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Cameron Cowboys #5
The Marriage Protection Program
HER GUARDIAN GROOM
Fiercely independent Janie Murphy knew she was Deputy Ben Jackson's only hope for gaining custody of orphaned Rafael. He needed to marry immediately, and their one night of soul-searing passion had become grist for Cameron's rumor mill, making her the only believable bridal candidate. Janie thought Ben would understand her refusal once she revealed her past, which could put all three of them in danger. Instead, the determined deputy proposed an irresistible trade - her hand for his protection. But the instant Ben sealed their temporary union with an all-too-right kiss, Janie knew she'd found her other half. Could she turn the marriage protection program into a lifetime commitment?
Fiercely independent Janie Murphy knew she was Deputy Ben Jackson's only hope for gaining custody of orphaned Rafael. He needed to marry immediately, and their one night of soul-searing passion had become grist for Cameron's rumor mill, making her the only believable bridal candidate. Janie thought Ben would understand her refusal once she revealed her past, which could put all three of them in danger. Instead, the determined deputy proposed an irresistible trade - her hand for his protection. But the instant Ben sealed their temporary union with an all-too-right kiss, Janie knew she'd found her other half. Could she turn the marriage protection program into a lifetime commitment?
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1999
421 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Watson
103 books128 followersUSA Today bestselling author Margaret Watson is a two-time RITA Finalist with thirty books in print for Harlequin and Silhouette and many other award-winning romantic suspense novels.
When not writing, Margaret practices veterinary medicine in the Chicago area.
When not writing, Margaret practices veterinary medicine in the Chicago area.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 26, 2023
BEN & JANIE HAVE A VERY DIFFERENT KIND OF ARRANGEMENT AND BOTH ARE IN COMPLETE DENIAL ABOUT THEIR FEELINGS. NOT SEXUALLY EXPLICIT BUT A LOT OF; WAVES OF HEAT, EYES BLAZED WITH SEXUAL HEAT, EYES GLITTERING WITH ANGER & NEED, FIRE IN EYES, THROAT CLOGGED WITH TEARS & LUMPS, EYES DARKENING, AND SHUTTERING EYES. YEP, A WHOLE LOT OF THAT. ;D
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April 28, 2023
The Marriage Protection Plan is an agreement between Deputy Ben Jackson and Jamie Murphy, the owner of a local restaurant with a big secret because she is in witness protection. Ben wants to adopt a young boy that he found in South America and needs a wife to make that happen. Jamie is afraid because she witnessed a murder and the man that ordered the murder is after her. This sets the storyline where so much depends on on what the judge says about Ben and Jamie's adoption of Raquel and the arrival of the murderer in Cameron where the threat to Jamie increases. Ben has issues from his first marriage to overcome. All of this makes a great love story that I really enjoyed.
January 20, 2023
This book was too repetitive. I like the fact of witness protection and their HEA, but it took too much to get there.
January 18, 2023
This was my first book by the author. I loved the premise and the HEA, but there was too much repetition. I love angst, but c’mon!
July 20, 2011
This is the fifth book in the Cameron, Utah series and is about Ben Jackson, the deputy sheriff and tracker and Janie, who owns and runs the Seventh Heaven diner.
Ben moved to town four years ago and no-one knows about his past. For the last three years he's been edging around Janie, he's attracted to her but because of things in his past feels he has nothing to offer, not that Janie is running after him.
Instead Janie may be someone who is the most secretive, she keeps to herself, is alert and her house doesn't look like someone lives there. Five months ago these two lonely people, spent the night together and both ran in the morning, avoiding each other.
But Ben approached Janie, since he needs her. He wants to adopt eight-year old Rafael, who has gained a lot of coverage for being an illegal and Ben knows that his chances of being awarded adoption are very less, so he needs a wife, he asks Janie. Janie is horrified and tells him no, it's impossible but Ben is determined.
He knows that the town people know that there is something between him and Janie, and that his charade will only work if Janie becomes his bride, so he goes all out, playing the guilt card, making her see how he is with Rafael. When Janie says he is doing this out of love for the child, he quickly refutes it and says no, Rafael just needs him.
Janie has secrets and loads of them, she knows Ben won't leave her alone so she tells him why she can't marry him, three years ago she witnessed a murder and testified. She identified one professional hit-man but didn't see the other, she was attacked in the safe-house and so was her sister and her family so she was placed in witness protection. She has been living life on the edge, scared, alert, and not forming any bonds so as not to abandon anybody or get them hurt.
But Ben tells her that he is capable of protecting her and rail-roads her. They get married but their proximity and having to sleep in the same bed keeping the social worker in mind, is tough for both of them. Ben wants to stick to their original terms.
