world around you exists. At least that was my experience. It had a fantastic conclusion, but I still wanted more, because I love them so much. It truly has all the hallmark characteristics of a Lucy book with love, laughter, and all the feels.
While I loved popping back into Benevolence and touching base with some of my other favorite characters, this is a complete standalone. However, I don’t know how you could finish and not want everything you could get from this town.
With each and every book Lucy releases, I feel like I’ve found a new favorite, but this book definitely earns a spot in my top five favorites! It is one I know I will come back to and reread over and over. It is action packed, full of all the good vibes a strong community can bring, and has a love story for the ages. Linc is epic book boyfriend material. I also loved Mack. I love that they are both deeply layered characters. While Linc may seem like a playboy for life, I loved seeing so much depth beneath that surface. I also loved learning more about Mack throughout the story and understanding why she made the choices she did. There was so much about both of them that brought all the feels.
As with all Lucy books, the writing in this book is fantastic. Once you start reading, you will be glued to your chair forgetting the world around you exists. At least that was my experience. It had a fantastic conclusion, but I still wanted more, because I love them so much. It truly has all the hallmark characteristics of a Lucy book with love, laughter, and all the feels.
While I loved popping back into Benevolence and touching base with some of my other favorite characters, this is a complete standalone. However, I don’t know how you could finish and not want everything you could get from this town.
January 18, 2020
3.5. First, this is not tagged as a part of a series in the title or the blurb, but if you haven’t read the other two books in this universe, you’re going to be lost. I *did* read one of those books and was still in many sections utterly lost.
Conservatively, there are about fifty named characters in this book, and about 250 pages more than there needed to be. Not that the author is ever going to read this note, but if she did I would say to her, “Lucy, for the love of all that is holy, get yourself a proper editor instead of a beta reader!” She is far too good of a writer to have her talents wasted like this. There were glaring continuity issues (especially with the boot) and sections where it was obvious she’d changed part of a scene without double checking that she wasn’t repeating dialogue or action from earlier. This story could have been so fun if it had been cleaner and MUCH tighter. Too many characters that added nothing but bulk. Too many scenes that neither advanced the plot nor contributed to the growth of the mains.
Now for the good - the H and h are great characters, the h in particular. Their motivations were realistic, their chemistry palpable, their backstories compelling. The sex scenes were fantastic (graphic though, if is not your thing consider this a warning). The ending was satisfying too. I could have done with less of the superfluous characters popping in to feed the mains information, it smacked less of small town everyone knows your business and more of lazy storytelling but at the end of the day this was an entertaining story.
Conservatively, there are about fifty named characters in this book, and about 250 pages more than there needed to be. Not that the author is ever going to read this note, but if she did I would say to her, “Lucy, for the love of all that is holy, get yourself a proper editor instead of a beta reader!” She is far too good of a writer to have her talents wasted like this. There were glaring continuity issues (especially with the boot) and sections where it was obvious she’d changed part of a scene without double checking that she wasn’t repeating dialogue or action from earlier. This story could have been so fun if it had been cleaner and MUCH tighter. Too many characters that added nothing but bulk. Too many scenes that neither advanced the plot nor contributed to the growth of the mains.
Now for the good - the H and h are great characters, the h in particular. Their motivations were realistic, their chemistry palpable, their backstories compelling. The sex scenes were fantastic (graphic though, if is not your thing consider this a warning). The ending was satisfying too. I could have done with less of the superfluous characters popping in to feed the mains information, it smacked less of small town everyone knows your business and more of lazy storytelling but at the end of the day this was an entertaining story.
January 1, 2020
“Two peas in a pod, 5 stars”
I love Score’s writing, its full of laughter and wit with some serious undertones. I fell into Protecting What’s Mine easily and sighed in pleasure once I finished. By all accounts Mack and Lincoln shouldn’t work, but they do. And let me tell you, it’s so much fun watching them fall.
Mack is at the worst kind of crossroads she could find herself at. She’s facing burnout like no other and for anyone in her profession that’s not acceptable. Mack decides to slow down and try and get her head on straight in a small town. What she didn’t expect was to meet the fire chief and to want him. To make matters worse he wants her and happens to be her neighbor. Sometimes life surprises us with the unexpected, is this one of those moments?
Lincoln becomes speechless for the first time in his life when he sees Mack for the first time. When he gets to know her he can’t help but want her. They feed off each other’s energy and their chemistry is explosive. He never thought he would fall in love and become a one-woman man, but here he is living the dream. Or as close to the dream as he can get. The question is, will he be able to convince Mack to give him a real chance or is this relationship doomed from the start?
