Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Protecting the Billionaire

Rate this book
DAMON:

I’ve never been with a guy, but Jamie’s got my brain and heart twisted up in knots.

The problem? I don’t do romance. Been there, done that, never should have in the first place, never will again. I’m divorced, living in a cramped apartment in the Bronx, and scraping by as a private eye after desk politics threw my detective career under the bus.

But when an old friend sends me a job offer with a salary that makes my jaw drop, how can I say no? All I have to do is play bodyguard for some spoiled billionaire. The only drawback: rich people piss me off. They’re entitled, high-maintenance jerks.

Too bad the job pays a fortune. There’s no way I can turn it down.

When I meet Jamie, he isn’t what I expect. He’s kind – noble, even. He’s rich as hell, but he uses his money to do good things. It intrigues me. Attracts me.

In a single moment, everything changes. His hand touches mine. I don’t pull away. The look we exchange could be the start of something.

But I’ve got to be careful. Someone wants to hurt Jamie. It’s up to me to keep him safe. If I get distracted, even for an instant, I could lose everything.

If only he weren’t so distracting…

JAMIE:

Did someone try to kidnap me? Yes. Will it slow me down? No.

My security team insists I need a bodyguard. I have to admit that life at the top has been lonely lately, but this isn’t how I thought I’d find a man to spend my time with.

I don’t want my hand held. I won’t stay sheltered. And I definitely don’t need some gruff bodyguard to babysit me.

But he’s hotter than hades. A tower of ripped muscles. He lives with me, eats with me, and sleeps so deliciously close to me.

The problem? I’m sure he’s straight. Almost positive…

Note to readers: This is an extra spicy MM romance, heat level 10. Readers can expect several steamy scenes that will leave you breathless.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2018

377 people are currently reading
269 people want to read

About the author

Jason Collins

107 books530 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
210 (30%)
4 stars
213 (30%)
3 stars
188 (26%)
2 stars
65 (9%)
1 star
24 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Aki | nose buried in books | ❤️ |.
486 reviews45 followers
August 15, 2018
2.5 stars
I didn't enjoy this book as much I expected I'd have done. The blurb was nice, but the development... uhm.
I liked the characters, even if they're a bit 2d, but the main problem is the writing style. Too much inner thoughts that became too much long monologues.
Meh.
Profile Image for Doug.
43 reviews36 followers
August 25, 2018
I've read some books with relationships between bodyguards and clients. Some are amazing, as the "Like Us" series, and some I couldn't even finish. I did finish this one. But honestly, I didn't enjoy it.

I liked the characters. The contrast between Jamie and Damon's personality is something that could have worked, but didn't. The romance between the two of them just felt rushed and not really believable. It wasn't well built, the dialogue is too cheesy, and their relationship through the whole book is not exciting. The book just lacks...

There's isn't a perfect way to write any kind of story, but if you're going to write a "Gay for You" book, which is my favorite sub-genre on Romance, you have to know what you're doing and pay a lot of attention to how you're writing what you're writing. Well, I guess this can be said for any book, but what I mean is: I don't consider it harder to write than any other romance sub-genre. Not at all. It's just different.

The sex isn't good. I was expecting something at least something enjoyable, specially after reading the first chapter, but it was disappointing. It's not terrible. It just isn't good. No sexual tension, no chemistry, no fire. Seriously, just go read a good M/M Romance where there's all of this and a bit more and get inspired.

The plot on the other hand is definitely terrible. The last chapters are just laughable. The whole mystery of who was trying to harm Jamie didn't make sense. It's by far the worst thing in the book. But honestly, if I have liked the Romance, I still could have given this book something around 4 stars, even with the plot being bad.

Considering the main focus is the romance between Jamie and Damon (which seems the author kept forgetting), this could have been a better book. If the relationship was well-built, If the dialogue was better, if the plot was different, it the sex was hotter. I know... a lot of 'ifs' right? That's why the book is getting 1 star.
Profile Image for BR11.
647 reviews18 followers
September 23, 2018
2 1/5 stars
Could have been so much better. But it wasn’t. A guy that is attracted to a guy by the first time and doesn’t have a second of self questioning or wonder... nothing. Insta love at its best with silly situations. Mehhh...
Profile Image for Tina J.
1,345 reviews173 followers
September 4, 2018
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ 4-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

> > Judging a Book by its Cover < <
An overly-sculpted male dominates the cover but looks too young to be Damon and too defined/bulky to be Jamie. Gratuitous eye candy? Probably. The synopsis grabbed my attention and begged me to read it.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Alternating first-person POVs