I had a problem that for a long time we don't find out about Ben, it seems like everything he just put it off and Janie let him. It is evident that he had a family before and for a long time I felt nothing happened between these two, beyond that book was a decent read.
Ben moved to town four years ago and no-one knows about his past. For the last three years he's been edging around Janie, he's attracted to her but because of things in his past feels he has nothing to offer, not that Janie is running after him.
Instead Janie may be someone who is the most secretive, she keeps to herself, is alert and her house doesn't look like someone lives there. Five months ago these two lonely people, spent the night together and both ran in the morning, avoiding each other.
But Ben approached Janie, since he needs her. He wants to adopt eight-year old Rafael, who has gained a lot of coverage for being an illegal and Ben knows that his chances of being awarded adoption are very less, so he needs a wife, he asks Janie. Janie is horrified and tells him no, it's impossible but Ben is determined.
He knows that the town people know that there is something between him and Janie, and that his charade will only work if Janie becomes his bride, so he goes all out, playing the guilt card, making her see how he is with Rafael. When Janie says he is doing this out of love for the child, he quickly refutes it and says no, Rafael just needs him.
Janie has secrets and loads of them, she knows Ben won't leave her alone so she tells him why she can't marry him, three years ago she witnessed a murder and testified. She identified one professional hit-man but didn't see the other, she was attacked in the safe-house and so was her sister and her family so she was placed in witness protection. She has been living life on the edge, scared, alert, and not forming any bonds so as not to abandon anybody or get them hurt.
But Ben tells her that he is capable of protecting her and rail-roads her. They get married but their proximity and having to sleep in the same bed keeping the social worker in mind, is tough for both of them. Ben wants to stick to their original terms.
I had a problem that for a long time we don't find out about Ben, it seems like everything he just put it off and Janie let him. It is evident that he had a family before and for a long time I felt nothing happened between these two, beyond that book was a decent read.
December 28, 2021
THE MARRIAGE PROTECTION PLAN is a touching tale with a tough, strong-minded H who is sure he doesn’t deserve or want anyone’s love but is willing to stand up for those he cares about, a strong-willed, independent h who has had to be on her own, keeping out of a killer’s sights, for far too long, and a frightened young boy who’s in desperate need of finding safety with a loving family. Ben Jackson’s determined to do whatever it takes to adopt Rafael. The attraction between Ben and Janie is strong, and they both care deeply about the boy, but there’s forces in both their lives that make having more than a relationship of convenience nearly impossible. Or so they both think!
This is a moving story that has plenty of emotional ups and downs, some exciting twists and turns, a bit of angst, a few moments of danger, and touches of steamy passion. There’s a lot to hold your interest and keep you thoroughly engaged from start to finish. It will tug at your heartstrings as you watch Ben and Janie struggle with their feelings for each other all the while having no doubts in their unwavering love for and commitment to Rafael. It’s an entertaining and captivating read from beginning to end that you are sure to find hard to put down.
This is a moving story that has plenty of emotional ups and downs, some exciting twists and turns, a bit of angst, a few moments of danger, and touches of steamy passion. There’s a lot to hold your interest and keep you thoroughly engaged from start to finish. It will tug at your heartstrings as you watch Ben and Janie struggle with their feelings for each other all the while having no doubts in their unwavering love for and commitment to Rafael. It’s an entertaining and captivating read from beginning to end that you are sure to find hard to put down.
February 3, 2017
The Marriage Protection Plan by Margaret Watson
Cameron Cowboys # 5
Ben Jackson and Janie Murphy have been waiting for their story to be told. They have been eying one another and interested but not moving on their interest for reasons that they hold close inside. When Ben takes in Rafael, a child who escaped from south of the border, he feels the need for a wife to impress the adoption board he will soon face. He approaches Janie as a potential wife for a marriage of convenience but she has reasons to say no…and does not say yes until Ben gives her a solid reason to do so. When Janie is threatened things become intense and Ben’s need to keep her and Rafael safe becomes more than clear. The two take quite a bit of time to actually share their reasons for not staying a couple but eventually come to terms, thwart the bad guy and move forward with Rafael as a family unit.
3-4 Stars
Cameron Cowboys # 5
Ben Jackson and Janie Murphy have been waiting for their story to be told. They have been eying one another and interested but not moving on their interest for reasons that they hold close inside. When Ben takes in Rafael, a child who escaped from south of the border, he feels the need for a wife to impress the adoption board he will soon face. He approaches Janie as a potential wife for a marriage of convenience but she has reasons to say no…and does not say yes until Ben gives her a solid reason to do so. When Janie is threatened things become intense and Ben’s need to keep her and Rafael safe becomes more than clear. The two take quite a bit of time to actually share their reasons for not staying a couple but eventually come to terms, thwart the bad guy and move forward with Rafael as a family unit.