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
I love Score’s writing, its full of laughter and wit with some serious undertones. I fell into Protecting What’s Mine easily and sighed in pleasure once I finished. By all accounts Mack and Lincoln shouldn’t work, but they do. And let me tell you, it’s so much fun watching them fall.
Mack is at the worst kind of crossroads she could find herself at. She’s facing burnout like no other and for anyone in her profession that’s not acceptable. Mack decides to slow down and try and get her head on straight in a small town. What she didn’t expect was to meet the fire chief and to want him. To make matters worse he wants her and happens to be her neighbor. Sometimes life surprises us with the unexpected, is this one of those moments?
Lincoln becomes speechless for the first time in his life when he sees Mack for the first time. When he gets to know her he can’t help but want her. They feed off each other’s energy and their chemistry is explosive. He never thought he would fall in love and become a one-woman man, but here he is living the dream. Or as close to the dream as he can get. The question is, will he be able to convince Mack to give him a real chance or is this relationship doomed from the start?
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
August 6, 2023
“This is the flirtation leading up to the first date,” he explained. “A Lincoln Reed First Date isn’t a spontaneous run-in. A Lincoln Reed First Date is a carefully curated experience designed for maximum enjoyment.”
In this third, and final, trip to Benevolence, we journey with Fire Chief Lincoln Read and his love match, Dr. Mackenzie O’Neil on their way to HEA. In a true Lucy Score fashion, their road is paved with hilarious banter, nosy family and community members, ALL the feels, steam and swoon, as well as demons from the past trying their best to stand in the way of happiness for Hotshot (Linc) and Dreamy (Mackenzie).
This book had me crying and laughing from the first chapter and I LOVED catching up with Luke and Harper, Gloria and Aldo as well as all the couples and their offspring we’ve encountered through the years in Benevolence.
Lucy score is an extraordinary story teller, her characters jump off the pages and become a part of your world as you are reading this beautiful story of healing and giving love a chance.
....AND then there is Sunshine, Linc’s yellow lab, his “best girl”, with the uncanny ability to provide comfort to her loved ones and to have everyone fall in love with her and feed her treats.
This is a definite must read!!!
In this third, and final, trip to Benevolence, we journey with Fire Chief Lincoln Read and his love match, Dr. Mackenzie O’Neil on their way to HEA. In a true Lucy Score fashion, their road is paved with hilarious banter, nosy family and community members, ALL the feels, steam and swoon, as well as demons from the past trying their best to stand in the way of happiness for Hotshot (Linc) and Dreamy (Mackenzie).
This book had me crying and laughing from the first chapter and I LOVED catching up with Luke and Harper, Gloria and Aldo as well as all the couples and their offspring we’ve encountered through the years in Benevolence.
Lucy score is an extraordinary story teller, her characters jump off the pages and become a part of your world as you are reading this beautiful story of healing and giving love a chance.
....AND then there is Sunshine, Linc’s yellow lab, his “best girl”, with the uncanny ability to provide comfort to her loved ones and to have everyone fall in love with her and feed her treats.
This is a definite must read!!!
January 5, 2020
"No One Likes a Beautiful Asshole"
And with those sarcastic words, Dr. Mack O'Neil cemented herself in my book loving heart. Linc had long ago cemented himself in my heart - every time Lucy mentioned a new book, I would sit quivering like I imagine Sunshine did for a treat to see who it would be about. I can't even begin to tell you how I excited I was that she wrote Linc's story! I just knew there was more to the happy go lucky, super flirty fireman than met the eye. Spoiler alert - I was right!!
Linc and Mack are both first responders, Linc as the Fire Chief and Mack as a trauma surgeon trying something "new" by taking a 6 month family practitioner post in Benevolence. Both have their own baggage and being able to read how they help each other overcome it was So. Much. Fun. It was also absolutely amazing to catch up with Harper and Luke and Gloria and Aldo. For reasons you'll understand after you read it, the book brings us full circle from Pretend You're Mine (which happens to be my all time favorite book by ANY author.) I laughed out loud, and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about when you read it!
I can't stress enough how imperative it is that you one click this book - it has it all: small town feel, romance, mystery and danger - my little heart's book catnip, if you will. And if you haven't read Pretend You're Mine and Finally Mine, you certainly don't have to in order to enjoy this one, but I HIGHLY recommend you read them in order. Enjoy and remember #lincandmack4eva!!!!!
