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Protector
Alternate cover edition for ASIN B01MG7S9XB
For other cover editions go here and here
I’ve always thought of myself as a pretty happy-go-lucky kind of person. I wanted to save the world, or at least leave my stamp behind. In my own naïve way I thought I could bribe karma but life has a way of teaching us lessons.
I never knew how selfish I was until my life was ripped away from me.
Taken.
I’m forced to watch as they torture and kill my family … and I know I’m next.
I hear their screams.
I watch them die.
It’s the worst kind of torture
Then he comes. He made a promise to my brother. It’s the only thing keeping him bound to me.
A promise to protect me.
I should set him free of the promise … but I don’t. He’s my shield against karma. He’s my protector.
For other cover editions go here and here
I’ve always thought of myself as a pretty happy-go-lucky kind of person. I wanted to save the world, or at least leave my stamp behind. In my own naïve way I thought I could bribe karma but life has a way of teaching us lessons.
I never knew how selfish I was until my life was ripped away from me.
Taken.
I’m forced to watch as they torture and kill my family … and I know I’m next.
I hear their screams.
I watch them die.
It’s the worst kind of torture
Then he comes. He made a promise to my brother. It’s the only thing keeping him bound to me.
A promise to protect me.
I should set him free of the promise … but I don’t. He’s my shield against karma. He’s my protector.
225 pages, ebook
First published October 3, 2016
224 people are currently reading
1457 people want to read
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Michelle Horst
44 books1,619 followersPlease find me under my new profile Michelle Heard >>> https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
October 28, 2016
TITLE: ProtectorAUTHOR: Michelle Horst
GENRE: A Stand Alone Suspense Romance.
CHAPTERS: Prologue | 34
RELEASE DATE: 02nd October, 2016
I Cray Cray love this author so when I saw this zipping around on my FB feed I had to chase it down..
PROTECTOR: * I'm going to try and make this review as spoiler free as I possibly can *
So I started this late last night not really knowing what to expect, not reading the synopsis and just going in blind because come on folks it's Michelle Horst!!
So the first few chapters are light and fluffy good place to be as slumber hits, then HOLY SHIT BATMAN, I was wide awake with my mouth gaping open, I couldn't believe what I was reading, that sense of security I was under those first few chapters were all false, think this author has gone dark before think again she's gone a notch darker in this book.
Twenty-four year old Riley has finally gotten the travel itch out of her system and has landed back on home turf, happy to be reunited with her family. Happiness surrounds her as she's engulfed back within the family fold.
Wanting to surprise her brother Josh with a pizza she heads over to his place, one knock and she's yanked within by a stranger.
TERROR ~ FEAR ~ CONFUSED
A fist collides to the side of her head..Out cold!!
Waking up to a nightmare, every member of her family has been taken.
This is where this author has switched her dark side on and throws it at you on full throttle, some parts were unbearable to read.
DEATH ~ PAIN ~ DESTRUCTION.
Nightmares don't hurt as much in the daylight. But at night the monsters are bigger. Bad things happen at night.
~ RileyGods if I thought I loved this author before it's gone up a notch. The darkness and grittiness envelopes you, but then there's beauty in the darkness where all the feels will hit you all at once, such a rollercoaster of a ride, tragically beautiful. Every now and then I'll get blasted with that leaky eye syndrome as this authors words slay me.
You shine so bright. Your warmth can unfreeze a frozen heart. Your light shines brighter than a thousand suns. It's the only light that can penetrate this darkness I'm frozen in.
~ Riley
Where to start with my thoughts, this was epically beautiful, everything I crave in a book was delivered, the darkness, the lightness, both combined made for a spellbinding read, this author is truly talented, she held me in the palm of her hand until that very last word was read, I inhaled this, lived it, breathed it, loved it..So many powerful life lessons during this..
Thank you for delivering me epic!!
November 17, 2016
This book started off pretty darn intense, and it hooked me right away..As the story progressed though, I found that it dragged on for a large portion. Then I would get another intense moment, only to have it continue to drag on after that. I did enjoy the story, however I would have loved it more if the intensity had of continued for a larger portion of the book!
Another huge bone to pick came towards the almost ending..I was not happy with one of the characters choices they made, and it really did affect my over all rating. My final thought is that this story had a ton of potential, but just fell a bit short for me.
Another huge bone to pick came towards the almost ending..I was not happy with one of the characters choices they made, and it really did affect my over all rating. My final thought is that this story had a ton of potential, but just fell a bit short for me.
November 9, 2016
4.75 "You're my northern star" stars
Riley Woods is a 24 year old carefree and vibrant young woman, cherished, loved, protected by her family.
I'm always polite and hardworking, I always smile. I'm the funny one, the shoulder everyone can lean on. I'm the heart of the family...everyone's little girl.
And she's been spending the last three years touring around the world, breathing with full lungs, experiencing the life...but little did she know...
I never knew how selfish I was until my life was ripped away from me.
Life has a way of teaching us lessons.
She' s very close with her older brother Josh, but she knew very little about his line of work and one day after her return she wanted to surprise him...but what she walked in on cemented her fate and the destinies of her family. She witnessed a revengeful payback for one of Josh's missions gone bad...and she was the last one to take the fall after watching every member of her family brutaly mutilated, tortured and murdered. And yet the very dark enveloped her, before she was rescued by Josh's team.
Death. It's not a path to a better place like i always thought it would be. Death confines you. It suffocates all the warmth and happiness from you. Death is the end.
There's just nothing after.
She's taken to a safe house, by Griffin McGraw, her brother's ATS (Armed Tactical Services) member and friend from the army, as they both wowed to each other they would protect each other's family in case something happens to them.
Riley's in shock, devastated and broken with no evident hope of her emotional recovery...
Why can't it just be easy to stop breathing?
Why can't I will my heart to stop beating?
I want to stop existing and disappear.
I always believed hell was a place where you lived
your worst nightmare over and over and over...
After the devastation and desperation, time gives a chance for Riley to slowly learn about the circumstances of the situation she's now in. Slowly meeting all the member of Griffin and Josh's team and kinda befriending them...
and she's putting the blame on Griffin as he's still alive and responsible for their mission gone wrong in the first place, that led towards this horrific aftermath. But Griffin holds the fortress from crumbling down even if he's own soul was shuttered at the very loss but he shows Riley a purpose, support and time to heal, showing the strength and determination when most needed.
I'll never be able to take your family's place, but you'll never be alone. I made a promise, and I keep my promise. Just take it one day at a time. Just one step at the time.
„What if I can't take that step?“
„Then you crawl, Riley. And if you can't crawl, I'll drag you if I have to.“
They develop a deep friendship, while reaching out to each other in grief, finding solace and meaning, trying to sooth the void in their hearts and souls...
the process of healing will never stop but it will dull the pain...eventually. And the danger still lingers on as the man they went against in the first place is still alive...and waiting to strike. And when he does strike, it's one of the painful betrayals Griffin has ever faced and makes him take action that would scatter his soul's shattered pieces even further.
...life hurts you. It breaks you and wears you down so that you want to die.
When you're young, you fear death because you have so many dreams and hopes. As you get older those dreams and hopes are crushed.
Life prepares you for death.
As tragedies spill their venom all around them, Griffin goes barely into a survival mode of self-pity and devastation.
“You should hate me, but you're still here, i've destroyed your life and you still find it in you to comfort me.“
And Riley just shows him that they are linked by the tragedies and they are meant to heal each other.
“You shine so bright. Your warmth can unfreeze a frozen heart. Your light shines brighter than a thousand suns. It's the only light that can penetrate this darkness I'm frozen in.“
Vowed by the promise and the deep devotion and emotional attachment for Riley, Griffin takes her into safety of his own home while he figures out further action to deal with the recent revelations and the fact that he must end the cause of it, once and for all, for him, for her, for them both...
but deep inside Griffin is still eaten by the guilt and self-deprication feeling himself not worthy of her affection or anything more, but nevertheless he's still drawn to her light on every level possible, he craves for her to save him...