Jamie’s a self-made billionaire, a real rags-to-riches kind of guy that managed to remain down-to-earth despite his successes.
Damon’s retired from the NYPD and divorced, now trying to make ends meet while trying to help his sister-in-law with her three kids after his brother is KIA overseas on deployment.
A failed kidnapping attempt on Jamie brings Damon onto the payroll as the personal bodyguard.
It’s a first-time gay romantic suspense with an interesting plot and mostly likable characters.
I was not a fan of the writer’s style to overly describe everything; it was very reminiscent of another author that does this (NR) that I just cannot read because of it. Getting through the first half of the book was truly an exercise in patience for me… I was determined to keep trudging through it because I’d hoped it would get better. Despite all that, once the duo actually started traveling about and the action began, the story felt less mired in details and became much easier to read.
Their chemistry was enjoyable to read develop. The dialogue and interaction felt natural, though Jamie often displayed quirks that I’d expect of someone much younger. Several of the secondary characters seemed like unnecessary fluff to me but overall there was a decent cast to support the story.
The predictability was moderate. The conclusion was satisfying enough but left a little room to improve solidity.
Overall, it was a strong concept with likable characters and hot and steamy scenes. Writing style was not my favorite but it was a clean edit with no notable errors, a rare thing these days!
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.05 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I borrowed a copy of this book from Amazon via my #KindleUnlimited subscription and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
Profile Image for Russel D. (The Book Swain).
37 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2018
-----------4.5 stars!-----------

I can't tell how many books about bodyguards and their employees who fell in love have I read this past thirty days. Hmmm.. Maybe it is a new trend. But I was glad that despite the typical storyline, it didn’t take much holding on before I started to love this book. I have enjoyed it for the most part as it’s been nicely written and the chemistry between the MC’s was entertaining.

Despite the considerable difference in their status, Damon and Jamie were good at what they do and had both proven themselves at a young age. They have shown maturity throughout the story except for the part where they gave in to IT (Maybe a little earlier than I thought.) But as soon as Damon and Jamie acknowledged what they wanted, they worked it out as two cultured people, and I couldn’t not forgive them for giving in to their desires.

Jamie is a humble billionaire with a brain brighter than my whole village while Damon is the last man you would expect to turn gay. How I wish I can say these characters are so impossible to exist on this planet. But I know they do, and I only have to acknowledge the painful fact that I’ve spent more hours reading romance than reading my physics book. And that maybe I came out as gay way too early...? Still, good job to straight Damon for not being too panicky after having the first best gay sex of his life. Not bad for someone with an ex-wife.

I’ve also enjoyed the added danger to the story. I must admit the romance brought more tension to me than the actions and mysteries, but I was still a little blown in the end.

Everything’s been wrapped up generously by the author, and I couldn’t ask for more. This book is my first Jason Collins read, and for me, he is a talented writer who could easily paint natural chemistry between his MC’s without sending butterflies to fly in their stomachs.

I am confident about recommending this book (Okay, maybe not to those who are looking for too much angst.) It may be simple but not really. The morals and stuffs.

This review was originally posted on my blog: The Book Swain
Profile Image for Liber_Lady.
401 reviews129 followers
January 3, 2019
This just fell flat for me.

The characters were really good. They could have been more LIVE...

My main issue was the heavy inner monologue, and a little sudden transition from lust to love..

The book had a good scope of being indulging.. And the danger aspect was really not much.

I wish I could have been more invested..
Profile Image for John-Torleif  Harris.
2,727 reviews13 followers
August 22, 2018
Relaxing read for the end of summer

Jaime and Damon were very cute together. I didn’t actually guess correctly on who was behind the attempts on Jaime’s life, which was fun.
Profile Image for Gini.
86 reviews
August 31, 2018
Author is usually hit or miss

This book was a hit, a big woo hoo hit. This gay for you mystery was an amazing story. I have already read it three times. It gives me the feels goods while making me think. An amazing fun story.
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,824 followers
August 17, 2018
‘The colder it got, the more I appreciated waking up next to a man with thick arms and big hands to keep me warm.’

Handsome Southern born author Jason Collins now lives in New York and as he states ’I've started calling myself a "southern New Yorker". Jason has fifteen successful novels to his credit so far.

Jason takes a fresh look at ‘improbable romances’ and in doing so helps us to understand how love can conquer all! His characters are very well painted and interesting people, and the situations in which he elects to place them may be familiar (a coming out with a seasoned mate) but Jason’s manner of using that theme works very well indeed. In PROTECTING THE BILLIONAIRE Jason explores the ‘gender undecided’ needy young man with the experienced billionaire, finding the core of a relationship that is, yes, physical, but even more important, emotionally committed.

The synopsis provides a fine overview of the novel’s story by providing he stance of each of the two characters, Evan and Nicholas: ‘Damon - I’ve never been with a guy, but Jamie’s got my brain and heart twisted up in knots. The problem? I don’t do romance. Been there, done that, never should have in the first place, never will again. I’m divorced, living in a cramped apartment in the Bronx, and scraping by as a private eye after desk politics threw my detective career under the bus. But when an old friend sends me a job offer with a salary that makes my jaw drop, how can I say no? All I have to do is play bodyguard for some spoiled billionaire. The only drawback: rich people tick me off. They’re entitled, high-maintenance jerks. Too bad the job pays a fortune. There’s no way I can turn it down. When I meet Jamie, he isn’t what I expect. He’s kind – noble, even. He’s rich as hell, but he uses his money to do good things. It intrigues me. Attracts me. In a single moment, everything changes. His hand touches mine. I don’t pull away. The look we exchange could be the start of something. But I’ve got to be careful. Someone wants to hurt Jamie. It’s up to me to keep him safe. If I get distracted, even for an instant, I could lose everything. If only he weren’t so distracting…Jamie - Did someone try to kidnap me? Yes. Will it slow me down? No. My security team insists I need a bodyguard. I have to admit that life at the top has been lonely lately, but this isn’t how I thought I’d find a man to spend my time with. I don’t want my hand held. I won’t stay sheltered. And I definitely don’t need some gruff bodyguard to babysit me. But he’s hotter than Hades. A tower of ripped muscles. He lives with me, eats with me, and sleeps so deliciously close to me. The problem? I’m sure he’s straight. Almost positive….’

Well plotted at a fine pace, Jason’s new novel has zing! And he has provided a very clever title for this story! And his writing style s far more secure and sophisticated. He is on the way to the top!
143 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2023
Fantastic!

While jogging Jamie got distracted by the man fixing a flat,as a result he was caught staring. Him he tried to play it off and asked if he needed help, the man briskly refused. But,that man never left his thoughts all he had was different kinds of fantasies about them together. He was so distracted it was a little late when he spotted the van and when the two men jumped out to grab him, it took a minute before his fight or flight kicked in. After getting away he ran straight home and first he was going to call the police but instead he called his head of security. When he refused the police, she insisted on a bodyguard, he agreed under protest. The last thing he expected was to look up as see the man from the park, Damon he was Susan's only choice and he had to be with him24/7. This man has him so distracted he couldn't think straight and that hadn't happened in a very, very long time. When it came to the man of his dreams Damon checked all his boxes,he was screwed. How could he get any work done, his mind was on anything but work and now is not the time. Damon was trying to treat him like any other job, but Jamie was having none of that. It started with three questions and ended with a relationship. Neither one of them was expecting what happened between them, an openly gay man and a man who didn't know he liked men until Jamie. Their journey together was filled with new things for Damon and Jamie was happy to show him, if it wasn't for the kidnapping attempt, car ramming and finally two breakins' it would have been an unexpected whirl wind romance.
60 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2018
I'm a soy drinking urban gay beta male who reads M/M romance novels as pure escapism. My fantasy is an amalgam of Jack Ryan, Jack Aubrey and Ross Poldark sweeping me up in their arms and declaring their undying love. The main character chastising someone for their carbon footprint while owning a V8, gas guzzling, polluting 60's vintage American car is a confusing bit of character development. If you want me to admire a character, don’t write them as a dim-witted hypocrite. It’s like the A-type celebrity who can’t shut their pie hole about global warming while they travel the world on private jets. Don’t get me going on the anti-capitalist pokes.

You have this hunky ex detective hired to provide protection to the nerdy billionaire. Upon visiting his client’s home for the first time he doesn’t evaluate the security of the setup looking for weak points but obsesses over his client’s decorating style and kitchen appliances. When he accompanies his client to the very public Central Park to visit his sister in-law and her children he doesn’t spend his time scanning for security risks but rather ignores his charge to dote on his nephews and nieces. I get that this is a romantic fantasy where the rules are a bit looser but it’s nice if the characters are consistent with their backstory.

Despite a few minor complaints I did like the story. The hard edged alpha detective and the nerdy Manhattanite billionaire are perfect fodder for the genre.
Profile Image for Jenn Donald.
1,186 reviews7 followers
August 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this book from Jason Collins, he keeps getting better and better! Jamie is a self made billionaire who just wants to do good for the world. He's developing tech that would give clean water to everyone and yes it's a business but in his heart, he just want to make a better life for people. Someone is out to stop Jamie though, and during a morning run, there is an attempted kidnapping. Damon is a former police officer who now works in private security. He receives a call from an old friend who needs someone to protect her boss after a kidnapping attempt. Damon accepts the assignment and is all business but as he gets to know Jamie his feelings change.