And with those sarcastic words, Dr. Mack O'Neil cemented herself in my book loving heart. Linc had long ago cemented himself in my heart - every time Lucy mentioned a new book, I would sit quivering like I imagine Sunshine did for a treat to see who it would be about. I can't even begin to tell you how I excited I was that she wrote Linc's story! I just knew there was more to the happy go lucky, super flirty fireman than met the eye. Spoiler alert - I was right!!
Linc and Mack are both first responders, Linc as the Fire Chief and Mack as a trauma surgeon trying something "new" by taking a 6 month family practitioner post in Benevolence. Both have their own baggage and being able to read how they help each other overcome it was So. Much. Fun. It was also absolutely amazing to catch up with Harper and Luke and Gloria and Aldo. For reasons you'll understand after you read it, the book brings us full circle from Pretend You're Mine (which happens to be my all time favorite book by ANY author.) I laughed out loud, and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about when you read it!
I can't stress enough how imperative it is that you one click this book - it has it all: small town feel, romance, mystery and danger - my little heart's book catnip, if you will. And if you haven't read Pretend You're Mine and Finally Mine, you certainly don't have to in order to enjoy this one, but I HIGHLY recommend you read them in order. Enjoy and remember #lincandmack4eva!!!!!
April 18, 2023
i LOVE small town romances. because they're usually calm and sweet maybe one murderer or something like that for mystery BUT this woman was living her own CSI: Benevolence 😐 she got shot, beaten twice, broke her ankle, her house burned down... BRO GIVE HER SOME SPACE
linc was cute, small town people were too nosy even for a small town romance but they were okayish so overall i liked the book but not as much as other lucy score books
linc was cute, small town people were too nosy even for a small town romance but they were okayish so overall i liked the book but not as much as other lucy score books
July 10, 2023
Linc and Mack's story is so swoon-worthy!!
Who doesn't love a hunky, tall, handsome, sexy firefighter?
Linc and the ever so sweet lab Sunshine meet Dr. Mack.
So much fun, mystery, suspense and sizzling romance to this story.
You'll wish you were living in this amazing small town of Benevolence so
that you can be apart of the life of all the incredibly friendly characters.
It's an addicting series best read in order.
Who doesn't love a hunky, tall, handsome, sexy firefighter?
Linc and the ever so sweet lab Sunshine meet Dr. Mack.
So much fun, mystery, suspense and sizzling romance to this story.
You'll wish you were living in this amazing small town of Benevolence so
that you can be apart of the life of all the incredibly friendly characters.
It's an addicting series best read in order.
January 17, 2020
PERFECT MATCH❤️ Loved the chemistry between Linc and Mac. Lots of humor in spite of all the serious issues. The twists and turns were unexpected and written into the story so well. However, the best part was sweet Sunshine. What a sweetheart! Another great story by Lucy with all the feels. ❤️🐶 I received this ARC for an honest review.
February 14, 2020
5 stars! Loved it, loved it loved it. :D Lucy Score you were there when I needed you most with this heart grabbing book that will go on my favorites list. I'm in the middle of a handfull of books I can't quite slog through. I dropped those babies like a hot potato when this book released and I was gratefully rescued from book boredom with an absolute gem. Hallelujah!!! LS, you knocked it outta the park.
I was crazy about badass Mack but I am totally in love with Lincoln Reed. And oh that sweet Sunshine (Linc's "other girl" ;D). What's better than a hot guy who's crazy about his dog? Not a darn thing. Linc is swoon worthy and his pursuit of Dr. Mack is not to be missed. There's plenty to love about this visit to small town Benevolence: the loveable supportive characters, the romance, the very adorable Sunshine and a dash of drama. A heart gripper from beginning to end. And don't miss the bonus epilogue with a look into Mack and Linc's future. The author also personally includes The Real Story of Sunshine (warning, tears will flow!). But this animal lover appreciated the inspiration and the author's sharing her families story.
Sure this is a stand alone, but if this is your first trip to the town of Benevolence, just FYI, there are 2 other "Mine" stories about side characters Luke/Harper and Gloria/Aldo. Hope you enjoy this story as much as I did!
I was crazy about badass Mack but I am totally in love with Lincoln Reed. And oh that sweet Sunshine (Linc's "other girl" ;D). What's better than a hot guy who's crazy about his dog? Not a darn thing. Linc is swoon worthy and his pursuit of Dr. Mack is not to be missed. There's plenty to love about this visit to small town Benevolence: the loveable supportive characters, the romance, the very adorable Sunshine and a dash of drama. A heart gripper from beginning to end. And don't miss the bonus epilogue with a look into Mack and Linc's future. The author also personally includes The Real Story of Sunshine (warning, tears will flow!). But this animal lover appreciated the inspiration and the author's sharing her families story.
Sure this is a stand alone, but if this is your first trip to the town of Benevolence, just FYI, there are 2 other "Mine" stories about side characters Luke/Harper and Gloria/Aldo. Hope you enjoy this story as much as I did!
January 6, 2020
Lincoln Reed is a town hero and all around good guy. He's the fire chief, affectionately known as Chief Sexy Pants. He's typically out for a good time. He has his reasons for not settling down.
Mack is a flight trauma surgeon. She recently got out of the military when she started to have issues with PTSD. She has taken a temporary assignment filling in for a family practice doctor in a small town. She also works as a flight doctor on the helicopter once a week to fulfill her need for an adrenaline rush. She is looking to make some changes in her life.
When Linc first lays eyes on Mack, at an accident scene, he is intrigued. Mack likes what she sees but she has vowed to make changes in her life and the sexy fire chief doesn't fit in that plan.
But when Mack discovers that Chief Sexy Pants is her neighbor, will she be able to resist his charm? And will Linc realize that maybe settling down isn't such a bad idea after all?
I loved this book. At 4% in I was good and hooked. I read it straight through, finishing it at 1:30 am. You definitely don't want to miss this book. Make sure you read the author's story at the end about the real Sunshine. It'll really hit you in the feels. Be sure to have your crying towel handy.
Mack is a flight trauma surgeon. She recently got out of the military when she started to have issues with PTSD. She has taken a temporary assignment filling in for a family practice doctor in a small town. She also works as a flight doctor on the helicopter once a week to fulfill her need for an adrenaline rush. She is looking to make some changes in her life.
When Linc first lays eyes on Mack, at an accident scene, he is intrigued. Mack likes what she sees but she has vowed to make changes in her life and the sexy fire chief doesn't fit in that plan.
But when Mack discovers that Chief Sexy Pants is her neighbor, will she be able to resist his charm? And will Linc realize that maybe settling down isn't such a bad idea after all?
I loved this book. At 4% in I was good and hooked. I read it straight through, finishing it at 1:30 am. You definitely don't want to miss this book. Make sure you read the author's story at the end about the real Sunshine. It'll really hit you in the feels. Be sure to have your crying towel handy.
January 4, 2020
This book has everything! I love books that let me re-visit old characters who accept and love someone new! I loved being able to see inside the life of first responders and appreciate all they do for us. Thank you Lucy for another great book!
April 22, 2020
I’m probably in the minority but...
So many damn secondary characters! Maybe these characters have their own books which is fine. But limit their interference unless they’re conducive to the story because it made the book drag.
She’s a doctor, saving lives left, right and centre.
He’s the chief of the fire department saving lives left, right and centre.
She’s in town for 6 months, a commitment-phobe who prefers flings.
He’s a serial dater. Been with a lot of women. The flirty type. Unnecessary lines like the only time women come to his house in the morning is to collect their things from their overnight stay.
I believe both in their mid 30s - unspecified. Both experienced.
It’s safe; he has exes in town. She doesn’t care and actually befriends them. No OW/OM drama. He wants more, she acts stupid because of her poor upbringing. Slight drama. Her house nearly gets burnt down. He saves her. They get their happy ever after.
So many damn secondary characters! Maybe these characters have their own books which is fine. But limit their interference unless they’re conducive to the story because it made the book drag.
She’s a doctor, saving lives left, right and centre.
He’s the chief of the fire department saving lives left, right and centre.
She’s in town for 6 months, a commitment-phobe who prefers flings.
He’s a serial dater. Been with a lot of women. The flirty type. Unnecessary lines like the only time women come to his house in the morning is to collect their things from their overnight stay.
I believe both in their mid 30s - unspecified. Both experienced.
It’s safe; he has exes in town. She doesn’t care and actually befriends them. No OW/OM drama. He wants more, she acts stupid because of her poor upbringing. Slight drama. Her house nearly gets burnt down. He saves her. They get their happy ever after.
January 3, 2020
5*
Linc meets dr dreamy
(Mack/Mackenzie) when they both attend an road traffic accident. She's taken a temporary job at the clinic hoping to improve her people skills. He's the chief fire officer & is instantly hooked on her.
I loved Linc & sunshine, I laughed so much at his antics.
I definitely recommend reading this book
Linc meets dr dreamy
(Mack/Mackenzie) when they both attend an road traffic accident. She's taken a temporary job at the clinic hoping to improve her people skills. He's the chief fire officer & is instantly hooked on her.
I loved Linc & sunshine, I laughed so much at his antics.
I definitely recommend reading this book
Read
May 11, 202540% abandono
No conecto con la historia ni con los personajes.
No conecto con la historia ni con los personajes.
November 13, 2024
Lo he disfrutado y me he reencontrado con la autora ya que su anterior libro aunque me gustó no lo disfruté tanto.Siempre leeré todo lo que publiquen de ella.
January 7, 2020
Revisiting Benevolence, MD, is such a joy for me because Pretend Your Mine was my first Lucy book and all-time favorite. While Protecting What’s Mine is a stand-alone, if you have the opportunity, I encourage you to also read Pretend You’re Mine and Finally Mine as it will give you some background on the lovable quirky townsfolk who bring it to life.
Fire Chief Lincoln Reed aka “Chief Sexy Pants” is a bit full of himself–confident and strong with a sweet gooey center. An everyday real-life hero, he is good with children, loves dogs, is witty and fun to be around, a family man, loyal and trustworthy, hot and handy, and not afraid to get down and dirty.
An all-around big flirt and never one to settle down, his mind starts to consider the possibility when the new doctor in town literally lands in the middle of an accident scene he’s working and he can’t stop thinking about her. After leaving the military, flight trauma surgeon Mackenzie O’Neil aka “Dr. Dreamy” is in town to rejuvenate and unwind. Day by day, she and the Chief keep crossing paths, especially after they realize they are next-door neighbors, and that’s when things start to really heat up. Never a dull moment in Benevolence!
Will a temporary job as a small-town family physician lead to her to finally being at peace and accept her past? Her heart is guarded and so are her secrets, but is Linc the man who can love and protect her and get her to settle down? I promise, as you turn each page you will fall more and more in love with him. You will sigh and just want to hug Linc as you read why he is vulnerable, how he put his heart on the line before, and how he longs for his own HEA. He is so patient and intuitive, and this slow-burn romance will leave you breathless.
Some of my favorite scenes are revisiting all of the Garrisons and the Morettas and getting up-to-date on their families, including Luke’s younger brother, James, finding love as well as Mrs. Moretta–you go girl! Also, you will laugh and laugh how nothing is sacred and everyone is in everyone else’s business like when the good Doc got hurt and the entire town pitched in to help and pry information out of her. So funny!
But this book isn’t all laughs; there are very serious topics that the author covered with great sensitivity and care. The scenes when Mack and Linc decide to bare their souls are very emotional, raw, and real. Lucy writes the swooniest of swoony heroes and strong smart heroines, and you will love the character growth of both of them. These two appear to be opposites, but have so much in common and are a perfect match. They love, trust, and respect each other and watching their relationship progress was beautiful to read.
An added note is how relatable the characters are, especially in their chosen career paths. I am always in awe and have the highest respect and gratitude for First Responders, and it’s obvious that Lucy did a lot of research to get all of the details correct to portray these characters in realistic settings.
A second added note is about Sunshine, the feisty yellow lab who stole many scenes in Protecting What's Mine. The description and playful nature of this beautiful dog just warmed my heart and then made me CRY like a baby when I read the dedication to the real-life Sunshine at the end of the book. I cried so hard for Lucy and Tim and their very generous loving hearts. All the feels.
Fire Chief Lincoln Reed aka “Chief Sexy Pants” is a bit full of himself–confident and strong with a sweet gooey center. An everyday real-life hero, he is good with children, loves dogs, is witty and fun to be around, a family man, loyal and trustworthy, hot and handy, and not afraid to get down and dirty.
An all-around big flirt and never one to settle down, his mind starts to consider the possibility when the new doctor in town literally lands in the middle of an accident scene he’s working and he can’t stop thinking about her. After leaving the military, flight trauma surgeon Mackenzie O’Neil aka “Dr. Dreamy” is in town to rejuvenate and unwind. Day by day, she and the Chief keep crossing paths, especially after they realize they are next-door neighbors, and that’s when things start to really heat up. Never a dull moment in Benevolence!
Will a temporary job as a small-town family physician lead to her to finally being at peace and accept her past? Her heart is guarded and so are her secrets, but is Linc the man who can love and protect her and get her to settle down? I promise, as you turn each page you will fall more and more in love with him. You will sigh and just want to hug Linc as you read why he is vulnerable, how he put his heart on the line before, and how he longs for his own HEA. He is so patient and intuitive, and this slow-burn romance will leave you breathless.
Some of my favorite scenes are revisiting all of the Garrisons and the Morettas and getting up-to-date on their families, including Luke’s younger brother, James, finding love as well as Mrs. Moretta–you go girl! Also, you will laugh and laugh how nothing is sacred and everyone is in everyone else’s business like when the good Doc got hurt and the entire town pitched in to help and pry information out of her. So funny!
But this book isn’t all laughs; there are very serious topics that the author covered with great sensitivity and care. The scenes when Mack and Linc decide to bare their souls are very emotional, raw, and real. Lucy writes the swooniest of swoony heroes and strong smart heroines, and you will love the character growth of both of them. These two appear to be opposites, but have so much in common and are a perfect match. They love, trust, and respect each other and watching their relationship progress was beautiful to read.
An added note is how relatable the characters are, especially in their chosen career paths. I am always in awe and have the highest respect and gratitude for First Responders, and it’s obvious that Lucy did a lot of research to get all of the details correct to portray these characters in realistic settings.
A second added note is about Sunshine, the feisty yellow lab who stole many scenes in Protecting What's Mine. The description and playful nature of this beautiful dog just warmed my heart and then made me CRY like a baby when I read the dedication to the real-life Sunshine at the end of the book. I cried so hard for Lucy and Tim and their very generous loving hearts. All the feels.
April 12, 2021
Protecting What's Mine was a seriously fun read! I couldn't get enough of Mack and Linc and their witty banter and all the laugh-out-loud, entertaining moments. I loved their ups and downs, watching them come together and falling in love. It was exciting to read and I loved it all.
Right from the start, I was pulled into the action and adventure. I loved Mack and Linc’s first encounter and the spark between them. I loved their instant connection and flirtation. There were so many great scenes, heartfelt moments, and interactions. Linc was so sweet and flirty and I loved him sharing and being more than the fun time guy and really opening his heart. Mack was a tough, independent woman but had some things she was struggling with and I loved the growth she had over the course of the story. When Mack and Linc finally get together, holy wow they are smoking HOT. Dirty talking firefighters for the win!
There was some awesome drama and a bit of suspense happening. I loved the pulse-pounding emergency calls too, those were thrilling. There’s a delightful cast of characters that helped to create some super humorous scenes that had me smiling. I loved all the different bonding moments and the relationship between Linc and Luke, I found it really touching. And the dog! So cute. I need a Sunshine in my life.
I was hooked the entire time. Protecting What’s Mine was so incredibly entertaining and witty but it had this wonderful layer of emotion too. Fantastic read!
Right from the start, I was pulled into the action and adventure. I loved Mack and Linc’s first encounter and the spark between them. I loved their instant connection and flirtation. There were so many great scenes, heartfelt moments, and interactions. Linc was so sweet and flirty and I loved him sharing and being more than the fun time guy and really opening his heart. Mack was a tough, independent woman but had some things she was struggling with and I loved the growth she had over the course of the story. When Mack and Linc finally get together, holy wow they are smoking HOT. Dirty talking firefighters for the win!
There was some awesome drama and a bit of suspense happening. I loved the pulse-pounding emergency calls too, those were thrilling. There’s a delightful cast of characters that helped to create some super humorous scenes that had me smiling. I loved all the different bonding moments and the relationship between Linc and Luke, I found it really touching. And the dog! So cute. I need a Sunshine in my life.
I was hooked the entire time. Protecting What’s Mine was so incredibly entertaining and witty but it had this wonderful layer of emotion too. Fantastic read!
August 22, 2020
DNF. I tried and tried but this was so boring. I LOVE small town romance stories, but this one dragged.
I thought the writing style was awkward and confusing at times. Which nurse was speaking??? And what was happening??? It did not work for me.
The heroine has some history. She wants to turn a new leaf with men and all that, but she was willing to just give it up for the sexy EMT/firefighter or whatever.
I just skimmed and skimmed and still nothing interesting happened.
Reading is subjective. You may love it.
I thought the writing style was awkward and confusing at times. Which nurse was speaking??? And what was happening??? It did not work for me.
The heroine has some history. She wants to turn a new leaf with men and all that, but she was willing to just give it up for the sexy EMT/firefighter or whatever.
I just skimmed and skimmed and still nothing interesting happened.
Reading is subjective. You may love it.
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