If we do this, there's no going back. Once I'm inside you, I won't let you go.
Riley has reached into my chest and taken the shattered pieces of my heart.
BUT when the time comes and the final act of retribution must be executed Griffin will make sure that she's secured and safe...without him in her life, even if he promised her differently, he wants to give her a chance for a normal life despite the fact that without her he's nothing.
She's more than the air I breathe. If I stop breathing, then I'll just die.
If I lose Riley, i'll become nothing again.
Even after knowing that for a fact, Griffin does the stupidest thing as a self-sacrifice BUT even knowing that life has a mind of its own, its friend destiny/fate has a different story written for them both.
“You're my northern star.
Without you I have no direction in life.“
Life is all about making mistakes and learning from them.
My first encounter with the work of Michelle Horst, even though I have been lurking her books, having them marked on my TBR for a long time now. I guess the timing was perfect right now, for me to be engrossed with this story filled with devastating scenes of loss, then more depravation, shattering and crippling feelings of desperation, pain, grief, while the characters slowly but eventually find the solace and comfort in each other through the healing process, that would never be enough or over but the growing feelings of devotion turn into mesmerisingly powerful love for the future, for them finding peace in soothing notion of the good memories eventually winning over the bad ones.
Very insightful and emotionally gripping and captivating story with its essence wrapped in the coat of suspense and crime action drama.
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December 1, 2016
***** 5 "I'll Always Be Right Behind You" Stars *****
Oh this book was SO DAMN GOOD!!
Riley Woods has the dream life. Loving and supportive family. The ability to travel around the world to do the things she wants and help the people she wants. Coming home from her latest travel, Riley is ready for good family time with her brothers and parents.
"I'm the heart of the family...everyone's little girl."
Until her worst nightmare and nightmare not even a possibility is played out in front of her eyes. To watch the blood drip from her innocence, Riley is left with nothing.
"I never knew how selfish I was until my life was ripped away from me."
Griffin thought he had everything under control. He thought he could save everything and everyone. The blood is on his hands. The blood of his best friend and everyone he loves is on his hands. The only thing left to do is protect the only person left.
"I'll never be able to take your family's place, but you'll never be alone. I made a promise, and I keep my promise."
Griffin and Riley's lives are fused together in grief and heartache. Protecting Riley is his only way of seeking forgiveness for all the blood. Not only is Riley's protection at stake, but two hearts are as well.
Griffin and Riley believe they are safe from the evil lurking but they are sadly mistaken when someone close to them is the true enemy and the fight to survive has only just begun.
Miss Horst....you twisted my heart big time!!
Oh this book was SO DAMN GOOD!!
Riley Woods has the dream life. Loving and supportive family. The ability to travel around the world to do the things she wants and help the people she wants. Coming home from her latest travel, Riley is ready for good family time with her brothers and parents.
"I'm the heart of the family...everyone's little girl."
Until her worst nightmare and nightmare not even a possibility is played out in front of her eyes. To watch the blood drip from her innocence, Riley is left with nothing.
"I never knew how selfish I was until my life was ripped away from me."
Griffin thought he had everything under control. He thought he could save everything and everyone. The blood is on his hands. The blood of his best friend and everyone he loves is on his hands. The only thing left to do is protect the only person left.
"I'll never be able to take your family's place, but you'll never be alone. I made a promise, and I keep my promise."
Griffin and Riley's lives are fused together in grief and heartache. Protecting Riley is his only way of seeking forgiveness for all the blood. Not only is Riley's protection at stake, but two hearts are as well.
Griffin and Riley believe they are safe from the evil lurking but they are sadly mistaken when someone close to them is the true enemy and the fight to survive has only just begun.
Miss Horst....you twisted my heart big time!!
November 7, 2016
4.5 'nothing is for keeps in this life' stars
First off, OMG that beginning left me DEVASTATED! I was literally in shock and had to compose myself in order to keep reading.
What the heroine has to endure is just heartbreaking and you feel this emotional pull towards her from page one. I also loved the hero, Griffin. But it wasn't after I was finally able to look past the fact that my dogs name is Griffin, that I was truly able to completely swoon over him.
Overall, I loved this book. I loved the relationship between Riley and Griffin. I loved the action in the book & I especially loved when the main characters finally got together! Gotta love some true sexual healing!
If you loved Predator, then you will def enjoy this one!
First off, OMG that beginning left me DEVASTATED! I was literally in shock and had to compose myself in order to keep reading.
What the heroine has to endure is just heartbreaking and you feel this emotional pull towards her from page one. I also loved the hero, Griffin. But it wasn't after I was finally able to look past the fact that my dogs name is Griffin, that I was truly able to completely swoon over him.
Overall, I loved this book. I loved the relationship between Riley and Griffin. I loved the action in the book & I especially loved when the main characters finally got together! Gotta love some true sexual healing!
If you loved Predator, then you will def enjoy this one!
April 27, 2017
Wow the book is super dark but some part of this book are nightmare .I don't understand how come romance can actually develop in these circumstances but over all this book is very addicting.
In short this book is about a girl who had a loving family and a dream come true life which was turned into a nightmare.This book is actually a dark romance book .
In short this book is about a girl who had a loving family and a dream come true life which was turned into a nightmare.This book is actually a dark romance book .
November 6, 2016
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Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Riley): 24yrs old
Hero (Griffin): 35yrs old?
Plot: 3/5
Grovel: not enough
Cheating: none
HEA: yes with pregnancy
Triggers: torture of h (not rape and not by H)
Average score: 3/5
Best Line: “Winter is coming” – it had to be this line because…
Worst Line: “I can’t survive this.”
Personal Review:
This was a loss-filled romance with an extra dose of death. I would say 80% of this story was about death and the rest was their romance.
Random Ramblings
•In tears already – what a start
•Charlie was a sweetheart
•I don’t like it when characters’ names are too close – Miles and Mike – I read quite quick but when there are similar names I have to go back and check who’s who
•I have never read (nor will I ever) any of the sad books mentioned in this story
•I hadn’t expected so much death
•I respected the H more for breaking down
•The ending was a little rushed
Overall Feeling:
Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Riley): 24yrs old
Hero (Griffin): 35yrs old?
Plot: 3/5
Grovel: not enough
Cheating: none
HEA: yes with pregnancy
Triggers: torture of h (not rape and not by H)
Average score: 3/5
Best Line: “Winter is coming” – it had to be this line because…
Worst Line: “I can’t survive this.”
Personal Review:
This was a loss-filled romance with an extra dose of death. I would say 80% of this story was about death and the rest was their romance.
Random Ramblings
•In tears already – what a start
•Charlie was a sweetheart
•I don’t like it when characters’ names are too close – Miles and Mike – I read quite quick but when there are similar names I have to go back and check who’s who
•I have never read (nor will I ever) any of the sad books mentioned in this story
•I hadn’t expected so much death
•I respected the H more for breaking down
•The ending was a little rushed
Overall Feeling:
February 24, 2017
~~4 stars~~
Another fantastic book by Michelle Horst
After reading Predator I realized I found another author to stalk. Well Ms Horst did not disappoint in the Protector. I could not imagine going through all that the MC went through and surviving. I never felt a loss in connection with the characters. I loved that the heroine was a strong character. And the love she had for her family was admirable. I think the author did a great job by picking a strong hero for the heroine. They worked great together.
October 29, 2016
Protector by Michelle Horst
***5 stars***
Michelle Horst ripped my heart out and held it in her hands with Riley's story. It's the epitome of tragic yet beautiful. Showing that this world is full of cruel and unjust ways, and finding the strength to fight and persevere through the madness.
What would you do if you had your whole life and everyone you loved swiftly taken away from you? Riley now has to live that nightmare, with the realization that she is completely alone in life. How did this happen? Why? So many questions that only Griffin can answer.
Griffin was Riley's beloved brother's teammate in war, but brothers in heart. They knew each other deeply, secrets and all. When Riley's world crashes down around her, Griffin is there to try and piece her soul back together. Will he succeed or fail in his mission?
Beautifully written with a strong emotional connection to life and the struggles we may face if put in similar situations. One of the highlights for me is the amazing quotes throughout the story that really pull it all together and show the bond that Riley and Griffin have, even if they can't see it at first, or try to deny it. It's a rare thing to find, and one you want to hold onto with all you are!
***5 stars***
Michelle Horst ripped my heart out and held it in her hands with Riley's story. It's the epitome of tragic yet beautiful. Showing that this world is full of cruel and unjust ways, and finding the strength to fight and persevere through the madness.
What would you do if you had your whole life and everyone you loved swiftly taken away from you? Riley now has to live that nightmare, with the realization that she is completely alone in life. How did this happen? Why? So many questions that only Griffin can answer.
Griffin was Riley's beloved brother's teammate in war, but brothers in heart. They knew each other deeply, secrets and all. When Riley's world crashes down around her, Griffin is there to try and piece her soul back together. Will he succeed or fail in his mission?
Beautifully written with a strong emotional connection to life and the struggles we may face if put in similar situations. One of the highlights for me is the amazing quotes throughout the story that really pull it all together and show the bond that Riley and Griffin have, even if they can't see it at first, or try to deny it. It's a rare thing to find, and one you want to hold onto with all you are!
October 29, 2016
WOW! This was my first delve into Michelle's writing and I am utterly blown away. This story is at times difficult to read, and if you have any triggers, please be wary.
Riley and Griffin's story had me on the edge of my seat. Our female lead, Riley, has everything taken from her, the world she knew is shattered in a matter of moments and the heartbreak she endures pours off the page as you keep reading.
But when Griffin walks into her life to keep his promise to his best friend, Josh, who happens to be Riley's brother, she doesn't let him in easily. Their journey is difficult, it's a push and pull that will have you gasping, sobbing, and ultimately needing to know what happens.
Loved every moment of this. Go and one click, you won't be sorry!!
Riley and Griffin's story had me on the edge of my seat. Our female lead, Riley, has everything taken from her, the world she knew is shattered in a matter of moments and the heartbreak she endures pours off the page as you keep reading.
But when Griffin walks into her life to keep his promise to his best friend, Josh, who happens to be Riley's brother, she doesn't let him in easily. Their journey is difficult, it's a push and pull that will have you gasping, sobbing, and ultimately needing to know what happens.
Loved every moment of this. Go and one click, you won't be sorry!!
October 29, 2016
Gutted, absolutely gutted! What a read! Riley had it all and one day it is all ripped from her. She wakes up in an unfamiliar place and just wants to die. What is there to live for? Griffin finally pulls his head out of his butt and confronts her in the safe house. Can Riley handle the truth? How will she react? Can she continue on? Is he her protector? Can she handle any more devastation? Has she chosen the right path? As gutted as this book made me, I absolutely loved it. I definitely needed tissues near by, but the story was well written, the characters just amazing and I was drawn into the story from start to finish. So glad I had the opportunity to read this. So one click worthy!
November 21, 2016
Sometimes life just gets to break us
and there's nothing we can do about it.
November 8, 2016
This author has been on my radar since I read Predator, and I couldn't jump on this book fast enough! Protector was absolutely outstanding. It was a slow-burn romantic suspense novel that had a bit of everything: suspense, action, friendship, romance, steamy chemistry and love.
After witnessing the murder of her family, our heroine Riley comes to be under the protection of her older brother's team leader/best friend, Griffin. She is dealing with an unbearable amount of grief and with it, the realization that she does not have the will to survive after this tragedy.
"Sorrow is slowly drowning me. A claustrophobic emptiness is closing in on me. It weighs so much... it's making it hard for me to move. I don't care whether I live or die."
Likewise, Griffin is dealing with unimaginable guilt as he feels responsible for the death of his teammate and his family. He has an overwhelming sense of duty and obligation, and takes personal responsibility for Riley.
I really enjoyed this novel and thought it was a fantastic follow-up to Predator. While I figured out the villain right away, I loveeed the actual buildup towards Riley and Griffin's relationship. It was a slow-burn romance for sure and it was perfect and realistic. It showed Riley's progression from grief, anger and blame to eventually forming a friendship with Griffin and leaning on him in times of tragedy. I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future! ~ Ratula, 4 Wonderful Stars!
~~~
Dark and delicious, this author knows how to set those deep tones.
This is only the second book I’ve read by this author (devoured really) but going in I knew it would be an emotional powerhouse, dark, dark, dark. The first chapters are all about that as Riley’s world is torn apart, and her right along with it. Just as I was getting a sense of who she is, who her family is, it is all just… gone.
“Madness is a place where your soul goes to die.”
The scenes are brutal and stark, painful in their simple descriptions of violence and hate. Griffin swoops in to rescue her, but nothing is ever that simple. Grief and rage swirl around them both as they come to grips with their losses and the why of it all. They are not alone in their pain and secondary characters step up to support each other as they battle themselves and the enemies they know are still out there.
“Things don’t seem as hopeless when you have someone holding your hand.”
I started reading and got lost right away in this story of surviving the hell that can be life. While death was at the center, strong emotion swirled around Griffin and Riley. Guilt tries to drown them both, but the human spirit - flawed, raw and exposed – would not let them go. While the romance seemed to surface late in the picture, the story was so engrossing I didn’t realize it was missing. From the depths of despair to the uneasiness of hope hard won, Griffin and Riley’s story is a gripping, dark tale that has me looking at this author’s list for more! ~ Diane, 4 Stars
After witnessing the murder of her family, our heroine Riley comes to be under the protection of her older brother's team leader/best friend, Griffin. She is dealing with an unbearable amount of grief and with it, the realization that she does not have the will to survive after this tragedy.
"Sorrow is slowly drowning me. A claustrophobic emptiness is closing in on me. It weighs so much... it's making it hard for me to move. I don't care whether I live or die."
Likewise, Griffin is dealing with unimaginable guilt as he feels responsible for the death of his teammate and his family. He has an overwhelming sense of duty and obligation, and takes personal responsibility for Riley.
I really enjoyed this novel and thought it was a fantastic follow-up to Predator. While I figured out the villain right away, I loveeed the actual buildup towards Riley and Griffin's relationship. It was a slow-burn romance for sure and it was perfect and realistic. It showed Riley's progression from grief, anger and blame to eventually forming a friendship with Griffin and leaning on him in times of tragedy. I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future! ~ Ratula, 4 Wonderful Stars!
~~~
Dark and delicious, this author knows how to set those deep tones.
This is only the second book I’ve read by this author (devoured really) but going in I knew it would be an emotional powerhouse, dark, dark, dark. The first chapters are all about that as Riley’s world is torn apart, and her right along with it. Just as I was getting a sense of who she is, who her family is, it is all just… gone.
“Madness is a place where your soul goes to die.”
The scenes are brutal and stark, painful in their simple descriptions of violence and hate. Griffin swoops in to rescue her, but nothing is ever that simple. Grief and rage swirl around them both as they come to grips with their losses and the why of it all. They are not alone in their pain and secondary characters step up to support each other as they battle themselves and the enemies they know are still out there.
“Things don’t seem as hopeless when you have someone holding your hand.”
I started reading and got lost right away in this story of surviving the hell that can be life. While death was at the center, strong emotion swirled around Griffin and Riley. Guilt tries to drown them both, but the human spirit - flawed, raw and exposed – would not let them go. While the romance seemed to surface late in the picture, the story was so engrossing I didn’t realize it was missing. From the depths of despair to the uneasiness of hope hard won, Griffin and Riley’s story is a gripping, dark tale that has me looking at this author’s list for more! ~ Diane, 4 Stars
November 2, 2016
When Michelle announced that she was writing a book to follow Predator I wondered how she would actually top it, how she would impact bigger than she had before.
After reading Protector I can safely say that Michelle has blown Predator out the water.
Michelle starts off Protector in a way that makes you feel good, easy connectable characters are introduced and Michelle lays out their backgrounds well. Then. Well then she RIPS THE WORLD AWAY! Like she literally pulls everything out, blasts you with so much darkness and pain and hurt that it actually becomes hard to breathe. It's deep, raw, brutal and REALLY INTENSE! But it packs emotion and feeling and my word it hits deep..
What follows after such a heartbreaking tragedy is survival, healing, bonding, more pain and eventually love. And it's done in a way that's believable and right.
Riley is a character that pulls at you. She is broken, so broken and it's understandable. Griffin, her hero, her Protector, he himself is also broken and damaged. You can't help but FEEL for them. The slow burn of a relationship that forms between them is raw, honest and passionate. Breathtaking beauty that's heartbreaking too.
To me Michelle is an understated author, her books are always incredibly real and powerful. They wreck and ruin but also contain so much beauty. It's obvious that Michelle lives and breathes her characters while reading because they are presented superbly. I loved this book, I loved the unimaginable pain it threw at me, I love the intensity of the love and the connection that blossomed and I love the way it made me feel while reading.
5 brutal, yet beautiful stars.
After reading Protector I can safely say that Michelle has blown Predator out the water.
Michelle starts off Protector in a way that makes you feel good, easy connectable characters are introduced and Michelle lays out their backgrounds well. Then. Well then she RIPS THE WORLD AWAY! Like she literally pulls everything out, blasts you with so much darkness and pain and hurt that it actually becomes hard to breathe. It's deep, raw, brutal and REALLY INTENSE! But it packs emotion and feeling and my word it hits deep..
What follows after such a heartbreaking tragedy is survival, healing, bonding, more pain and eventually love. And it's done in a way that's believable and right.
Riley is a character that pulls at you. She is broken, so broken and it's understandable. Griffin, her hero, her Protector, he himself is also broken and damaged. You can't help but FEEL for them. The slow burn of a relationship that forms between them is raw, honest and passionate. Breathtaking beauty that's heartbreaking too.
To me Michelle is an understated author, her books are always incredibly real and powerful. They wreck and ruin but also contain so much beauty. It's obvious that Michelle lives and breathes her characters while reading because they are presented superbly. I loved this book, I loved the unimaginable pain it threw at me, I love the intensity of the love and the connection that blossomed and I love the way it made me feel while reading.
5 brutal, yet beautiful stars.
November 23, 2016
This book was so emotional. It was gut wrenching and heart breaking. It was devastating. It was also a really good story. The dog, Charlie, got me through it. There were some missing pieces and unanswered questions (of my own) that deducted from the believability (even with a work of fiction) but there were also some very realistic things that were well executed (pardon the pun) for bringing it all together.
Seriously though, holy fuck, what a fucked up beginning to this story. Traumatic.
Seriously though, holy fuck, what a fucked up beginning to this story. Traumatic.
November 4, 2016
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 stars
This was awesome. What I love most about this author is she takes broken characters and gives them strength in a way that is so real and raw. I love the emotions that went along with these two falling in love. What was a horrible and gruesome experience have way to something healing and sweet. Absolutely fantastic!
This was awesome. What I love most about this author is she takes broken characters and gives them strength in a way that is so real and raw. I love the emotions that went along with these two falling in love. What was a horrible and gruesome experience have way to something healing and sweet. Absolutely fantastic!
November 3, 2016
This book was nothing like I expected but definitely everything I needed. While I couldn’t give it a complete 5 stars it was still amazing and I connected with it in so many ways. Just when you think Michelle is done breaking your heart, she rips it out and destroys it all over again, and again, and again.
We start out with Riley coming home to her family after traveling in other countries. All of a sudden her life is changed completely when her family is savagely and cruelly taken away from her. All she has left is Griffin, her brother’s best friend.
Can he help get her through this?
More importantly, can he keep her safe?
Griffin blames himself for what happened to Riley’s family. However, he makes it extremely easy to fall in love with him. I loved him as soon as he showed his protectiveness and his desire to make his mistakes right. He is sexy and extremely intense but in all the best ways!
My favorite character was Charlie, a German Shepard. I might be a little bias as I have a German Shepard/Rottweiler mix of my own. I could connect with how Riley bonded with Charlie. He was there when she was broken into a million pieces and knew just to cuddle up and be there with her. He also knew when it was time to be protective and warn her of danger. He acted just like my dog does which, of course, I absolutely loved!
This book was complete action filled drama! I truly enjoyed every second of it. I connected to the characters, the world, the story line. I just wish I could have had more of it. Some parts of the story felt rushed for me and wanted more. (Yes, this might be me being a little selfish.) I am sad this is a stand-alone. I would love to see how the characters continue their lives.
If you want a suspenseful, action, sexual tension filled book; go grab this one now!
Grateful to have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Few of My Favorite Quotes
“Funny how you refuse to see danger when it’s staring you right in the face. You refuse to admit that just maybe your safe little bubble is not strong enough to keep the monsters out.”
“Never back down from making your dreams come true, Riley-Star. You go shine bright and light the whole world up.”
“Charlie is giving me weird looks and when the first tears fall, he gets up with a huff as if to say, “Crazy women who read books that make them cry.’”
“Why do all people read? I guess it’s to escape life. When I read a sad book, it makes me appreciate what I have. When I read a romance, it makes me dream about what could be. I read because, in the end it makes me feel good.”
“You shine so bright. Your warmth can unfreeze a frozen heart. Your light shines brighter than a thousand suns. It’s the only light that can penetrate this darkness I’m frozen in.”
“You can shatter to pieces. I’ll pick up every single piece and put you back together, but never ask me to let you go.”
“You were never a shooting star, Riley. You’re my northern star. Without you I have no direction in life. So let me do this for you. Let me help make it easier for you. Let me be a part of your life.”
We start out with Riley coming home to her family after traveling in other countries. All of a sudden her life is changed completely when her family is savagely and cruelly taken away from her. All she has left is Griffin, her brother’s best friend.
Can he help get her through this?
More importantly, can he keep her safe?
Griffin blames himself for what happened to Riley’s family. However, he makes it extremely easy to fall in love with him. I loved him as soon as he showed his protectiveness and his desire to make his mistakes right. He is sexy and extremely intense but in all the best ways!
My favorite character was Charlie, a German Shepard. I might be a little bias as I have a German Shepard/Rottweiler mix of my own. I could connect with how Riley bonded with Charlie. He was there when she was broken into a million pieces and knew just to cuddle up and be there with her. He also knew when it was time to be protective and warn her of danger. He acted just like my dog does which, of course, I absolutely loved!
This book was complete action filled drama! I truly enjoyed every second of it. I connected to the characters, the world, the story line. I just wish I could have had more of it. Some parts of the story felt rushed for me and wanted more. (Yes, this might be me being a little selfish.) I am sad this is a stand-alone. I would love to see how the characters continue their lives.
If you want a suspenseful, action, sexual tension filled book; go grab this one now!
Grateful to have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Few of My Favorite Quotes
“Funny how you refuse to see danger when it’s staring you right in the face. You refuse to admit that just maybe your safe little bubble is not strong enough to keep the monsters out.”
“Never back down from making your dreams come true, Riley-Star. You go shine bright and light the whole world up.”
“Charlie is giving me weird looks and when the first tears fall, he gets up with a huff as if to say, “Crazy women who read books that make them cry.’”
“Why do all people read? I guess it’s to escape life. When I read a sad book, it makes me appreciate what I have. When I read a romance, it makes me dream about what could be. I read because, in the end it makes me feel good.”
“You shine so bright. Your warmth can unfreeze a frozen heart. Your light shines brighter than a thousand suns. It’s the only light that can penetrate this darkness I’m frozen in.”
“You can shatter to pieces. I’ll pick up every single piece and put you back together, but never ask me to let you go.”
“You were never a shooting star, Riley. You’re my northern star. Without you I have no direction in life. So let me do this for you. Let me help make it easier for you. Let me be a part of your life.”
October 26, 2016
5 I wish I could give it 10 stars.
This book grabbed me by the throat and didn't let me go, even after I finished it. Riley's seemingly perfect life implodes in the worst possible way. When the dust settles and as she comes to terms with what happened, she finds a strength she never knew she had. With the help of her new friends and her brothers best friend Griffin, Riley slowly starts down the road to recovery and understanding. But, life isn't done with her yet.
There are so many twist, turns and unimaginable tragedy in this story I was left reeling. The whole book is a powerful commentary on the strength of the human spirit. Riley, Griffin, Camden, Skylar, Miles, Amelia, Mr. Perry, Josh, Logan, Riley's parents and Charlie are all heroes in this book. I felt something for each and every character, even Mike, and I mourn for what they went through.
This story is beautifully written and I especially enjoyed the life quotes, they added that extra something special to an already incredible story. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest reveiw***
This book grabbed me by the throat and didn't let me go, even after I finished it. Riley's seemingly perfect life implodes in the worst possible way. When the dust settles and as she comes to terms with what happened, she finds a strength she never knew she had. With the help of her new friends and her brothers best friend Griffin, Riley slowly starts down the road to recovery and understanding. But, life isn't done with her yet.
There are so many twist, turns and unimaginable tragedy in this story I was left reeling. The whole book is a powerful commentary on the strength of the human spirit. Riley, Griffin, Camden, Skylar, Miles, Amelia, Mr. Perry, Josh, Logan, Riley's parents and Charlie are all heroes in this book. I felt something for each and every character, even Mike, and I mourn for what they went through.
This story is beautifully written and I especially enjoyed the life quotes, they added that extra something special to an already incredible story. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest reveiw***
October 29, 2016
I find it kind of hard to put into words how I feel about this book. Is it an amazing read? Most definitely. Are the characters written well? Absolutely. What this book does is give you the "feel goods" right out of the gate, then it rips out your soul. It plunges you into the depths of despair and slowly, painfully brings you back to the surface only to push you right back down into the darkness. Then of course it slowly brings you back again, only to let you free fall, tumbling head over heels until you finally land on your hands and knees, trying to decide if you have the strength to stand on your own two feet again. Do you have it in you to carry on, and move forward toward the end of the story? Your story? Their story?
This is an unbelievably well written story of loss, despair, friendship, family and love. You become invested in these characters as you read Riley's story. You will cry with them, hurt for them, and laugh with them.
Do not let this book pass you by! I cannot tell you just how good it is. You will have to read it for yourself.
This is an unbelievably well written story of loss, despair, friendship, family and love. You become invested in these characters as you read Riley's story. You will cry with them, hurt for them, and laugh with them.
Do not let this book pass you by! I cannot tell you just how good it is. You will have to read it for yourself.
October 26, 2022
The storyline was good, it was an emotional read but the message inside this book is better, it teaches you to
¥ appreciate everyone around you right now because within the next minute they could be gone.
¥ Everything will be okay, you’ll get through the hard times even though it seems like you’re dying right now.
¥ If you’re feeling down, grab a book to read because books are like a cure.
Words from author
If you’re in a dark place, I hope it will offer you some sense of comfort. Please, stay strong! It will get better. You’re priceless. Don’t let anyone make you feel worthless.
¥ appreciate everyone around you right now because within the next minute they could be gone.
¥ Everything will be okay, you’ll get through the hard times even though it seems like you’re dying right now.
¥ If you’re feeling down, grab a book to read because books are like a cure.
Words from author
If you’re in a dark place, I hope it will offer you some sense of comfort. Please, stay strong! It will get better. You’re priceless. Don’t let anyone make you feel worthless.
December 31, 2016
More reviews at Li'l Kit’s Reviews.
Writing: ★★★
Story: ★★★
Characters: ★★
Overall rating: 2.6
This book was just "Okay" for me too... nothing special, and for me it was a bit of a forced read... i had to force myself to keep turning the pages, forced myself to try to stay in the story, force myself to like the main characters...
It wasn't bad, just okay.
Writing: ★★★
Story: ★★★
Characters: ★★
Overall rating: 2.6
This book was just "Okay" for me too... nothing special, and for me it was a bit of a forced read... i had to force myself to keep turning the pages, forced myself to try to stay in the story, force myself to like the main characters...
It wasn't bad, just okay.
June 28, 2017
Emotional
Family, love, loss, devastation, anger, lust and then a future. This is what Riley and Griffin experience together in this story. I laughter, I cried and I melted while I read this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat, it made me mad and it made me smile. I wanted to read more.
Family, love, loss, devastation, anger, lust and then a future. This is what Riley and Griffin experience together in this story. I laughter, I cried and I melted while I read this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat, it made me mad and it made me smile. I wanted to read more.
December 22, 2016
Brutal Bloody read.
Head the warnings. If you don't like blood and guts then this read is not for you.
This was just an ok read for me.
Head the warnings. If you don't like blood and guts then this read is not for you.
This was just an ok read for me.
July 20, 2017
Rating: 3.5/5
November 2, 2016
4.5. Resplendent Riley-Stars!!
"YOUR LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTER THAN A THOUSAND SUNS. IT’S THE ONLY LIGHT THAT CAN PENETRATE THIS DARKNESS I’M FROZEN IN.”
I am still reeling from the aftershocks of PROTECTOR, a dark, gritty romantic suspense novel that was absolutely mind-blowing! Michelle Horst is a new author to me but her talent for penning a nail-biting, EMOTIONALLY RIVETING page turner is truly remarkable!
However, fair warning: The opening scenes are not for the faint at heart and the chain of events that transpire are so savage and deeply disturbing, I literally felt myself shuddering in horror. But as harrowing as those sequences are, they're brilliantly crafted, masterfully setting the stage for a haunting tale about true bravery, the resilience of the human spirit, finding love amidst the ashes of death and destruction, and surviving against all odds!!
They say ignorance is bliss and Riley Woods is living the perfect idyllic life. A beautiful young woman brimming with joy and pure vitality, she possesses a light that shines so bright that her adoring older brother, Josh, nicknamed her his Riley-Star.
“But every star has to burn out sometime.”
Giddy with excitement to return home after traveling the world for the past three years, she looks forward to a happy homecoming with her beloved family. But her picture perfect family reunion turns into her very worst nightmare when Riley’s entire family is abducted by Sergei Volkov, an evil Russian arms dealer bent on revenge against her brother for slaughtering his family during a covert military mission. It’s the case of an eye for an eye and a petrified Riley is forced to watch Volkov and his men brutally massacre her family, one by one. She is moments away from death herself when she is rescued by her brother’s best friend, Griffin McGraw, who is bound by a promise to take care of his teammate's baby sister should anything ever happen to him.
Griffin, a strong, stalwart former operative --a man of true integrity and valor -- whisks a brutalized Riley to a safe house, which is habited by members of his security company who all have a price on their head by Volkov. While she heals from her physical wounds fairly quickly, the deep emotional trauma and mind numbing grief push her to the brink of despair. But Griffin refuses to let her plunge into the dark abyss and holds fast to his promise to Josh to protect her at all costs.
"I promise I’ll always be right behind you.”
Day by painstaking day, with the help of his teammates, and the Charlie the dog, she slowly finds a place of healing and eventually a place to belong. But the danger is far from over, there is a traitor in their midst and just when she and Griffin start to mend the broken pieces of each other’s souls, their safe world is about to detonate all around around them.
PROTECTOR was so emotionally intense I literally felt my heart beating out of my chest! This spinetingling novel, depicted via dual POV, was not an easy book to read and the journey from soul shattering grief to hope and healing was powerful and inspiring and deeply moving.
The bond between Riley and Griffin, who was crippled with guilt because he felt responsible for the death of his best friend and her entire family, was angst-ridden, and absolutely breathtaking. Although this is a SLOW-BURNING romance--their bond remains platonic till the last third of the book--when the tide turns for this couple and their comforting, tenderhearted kisses finally escalates to explosive desire it is panty melting hot!!!! And holy smokes do they make up for lost time!!!!
I also enjoyed how all the residents of the safe house become a makeshift family, and as a team, all take care of each other. As such, Amelia, Charlie the German Shepherd, Griffin, Miles, Camden and Skylar all do their part to help chase the shadows away for their beloved Riley. But although everyone rallies around her, it is a long hard road, so much in fact that at times I wondered if Riley would ever come out on the other side.
Ms. Horst did a phenomenal job of depicting grief in all its stages and showcasing a victim going through the motions and literally circling the drain. Riley’s despair was so palpable I had a knot in my chest because I ached so badly for her. This heroine truly grappled with survivor guilt, trying to make sense of why there is such evil in the world, why her family was senselessly murdered yet she was left all alone to pick up the pieces.
“I’ve become nothing more than a vessel for pain and horror. I’m filled to the brim and it’s starting to spill over, tainting everything around me.”
There were some days where she was in such a world of pain, where the memories of watching her family be tortured and killed were so inescapable she was barely hanging on. But, as broken as he she was, Griffin, who was suffering mightily himself, knew there was a reason she survived—so he could love her with every fiber of his being--and he made it his mission in life to keep her safe and make her smile again.
“I’ll never be sorry for saving you. So you can break, Riley. You can shatter to pieces. I’ll pick up every single piece and put you back together, but never ask me to let you go.”
Miraculously, over time, she begins to grow stronger and even finds a new place to belong. There were many valuable lessons imparted throughout but this message truly resonated: “Time won’t heal you, it will dull the sharp edges of pain. All that matters is that you’re alive. You haven’t given up. As long as you have fight inside you, there’s hope.”
I relished how Riley and Griffin ultimately saved EACH OTHER. Just as he was a lifeline to her, she was his safe harbor in the storm as well, his reason for breathing. She inspired him to be a man, a hero, a protector who was worthy of her love. After all the death and destruction imploding around them, they grounded one another, and the only time they truly felt whole was when they were together.
“We’re all broken, but somehow, all our broken pieces fit together right now.”
Although Riley and Griffin’s journey to HEA was fraught with danger and heartbreak and unspeakable pain, ultimately they do find light amid all the darkness and eventually find true hope and joy.
“You’re my northern star, Riley Woods.”
“And you’re my sun, Griffin McGraw.”
In closing, PROTECTOR is one of those novels that you can't come out of totally unscathed but somehow emerge stronger. Michelle Horst is an incredibly gifted storyteller and I look forward to more books from her!
"YOUR LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTER THAN A THOUSAND SUNS. IT’S THE ONLY LIGHT THAT CAN PENETRATE THIS DARKNESS I’M FROZEN IN.”
I am still reeling from the aftershocks of PROTECTOR, a dark, gritty romantic suspense novel that was absolutely mind-blowing! Michelle Horst is a new author to me but her talent for penning a nail-biting, EMOTIONALLY RIVETING page turner is truly remarkable!
However, fair warning: The opening scenes are not for the faint at heart and the chain of events that transpire are so savage and deeply disturbing, I literally felt myself shuddering in horror. But as harrowing as those sequences are, they're brilliantly crafted, masterfully setting the stage for a haunting tale about true bravery, the resilience of the human spirit, finding love amidst the ashes of death and destruction, and surviving against all odds!!
They say ignorance is bliss and Riley Woods is living the perfect idyllic life. A beautiful young woman brimming with joy and pure vitality, she possesses a light that shines so bright that her adoring older brother, Josh, nicknamed her his Riley-Star.
“But every star has to burn out sometime.”
Giddy with excitement to return home after traveling the world for the past three years, she looks forward to a happy homecoming with her beloved family. But her picture perfect family reunion turns into her very worst nightmare when Riley’s entire family is abducted by Sergei Volkov, an evil Russian arms dealer bent on revenge against her brother for slaughtering his family during a covert military mission. It’s the case of an eye for an eye and a petrified Riley is forced to watch Volkov and his men brutally massacre her family, one by one. She is moments away from death herself when she is rescued by her brother’s best friend, Griffin McGraw, who is bound by a promise to take care of his teammate's baby sister should anything ever happen to him.
Griffin, a strong, stalwart former operative --a man of true integrity and valor -- whisks a brutalized Riley to a safe house, which is habited by members of his security company who all have a price on their head by Volkov. While she heals from her physical wounds fairly quickly, the deep emotional trauma and mind numbing grief push her to the brink of despair. But Griffin refuses to let her plunge into the dark abyss and holds fast to his promise to Josh to protect her at all costs.
"I promise I’ll always be right behind you.”
Day by painstaking day, with the help of his teammates, and the Charlie the dog, she slowly finds a place of healing and eventually a place to belong. But the danger is far from over, there is a traitor in their midst and just when she and Griffin start to mend the broken pieces of each other’s souls, their safe world is about to detonate all around around them.
PROTECTOR was so emotionally intense I literally felt my heart beating out of my chest! This spinetingling novel, depicted via dual POV, was not an easy book to read and the journey from soul shattering grief to hope and healing was powerful and inspiring and deeply moving.
The bond between Riley and Griffin, who was crippled with guilt because he felt responsible for the death of his best friend and her entire family, was angst-ridden, and absolutely breathtaking. Although this is a SLOW-BURNING romance--their bond remains platonic till the last third of the book--when the tide turns for this couple and their comforting, tenderhearted kisses finally escalates to explosive desire it is panty melting hot!!!! And holy smokes do they make up for lost time!!!!
I also enjoyed how all the residents of the safe house become a makeshift family, and as a team, all take care of each other. As such, Amelia, Charlie the German Shepherd, Griffin, Miles, Camden and Skylar all do their part to help chase the shadows away for their beloved Riley. But although everyone rallies around her, it is a long hard road, so much in fact that at times I wondered if Riley would ever come out on the other side.
Ms. Horst did a phenomenal job of depicting grief in all its stages and showcasing a victim going through the motions and literally circling the drain. Riley’s despair was so palpable I had a knot in my chest because I ached so badly for her. This heroine truly grappled with survivor guilt, trying to make sense of why there is such evil in the world, why her family was senselessly murdered yet she was left all alone to pick up the pieces.
“I’ve become nothing more than a vessel for pain and horror. I’m filled to the brim and it’s starting to spill over, tainting everything around me.”
There were some days where she was in such a world of pain, where the memories of watching her family be tortured and killed were so inescapable she was barely hanging on. But, as broken as he she was, Griffin, who was suffering mightily himself, knew there was a reason she survived—so he could love her with every fiber of his being--and he made it his mission in life to keep her safe and make her smile again.
“I’ll never be sorry for saving you. So you can break, Riley. You can shatter to pieces. I’ll pick up every single piece and put you back together, but never ask me to let you go.”
Miraculously, over time, she begins to grow stronger and even finds a new place to belong. There were many valuable lessons imparted throughout but this message truly resonated: “Time won’t heal you, it will dull the sharp edges of pain. All that matters is that you’re alive. You haven’t given up. As long as you have fight inside you, there’s hope.”
I relished how Riley and Griffin ultimately saved EACH OTHER. Just as he was a lifeline to her, she was his safe harbor in the storm as well, his reason for breathing. She inspired him to be a man, a hero, a protector who was worthy of her love. After all the death and destruction imploding around them, they grounded one another, and the only time they truly felt whole was when they were together.
“We’re all broken, but somehow, all our broken pieces fit together right now.”
Although Riley and Griffin’s journey to HEA was fraught with danger and heartbreak and unspeakable pain, ultimately they do find light amid all the darkness and eventually find true hope and joy.
“You’re my northern star, Riley Woods.”
“And you’re my sun, Griffin McGraw.”
In closing, PROTECTOR is one of those novels that you can't come out of totally unscathed but somehow emerge stronger. Michelle Horst is an incredibly gifted storyteller and I look forward to more books from her!
June 15, 2017
FROM THE VERY FIRST CHAPTER I WAS MESMERIZED, HORRIFIED & HOOKED ALL AT THE SAME TIME. AUTHOR MICHELLE HORST WAS ABLE TO TRANSPORT ME RIGHT ALONGSIDE HEROINE RILEY. THAT TAKES TALENT! BEST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE BOOK I HAVE EVER READ. 5 STARS....
Author Michelle Horst was able to somehow transport me into the darkness alongside Riley. From the very first chapter I was mesmerized, horrified & hooked all at the same time.
It was like I didn’t want to look but couldn’t look away. I was afraid to read more. I remember I kept my hand over my mouth thinking no no no, this can’t be happening, especially to her mother. Wondering what it would be like to witness the worst possible things imaginable. I kept picturing my own family, their faces, in Riley’s family’s place. Then my tears flowed heavily right along with Riley.
The detail in which those scenes were written were done brilliantly and must have been so difficult for the author to write. She has earned my respect for her ability to draw you in and keep hold of you with her gritty, frightening and vivid descriptions of those horrifying events. Horrifying events that continue throughout the book. I’ll be talking about this book for a long time to come. I had to stop and grab my pen and paper and write down those feelings going through me.
So, after I cleared my head, I took a deep breath, pulled up my big girl panties, wiped my eyes and forged ahead because I knew that if I put this book down I would not pick it back up and what a disservice to the author that would be by not riding along with Riley & Griffin through their journey all the way to its conclusion, however hard that might be.
I am so glad I took this journey. By far, Protector is the best romantic suspense book that I have EVER read. I will NEVER forget this harrowing story about the acceptance of loss of epic proportions, courage, forgiveness, healing, hope, love and most importantly, appreciating those who mean the most to you whether related by blood or not and doing whatever it takes to find solace and hope for a future filled with the kind of love that was lost in this book.
All the characters were in my opinion, riveting and sunk their claws into you. Especially, Charlie and his role in the book. WOW. Amelia, and the rest of the gang but most importantly, the role of Griffin, the promise he made and his finding forgiveness within himself and ultimately finding solace and love with the one person he believes he failed…. Riley.
I’ll end this review by thanking Michelle Horst for writing such a wonderful, powerful, suspenseful gripping story and for taking me on one of the best reads ever!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this electrifying book and you better believe I purchased my own copy.
Author Michelle Horst was able to somehow transport me into the darkness alongside Riley. From the very first chapter I was mesmerized, horrified & hooked all at the same time.
It was like I didn’t want to look but couldn’t look away. I was afraid to read more. I remember I kept my hand over my mouth thinking no no no, this can’t be happening, especially to her mother. Wondering what it would be like to witness the worst possible things imaginable. I kept picturing my own family, their faces, in Riley’s family’s place. Then my tears flowed heavily right along with Riley.
The detail in which those scenes were written were done brilliantly and must have been so difficult for the author to write. She has earned my respect for her ability to draw you in and keep hold of you with her gritty, frightening and vivid descriptions of those horrifying events. Horrifying events that continue throughout the book. I’ll be talking about this book for a long time to come. I had to stop and grab my pen and paper and write down those feelings going through me.
So, after I cleared my head, I took a deep breath, pulled up my big girl panties, wiped my eyes and forged ahead because I knew that if I put this book down I would not pick it back up and what a disservice to the author that would be by not riding along with Riley & Griffin through their journey all the way to its conclusion, however hard that might be.
I am so glad I took this journey. By far, Protector is the best romantic suspense book that I have EVER read. I will NEVER forget this harrowing story about the acceptance of loss of epic proportions, courage, forgiveness, healing, hope, love and most importantly, appreciating those who mean the most to you whether related by blood or not and doing whatever it takes to find solace and hope for a future filled with the kind of love that was lost in this book.
All the characters were in my opinion, riveting and sunk their claws into you. Especially, Charlie and his role in the book. WOW. Amelia, and the rest of the gang but most importantly, the role of Griffin, the promise he made and his finding forgiveness within himself and ultimately finding solace and love with the one person he believes he failed…. Riley.
I’ll end this review by thanking Michelle Horst for writing such a wonderful, powerful, suspenseful gripping story and for taking me on one of the best reads ever!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this electrifying book and you better believe I purchased my own copy.
November 2, 2016
**5 Bad Ass Bitch Stars***
**4 Can't See Straight Orgasms**
Such an amazing quick read! So, my plan this evening was to start this book, and then finish it at some point tomorrow..... yeah that didn't happen...I started it, and then was sucked in like a damn vortex to another dimension!
Riley, poor fucking Riley.... I can't even BEGIN to act like I knew what she is going through, throughout the ENTIRE BOOK. And Griffin, not much better. The sense of loss is so strong, but the connection between the two to try and overcome is heartbreakingly beautiful to watch.
The start of the book threw me...... Such heartache and pain within just a few pages would have normally turned me off, but it didn't..... I wanted to keep reading to see how anyone could cope with that Riley was going through. It was action packed from start to finish! And I literally, did NOT put it down..... ask my husband and the fifty messages he sent that went unanswered....ooops.......
I wish we could have gotten just a little more at the end from Griffin and Riley... I wanted to see them REALLY blossom, but something with situations like this, you can't focus on the now, you have to look into the future.
Overall, I really enjoyed Protector.... and I LOVED Charlie (of course)..... If you're looking for a quick, packed full of emotions book to read, I would highly suggest it! Nice job!
Reviewed by The Royal Bitch from Bitches N’ Books
**4 Can't See Straight Orgasms**
Such an amazing quick read! So, my plan this evening was to start this book, and then finish it at some point tomorrow..... yeah that didn't happen...I started it, and then was sucked in like a damn vortex to another dimension!
Riley, poor fucking Riley.... I can't even BEGIN to act like I knew what she is going through, throughout the ENTIRE BOOK. And Griffin, not much better. The sense of loss is so strong, but the connection between the two to try and overcome is heartbreakingly beautiful to watch.
The start of the book threw me...... Such heartache and pain within just a few pages would have normally turned me off, but it didn't..... I wanted to keep reading to see how anyone could cope with that Riley was going through. It was action packed from start to finish! And I literally, did NOT put it down..... ask my husband and the fifty messages he sent that went unanswered....ooops.......
I wish we could have gotten just a little more at the end from Griffin and Riley... I wanted to see them REALLY blossom, but something with situations like this, you can't focus on the now, you have to look into the future.
Overall, I really enjoyed Protector.... and I LOVED Charlie (of course)..... If you're looking for a quick, packed full of emotions book to read, I would highly suggest it! Nice job!
Reviewed by The Royal Bitch from Bitches N’ Books
November 1, 2016
This is by far the hardest and easiest review I’ve ever had to write. Why you may ask? Protector provoked so many different emotions in me – happy ones, sad ones, angry ones – emotions that have impacted and affected me for weeks. Emotions that drove me to read the book three times in less than two weeks. Michelle has outdone herself beyond anything I ever expected and Protector has definitely proven that what you think you might know in an author is never really the case. Ugly cry is such a plain and mundane group of words for this book, but be prepared because, it’s coming!
More than once I felt like my heart was ripped out, that I was dangling on the edge of a cliff with no courage. Like Riley, I felt hopeless and lifeless. I felt anger and rage. My whole world may not have crashed into a million little pieces like Riley’s did but Michelle’s beautiful words certainly brought Riley and Griffin to life, in every aspect. And all the hope and love that I felt in the end justified and tossed away every iota of bad and hate that occurred in the book.
Riley’s world comes crashing down one day in the most horrendous, grisliest way possible. The only person to help her is Griffin, a man who is all too familiar with the harsh realities of the world. Stashed away at a remote safe house, Riley not only has to deal with survivor’s guilt, but there’s also the fact that someone want’s her dead. Griffin is in a hell on his own though. He saved Riley but not her family. Her brother was his only family and he now has to live with the fallout that Riley will never see him again.
When things calm down, you really get to see all the characters and their personalities come alive. I love Amelia’s heart, strong and courageous like she is, that urges Riley to look within. Miles and his calming spirit that help soothe Riley. Skylar with her artistic, uplifting soul and Camden, though the quiet, with his watchful warrior-like mind that protects the grounds. And then there’s Charlie, sweet, lovable Charlie, who totally made the book for me :).