3-4 Stars
January 16, 2018
With a past neither wants to share for their own individual reasons, these two have styed far away from each other or so everyone thinks. When Ben needs a wife she is the only one he wants to propose to. He says it's for the kid, she will only say yes for the kid. When her past reaches out to them it may be the thing to make them realize it isn't just a marriage of convenience. Everyone else can see that why can't he.
A great story in the true fashion of this author. Hot and passionate when needed but a great story with some excitement and plenty of action. I love the way this author writes a story.
A great story in the true fashion of this author. Hot and passionate when needed but a great story with some excitement and plenty of action. I love the way this author writes a story.
March 3, 2023
Not Great
I didn't like how the male lead almost constantly undermines the female lead's fears about her own situation. This should be a pretty dangerous situation, and at first, she seems to take it seriously but, in the end, leaves decisions up to the ML. At least he does prove himself knowledgeable, but that is not apparent to the reader until the trouble comes. Up until that point, he's constantly telling her, "Don't worry. It's fine" without any way of knowing that. She seems to trust the man only because of his love for his child. That's great, but there are plenty of people who love their kids and go around hurting people daily.
I didn't like how the male lead almost constantly undermines the female lead's fears about her own situation. This should be a pretty dangerous situation, and at first, she seems to take it seriously but, in the end, leaves decisions up to the ML. At least he does prove himself knowledgeable, but that is not apparent to the reader until the trouble comes. Up until that point, he's constantly telling her, "Don't worry. It's fine" without any way of knowing that. She seems to trust the man only because of his love for his child. That's great, but there are plenty of people who love their kids and go around hurting people daily.
January 15, 2023
formulaic with explicit sex scene
Not too sure what to think. It’s typical of the genre and because of the open shirt of the fellow on the cover I should have surmised that it would involve and explicit sex scene and other associated thoughts, but I gave it a chance. Was disappointed and flipped through those pages and a bit more of the book to get to the end. Felt I didn’t miss anything of importance. No swearing or blasphemy, but yeah. I won’t be reading any more from this authour.
Formulaic with a sex scene.
Not too sure what to think. It’s typical of the genre and because of the open shirt of the fellow on the cover I should have surmised that it would involve and explicit sex scene and other associated thoughts, but I gave it a chance. Was disappointed and flipped through those pages and a bit more of the book to get to the end. Felt I didn’t miss anything of importance. No swearing or blasphemy, but yeah. I won’t be reading any more from this authour.
Formulaic with a sex scene.
January 15, 2023
'The Marriage Protection Plan' was a compelling 4.5-star read. Its energetic page-turning plot was filled with suspense, tension, a bit of action, secrets, family bonding, and love. Moreover, Janie and Ben, the protagonists were soulmates and gushed with chemistry. I loved the author's writing style: engaging yet flawed characters, a fascinating setting in the Utah desert, and vivid descriptions which included imagery galore. Overall, I thoroughly liked the narrative.
September 27, 2018
Good read
This series has been really hard to put down. This book has danger, angst, mystery, and lots of love. No one knows that she is in witness protection and she fears for her life everyday. He's a deputy who has watched and wanted her for 3 years. Then he needs a wife of convenience to adopt a boy and he only wants it to be her. Highly recommend.
This series has been really hard to put down. This book has danger, angst, mystery, and lots of love. No one knows that she is in witness protection and she fears for her life everyday. He's a deputy who has watched and wanted her for 3 years. Then he needs a wife of convenience to adopt a boy and he only wants it to be her. Highly recommend.
April 28, 2023
Not a bad book but a little annoying that the guy was so stubborn and didn't think he deserved to love again. Jaine is in the witness protection program because someone is trying to kill her for witnessing a murder and Ben needs a wife so he can adopt a child. They have feels for each other but get married out of "convienence" and both hide their feelings.
October 1, 2025
Mary AKA Janie and Ben
Good story and characters, another good story of heroic behavior from characters we love to read about. Ben saves Janie who is being sought after by her old boss because she saw something bad. But she's not the only one that was saved. We can always cheer for the heroine in the story for she is as brave as they come.
Good story and characters, another good story of heroic behavior from characters we love to read about. Ben saves Janie who is being sought after by her old boss because she saw something bad. But she's not the only one that was saved. We can always cheer for the heroine in the story for she is as brave as they come.
March 18, 2021
Great story
Loved this series. Ben and Jamie belong together. They just don't think it is possible to be together. But can a little boy in need of love and a family find a way. This author pulls the story together in a way that keeps you reading.
Loved this series. Ben and Jamie belong together. They just don't think it is possible to be together. But can a little boy in need of love and a family find a way. This author pulls the story together in a way that keeps you reading.
January 12, 2023
The Marriage Protection
While having to hide her real identity Janie falls in love with a cop. He only wants a marriage of convenience not love.