I really liked Jamie and Damon, and I have to say that Jamie's good heart and sweetness surprised me. He's not the cutthroat business man I expected and that was a great surprise. I liked the two of them together from the start, the way Damon instinctively takes care of Jamie, beyond just bodyguard, but the little things he does. These two move pretty quickly, but it felt right, like these two are supposed to be together. The mystery element was well done too, it kept me interested in that part of the story along with their relationship. Overall, this was a fun read and I enjoyed these two and their romance! Another enjoyable book from Jason Collins!
3,775 reviews44 followers
August 14, 2018
Genius 🔬billionaire looking for safety in the arms of his bodyguard❕☺
August 12, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍I enjoyed the building relationship between wealthy hi-tech entrepreneur Jamie and handsome security contractor Damon, a former policeman trying to build a new career and support his soldier brother's widow and her three young children. Both guys are decent, sympathetic characters who come together and produce some 🔥 steamy moments.

Their 💕romance builds along with the danger and intrigue that befall Jamie as his big water purification system invention is put on the market. The threats and action begin almost from page one and ebb and flow as Jamie gets closer to clinching his dream deal. I liked the storyline and found the writing good and the mix of personal and deal drama well balanced. A really nice story with heat and heart.:-)

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Terri.
1,669 reviews
August 13, 2018
Jamie was a self-made billionaire who just wanted to help people. When he escaped an attempted kidnapping, Jamie reluctantly agreed that he needed a bodyguard. Damon came on board, expecting his employer to be pompous and self-serving. I actually felt insulted on Jamie's behalf at the was Damon acted toward him at first, but Jamie was more patient than I am. He made every effort to show Damon that he wasn't an elitist jerk. Damon couldn't help but quickly realize that Jamie was really a great person who genuinely wanted to make the world better.
The mystery of who wanted to hurt or kidnap Jamie was very interesting, though I'm still not sure what they planned to do with him in the end. The sexy and romantic scenes with Damon and Jamie, as they quickly grew closer and closer, were wonderful. I enjoyed this story, and I loved the main characters.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,119 reviews39 followers
August 16, 2018
Jamie is a billionaire and surprisingly down to earth and humble. Damon is a regular every day guy (aka not rich-lol) who is hired as a bodyguard to protect Jamie after an attempted kidnapping. Damon has never had an attraction to a man before, but there is something about Jamie's looks and personality that draw him in. After a short while of avoiding each other because of the awkward feelings, they finally come together and it is explosive. Their chemistry was fabulous, and they were a great pair together. The mystery of who adn why someone was making attempts on Jamie's life was well written with a side of "really-can people really be that dumb?" lol Regardless, I enjoyed the journey to happiness for Jamie and Damon. I could see them as parents, and would TOTALLY read more about them if it ever got written.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,252 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2018
This is a wonderful story that I really enjoyed reading. It is well-written, low angst, has intriguing characters, sizzling hot sex and enough mystery and danger to keep me fully engaged until the end. I could not put this book down and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read it. Damon and Jamie have an amazing and instant connection that makes this story so enjoyable. They are an unlikely couple but I love how good they are together. Their chemistry is off the charts but they also communicate well and bring out the best in each other. My favorite part of the story is how down-to-earth and sincere Jamie is in his quest to make the world better with his inventions. I love the ending and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,314 reviews22 followers
August 17, 2018
This is one author whose work is constantly getting better. Jamie falls for Damon in what could be love at first sight, when he sees him jogging. As if destiny aligned, Jamie gets to see Damon again when he is tasked with guarding him after a kidnapping attempt. There is a bit of a problem as Damon has some preconceived notions about Jamie; he is a billionaire after all. Will Damon take the time to get to know Jamie? Jason Collins never ceases to draw a reader in with his well-written storylines as he delves into the theme of love can conquer all. His characters are complex and they take the reader on one heck of a ride, twists included. I look forward to reading more.
I volunteered to read an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Chloe.
206 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2019
It had potential.

I didn’t finish the book because I just got annoyed half way through. The beginning stayed off strong, but then as much as Jamie was admit that “Damon was straight and could never fall for him,” was still wildly obsessed and couldn’t focus on anything else. It would’ve been fine if it didn’t seem like Jamie thought the only attractive guy in the world was Damon. He said he had strong feelings for his date before they had met, so why is it difficult to say that he’s still an attractive man? I did like how the almost kidnapping was written, but later Jamie wanted to be mad that Damon wasn’t on top of them while dancing. I didn’t like that Jamie was criticizing Damon’s work ethic when he still got there before anything happened. But that’s just me.
Profile Image for Silvia.
1,218 reviews
August 13, 2018
This author gets better and better with each book. This is exactly what I needed to delve into after reading 2 books that were filled with angst and violence. I was on cloud nine as I read Jamie and Damon’s story. Damon’s certainty in what he wanted and his strength of character made my heart go boom boom boom. He’s definitely on my swoon worthy list. And who’d a thought there could be such a thing as a down to earth billionaire? Well there is and his name is Jamie. Everything worked in this romance. Just thinking of cinnamon and vanilla will cause sweet dreams tonight. I loved it.
Profile Image for Sheila Schwartz.
1,736 reviews5 followers
August 17, 2018
Corporate espionage and romance

Terrifically entertaining story with compelling characters discovering friendship and love. Damon a gritty former detective hired as a bodyguard to a nerdy inventor with more money than caution. Overwhelmed when Jamie always looks for the best in people though it might cost him his invention if not his life Damon has his work cut out for him especially with those pesky feelings leading the march! Poignant and sincere this love story will leave you smiling with a super feel good vibe!
Profile Image for Rachel .
2,255 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2018
Another great read for Jason Collins. Jamie and Damon are two forces of independence and Alpha hotness so when they collide there are sure to be sparks. I loved the difference between these two and it flows well to add to their attraction. Chemistry that will leave you blush, action and with each layer that is pulled back you fall more for the characters. Can't wait for the next. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.
2,321 reviews8 followers
August 15, 2018
Love this story! Extremely well written and fantastic storyline that captivated me right from the very beginning. Jamie and Damon are wonderful characters, I absolutely love them both. Their attraction is strong and their chemistry is off the charts. I love their interactions and I love watching their relationship build throughout the story. Great action and mystery alongside the romance. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jen.
381 reviews
September 2, 2018
Well written suspense

Essentially roommates to Lovers dual point of view
Standalone
Inventor Jaime’s life and technology are at stake. Damon’s hired to manage his personal safety. Can their relationship survive after the danger is addressed?
I was really interested in the technology, the mystery was well crafted, and the relationship was sweet and hot
Wanted more on how the relationship impacted Damon and his family
Profile Image for ANNBOOKSHELF.
1,111 reviews15 followers
February 7, 2023
A goid story that perhaps labels may hold you back from embracing your true love!

Jamie a billionaire but making inventions to give back to those in need. A real diamond in the human pool. Damon military, cop, detective a "mans man" but discovered his attraction to another man. He fortunately doesn't worry about a "straight label" he lets himself enjoy & fall. Not just a romance but a plot with twist & turns. MM romance
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
August 13, 2018
A really fun read! Action, lots steam and falling in love create a new and interesting story. I love these characters and the writing had me reading cover to cover in one sitting.

Jamie and Damon are so hot together! I enjoyed each character and getting to know them, they were both well crafted. The bad guys kept me guessing making the 'who did it' so enjoyable.
Profile Image for Katie Townsend.
1,276 reviews20 followers
August 16, 2018
Loved

I Loved protecting the billionaire it was such a amazing story

Damon and Jamie stole my heart from beginning to end of their journey

I was hooked on this book there were heartbreaking moments action heat and fun

I was so excited to see what was going to happen next from one page to the next
7 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2018
I thought this book was well written; although the main character was of considerable means the regular person can only dream of it was easy for me to step in his shoes. I like the author because he is able to stay relevant and the plots of his novels are easy to step into. I would recommend the author to any reader.
Profile Image for Ann.
516 reviews13 followers
August 16, 2018
When Jamie needs protection after almost being kidnapped it is Damon who is given the job. Although Damon is straight it soon becomes apparent that as well as a growing threat, there is something growing between them. The relationship between them simmers until it boils over into exciting, exhilarating heat with an explosive finale.
An excellent read
678 reviews
September 2, 2018
Good book

This book was okay. I'm not sure how I feel about how fast everything moved in the book. It was hard to savor the relationship between the characters and that's what I love most, but the story flowed and I did like it
263 reviews5 followers
September 6, 2018
Loved it

This book had a real storyline. The main characters had such great chemistry and the loving was hot and sexy. I really enjoyed reading this author for the first time but I will be definitely reading more of his books.
Charo
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.