My favorite part though was Riley and Griffin’s relationship. Sure, there’s the attraction, but it’s so much more than that. They have to lean on one another to heal, to learn to accept that life, and karma, is not always fair, and to rely on the other to take care of each other. It’s beautiful to watch their story unfold and it only proves that fate can kick karma’s butt each and every time.
If you read any book this year, make it this one! There's still more to come from Michelle and it's only going to get better and better!
More than once I felt like my heart was ripped out, that I was dangling on the edge of a cliff with no courage. Like Riley, I felt hopeless and lifeless. I felt anger and rage. My whole world may not have crashed into a million little pieces like Riley’s did but Michelle’s beautiful words certainly brought Riley and Griffin to life, in every aspect. And all the hope and love that I felt in the end justified and tossed away every iota of bad and hate that occurred in the book.
Riley’s world comes crashing down one day in the most horrendous, grisliest way possible. The only person to help her is Griffin, a man who is all too familiar with the harsh realities of the world. Stashed away at a remote safe house, Riley not only has to deal with survivor’s guilt, but there’s also the fact that someone want’s her dead. Griffin is in a hell on his own though. He saved Riley but not her family. Her brother was his only family and he now has to live with the fallout that Riley will never see him again.
When things calm down, you really get to see all the characters and their personalities come alive. I love Amelia’s heart, strong and courageous like she is, that urges Riley to look within. Miles and his calming spirit that help soothe Riley. Skylar with her artistic, uplifting soul and Camden, though the quiet, with his watchful warrior-like mind that protects the grounds. And then there’s Charlie, sweet, lovable Charlie, who totally made the book for me :).
My favorite part though was Riley and Griffin’s relationship. Sure, there’s the attraction, but it’s so much more than that. They have to lean on one another to heal, to learn to accept that life, and karma, is not always fair, and to rely on the other to take care of each other. It’s beautiful to watch their story unfold and it only proves that fate can kick karma’s butt each and every time.
If you read any book this year, make it this one! There's still more to come from Michelle and it's only going to get better and better!
November 3, 2016
I fell in love with Michelle's work since Saved by Her and I can honestly say that I am so thrilled that I read Protector. I missed Predator somehow (can someone slap me please?) but I didn't feel lost at all in this book so don't let that keep you from reading this wonderful book. This book is about two people who have suffered so much lost, their journey through their grief, guilt, and anger, and finding love on their journey.
"Death is emptiness- a hollow emptiness that shines a bright blinding light on your sorrow and pain."
Riley, the poor girl, witnesses the murders of her entire family. She has been gone for years traveling the world and feels as if karma has come calling. She took them for granted and now they're gone. She is having a hard time dealing with the nightmares and trying to figure out life without them. Add in the fact that the person responsible is still out there and she is still in danger. She is broken and is slowly starting to learn how to live with the way life is now until everything falls apart again.
"If I don't focus on what I still have, then I'll be swallowed whole by the empty space left by those I don't have anymore."-Riley
Griffen's only family is his team. Now that Josh is dead he vows to protect Josh's sister just like he promised Josh all those years ago. He is buried in guilt for not saving Josh and his family and doesn't know how to move past it all. Not to mention he has no idea where to begin to find out how it all went down. He feels responsible for taking the case that lead to all these events and for the fact that Riley has gone through all this. He is thrown for a loop later when it all comes crashing down.
"I've caused so much pain that no one would care if I lived or died. I don't matter anymore. I don't belong anymore."-Griffin
This isn't a nice, pretty love story. This a book about two people in so much pain finding their way in life as it is now and finding love on the way to healing. This story is beautiful. I absolutely LOVED it and think that it may be Michelle's best work yet! My heart was absolutely breaking for these characters. Add in the slow budding romance, the action, suspense, heartache, intrigue. Its the whole package. I highly recommend this book!!
"Death is emptiness- a hollow emptiness that shines a bright blinding light on your sorrow and pain."
Riley, the poor girl, witnesses the murders of her entire family. She has been gone for years traveling the world and feels as if karma has come calling. She took them for granted and now they're gone. She is having a hard time dealing with the nightmares and trying to figure out life without them. Add in the fact that the person responsible is still out there and she is still in danger. She is broken and is slowly starting to learn how to live with the way life is now until everything falls apart again.
"If I don't focus on what I still have, then I'll be swallowed whole by the empty space left by those I don't have anymore."-Riley
Griffen's only family is his team. Now that Josh is dead he vows to protect Josh's sister just like he promised Josh all those years ago. He is buried in guilt for not saving Josh and his family and doesn't know how to move past it all. Not to mention he has no idea where to begin to find out how it all went down. He feels responsible for taking the case that lead to all these events and for the fact that Riley has gone through all this. He is thrown for a loop later when it all comes crashing down.
"I've caused so much pain that no one would care if I lived or died. I don't matter anymore. I don't belong anymore."-Griffin
This isn't a nice, pretty love story. This a book about two people in so much pain finding their way in life as it is now and finding love on the way to healing. This story is beautiful. I absolutely LOVED it and think that it may be Michelle's best work yet! My heart was absolutely breaking for these characters. Add in the slow budding romance, the action, suspense, heartache, intrigue. Its the whole package. I highly recommend this book!!
October 29, 2016
Action, Suspense, oh and Romance as Well!
Talk about a little book that packs a big punch! This is my first Michelle Horst book and if her others are like it, won't be my last. It wasn't anything I expected and left me pleasantly surprised. Plus, it was the perfect length, which always earns high marks in my book.
"Karma, now there's a peculiar thing. I never knew how selfish I was until my life was ripped away from me."
And that's how the book starts folks. The first few chapters are agonizing and hard to get through. I was glad that Michelle Horst didn't drag things out and kept the storyline flowing. As Riley watches her family slaughtered in front of her, I couldn't imagine what was in store next for us readers. I also couldn't wait to meet her protector, but not at that cost. Yikes.
"Sometimes the hero is late. Sometimes, life just gets to break you, and there's nothing you can do to stop it from happening-because the hero turns out to be fake."
While I found Riley slightly annoying at times, she got a free pass because she's lived through such a nightmare. With life turned completely upside down and she has no answers, she has to blindly trust the people she's with now. Especially him. He seems to be the leader and the man with the answers she desperately wants.
"Charlie is the best company a broken soul could ever ask for. He doesn't give you empty promises, saying time will heal all. He's just there, a silent strength to keep your head above water."
Charlie was my favorite of the bunch! As we got closer to the end, I had to ask somebody that had already read the book if something bad happened to him. I needed to know to prepare myself either way.
The book is well written from dual points of view and this review vague as to not spoil any storylines. Along with Riley and Charlie, there is a whole cast of supporting characters to help tell this story of love, loss and promises kept.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Talk about a little book that packs a big punch! This is my first Michelle Horst book and if her others are like it, won't be my last. It wasn't anything I expected and left me pleasantly surprised. Plus, it was the perfect length, which always earns high marks in my book.
"Karma, now there's a peculiar thing. I never knew how selfish I was until my life was ripped away from me."
And that's how the book starts folks. The first few chapters are agonizing and hard to get through. I was glad that Michelle Horst didn't drag things out and kept the storyline flowing. As Riley watches her family slaughtered in front of her, I couldn't imagine what was in store next for us readers. I also couldn't wait to meet her protector, but not at that cost. Yikes.
"Sometimes the hero is late. Sometimes, life just gets to break you, and there's nothing you can do to stop it from happening-because the hero turns out to be fake."
While I found Riley slightly annoying at times, she got a free pass because she's lived through such a nightmare. With life turned completely upside down and she has no answers, she has to blindly trust the people she's with now. Especially him. He seems to be the leader and the man with the answers she desperately wants.
"Charlie is the best company a broken soul could ever ask for. He doesn't give you empty promises, saying time will heal all. He's just there, a silent strength to keep your head above water."
Charlie was my favorite of the bunch! As we got closer to the end, I had to ask somebody that had already read the book if something bad happened to him. I needed to know to prepare myself either way.
The book is well written from dual points of view and this review vague as to not spoil any storylines. Along with Riley and Charlie, there is a whole cast of supporting characters to help tell this story of love, loss and promises kept.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
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