I found Ben’s continual on again/off again really annoying.
While having to hide her real identity Janie falls in love with a cop. He only wants a marriage of convenience not love.
I found Ben’s continual on again/off again really annoying.
February 5, 2023
Enthralling
Took me the day cause I had other things that needed done but I rarely put it done. These two just sucked me in from the start, what an attraction. Rafael just stold my heart. Quite a bit of tension in these lives.
Took me the day cause I had other things that needed done but I rarely put it done. These two just sucked me in from the start, what an attraction. Rafael just stold my heart. Quite a bit of tension in these lives.
April 24, 2023
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I am not keen to read more. The concept is good but it took too long to get there. It was very repetitive and became boring. I skimmed a lot of it because of the repetition.
February 11, 2023
I liked the story but grew tired of the repetitive ' I'm saving you from myself'. Many of the exchanges sounded copied and pasted to simply fill pages.
February 14, 2023
Rated R
February 14, 2023
Love to read
Liked this book. Liked how the hero loved the little boy and all the different facets of the story. All the pieces came together real nice.
Liked this book. Liked how the hero loved the little boy and all the different facets of the story. All the pieces came together real nice.
April 30, 2023
I really liked this book. It was well written and the story was not predictable. I will definitely be reading more of her books.
Read
February 18, 2024average storyline
A ok story nothing outstanding about it. Nothing to really complain about. So it an average book. Ends with a HEA if you want to read.
A ok story nothing outstanding about it. Nothing to really complain about. So it an average book. Ends with a HEA if you want to read.
May 21, 2024
I was hoping to like this more but both characters were a little annoying - Ben especially.
October 15, 2024
great!
I really enjoyed this series. Now that I’ve finished it I’ll have to check out another of her books. I loved the suspense wrapped in with the feel good romance.
I really enjoyed this series. Now that I’ve finished it I’ll have to check out another of her books. I loved the suspense wrapped in with the feel good romance.
December 4, 2016
I've been waiting for Ben and Janie's story since starting the series, and I wasn't disappointed.
Both Ben and Janie have pasts that cause them to keep people at arm's length. Neither wants a serious relationship, fearing that something bad will happen. But when it comes to light that Ben may not win custody of Rafael because he's a single man, he needs to enlist Janie's help. A marriage of convenience was needed, and Janie was the only woman Ben wanted to fill the roll.
Ben, Janie, and Rafael all have painful pasts, which made them perfect for each other. The three of them help each other to open up and release the pain of the past so they can start to move forward as a family. It was wonderful to see Rafael finally feel safe and secure enough to open up about what happened to his family in his homeland.
This is the book in the series. While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend at least reading the previous book in the series, The Fugitive Bride, before reading this one. That's the book Rafael is first introduced in. Reading that one will help readers understand how he ended up in Cameron and ended up in Ben's care. Other characters from the previous books also make appearances, and it was nice to see them all again.
This is a great addition to the Cameron Cowboys series and a wonderful conclusion to Rafael's journey.
**A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Both Ben and Janie have pasts that cause them to keep people at arm's length. Neither wants a serious relationship, fearing that something bad will happen. But when it comes to light that Ben may not win custody of Rafael because he's a single man, he needs to enlist Janie's help. A marriage of convenience was needed, and Janie was the only woman Ben wanted to fill the roll.
Ben, Janie, and Rafael all have painful pasts, which made them perfect for each other. The three of them help each other to open up and release the pain of the past so they can start to move forward as a family. It was wonderful to see Rafael finally feel safe and secure enough to open up about what happened to his family in his homeland.
This is the book in the series. While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend at least reading the previous book in the series, The Fugitive Bride, before reading this one. That's the book Rafael is first introduced in. Reading that one will help readers understand how he ended up in Cameron and ended up in Ben's care. Other characters from the previous books also make appearances, and it was nice to see them all again.
This is a great addition to the Cameron Cowboys series and a wonderful conclusion to Rafael's journey.
**A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
October 3, 2023
Marriage of Convenience
Two loners decide to marry after much bickering going back and forth to try and adopt a little boy that needed their love. They needed to get him to trust them and know they would protect him no matter what.
Janie, wasn’t sure if she should being in the witness protection program.
Ben, has a secret and doesn’t know if he can tell Janie, why this marriage is only a marriage of convenience.
Great story line, read to see all the interesting twist and turns and if there will be true love!!
Two loners decide to marry after much bickering going back and forth to try and adopt a little boy that needed their love. They needed to get him to trust them and know they would protect him no matter what.
Janie, wasn’t sure if she should being in the witness protection program.
Ben, has a secret and doesn’t know if he can tell Janie, why this marriage is only a marriage of convenience.
Great story line, read to see all the interesting twist and turns and if there will be true love!!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews