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Protocol #1

Against Protocol

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Everyone has secrets, even the leader of the free world.

Even his wife.

I was Ophelia Harris, America’s youngest First Lady.

Now I'm America’s Widow, and my husband’s secrets continue to haunt me.

They continue to threaten my life.

I’m supposed to grieve with the world and keep up the façade of the perfect marriage
and the perfect life.

But I can’t.

Because of him.

Cruz Solano, the man I can never have and the only one I'll ever want.

71 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2018

18 people are currently reading
216 people want to read

About the author

Eden Butler

50 books1,636 followers


Eden Butler is a writer of contemporary, fantasy, and romantic suspense novels and the nine-times great-granddaughter of an honest-to-God English pirate. This could explain her affinity for rule breaking and rum.

When she's not writing or wondering about her possibly Jack Sparrowesque ancestor, Eden patiently waits for her Hogwarts letter, reads, and spends too much time in her garden perfecting her green thumb while waiting for the next New Orleans Saints Super Bowl win.

She is currently living under teenage rule alongside her husband in southeast Louisiana.

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5 stars
54 (35%)
4 stars
47 (30%)
3 stars
31 (20%)
2 stars
17 (11%)
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5 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Dri ✰.
693 reviews239 followers
November 24, 2018
★ 2 STARS ★

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→ My review will be on the last book.
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,269 reviews1,777 followers
October 31, 2018
Favorite Quotes:

You silence the noise.

Martha Wilkens, a veteran former First Lady nearing her seventies, pulled me aside to inform me that my husband’s wayward cock was “the nature of the job.”

My Review:

Sizzle and snap – this story is smokin’ hot and taut with tension and terse exchanges. Written in my favorite dual POV yet mainly composed of angsty narrative from insightful inner dialogue and heart-squeezing memories told out of order while both main characters live out a pretense of social, political, and security protocols – hence the title. I am intrigued, thoroughly hooked, and grateful I have all installments loaded on my Kindle as I would be pulling my hair out otherwise. And courtesy of Ms. Butler’s strong word voodoo, I am also consumed with an overwhelming desire for gumbo. There goes my diet – again!
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,412 followers
November 21, 2018
I love when a new-to-me author can grab me by the proverbial nuts and keep hold of them until the bitter end... or until the cliffhanger at least! Eden Butler has made a fan out of me in just 72 pages of her Protocol series and I'm on edge wondering what comes next for Cruz and Lia with the bombshell he revealed at the end.

🇺🇸 Lia is the first lady, her husband has been assassinated, and she is forced to assimilate to former first lady life while the killer is at large.
🇺🇸 Cruz is the lead on her secret service team, protecting her against the unknown assassin.
🇺🇸 Cruz and Lia were lovers in college and I'm rooting for their second chance harder than they are it seems.
🇺🇸 Cruz and Lia are hot!!

As I said, this ended with a huge secret and I can't wait to see how the author allows it to blow the heck up!



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Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,234 reviews57 followers
September 25, 2018
Eden Butler starts the Protocol series with a bang! I love that this is a very different kind of story. A love that is denied. A love that is forbidden. And all of this happening as the First Lady of the United States is suddenly a widow.

We get the backstory as well when Lia and Cruz first meet in college, have a whirlwind romance and then part suddenly. As we are now in the present, of course when the former first lady now needs protection more than ever as she resumes her civilian life, who is assigned to her detail? The man who would forever be the love of her life.

Wow. This little gem of a book does not hold back as Lia and Cruz are forced to be together again, all the while the man who killed the President is still on the loose. I like that this series is in 3 shorter segments and Butler does a great job in giving us everything we need without dragging the beginnings of this tale out. The heat between Cruz and Lia is insane and I know it's only a matter of time before they pick up right where they left off.

I cannot wait for the 2nd book as the story heats up both in and out of the bedroom and secrets will most certainly be revealed.

Really well done, I happily give Against Protocol a solid 5 stars!
Profile Image for Julia.
623 reviews669 followers
October 21, 2018
The author dedicates her book to Shonda Rhimes saying "to Shonda, the goddess of take-no-shit women, thank you."

Funny, because this heroine was the exact opposite. She stayed with a cheating husband and then cheats herself with the "hero" of the book that wont commit to her and keeps pushing her away for her own good. Yeah, bye.

The writing and flow of the story was also deeply confusing and frustrating. It was like trying to watch tv with beer goggles and ear plugs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews448 followers
September 25, 2018
This is book 1 in a 3 part series from author Eden Butler. Going by the fantastic opening, what a phenomenal series this is going to be
Ophelia is the first lady who has now become a widow, and with her husband’s secrets now coming to light and are starting to haunt her, her life is in terrible danger. I don't want to give any spoilers ; this is a must read for all romantic suspense lovers. Lia and Cruz!!! Wow.
This is a story that has many twists and turns, and surprises; a story that spans years and its the ultimate 2nd chance story. I cannot wait for book 2

My rating: 4.7 stars *****
Profile Image for Laura.
788 reviews28 followers
September 29, 2018
The prologue was the best part! Couldn't get into this and not a fan of continuation books so won't bother with the rest of the story as this one didn't hook me in.
Profile Image for Falling_with_the_leaves.
388 reviews30 followers
September 24, 2018
I absolutely love this so much! The chemistry and heat between Lia and Cruz is explosive! So well written. I’m dying from excitement for Part 2! I’ve just fallen in love with this story already and it’s not even finished yet. I wish I could give it more than five stars! Eden Butler never disappoints. 💜💜💜
Profile Image for Trader (RedHotBlueReads).
1,766 reviews37 followers
September 26, 2018
Against Protocol starts with a flashback that has Lia and Cruz hooking up and more. Fast forward some number of years (things are effectively vague in this tale) and Lia is First Lady, married to someone else. When a tragic shooting occurs, Lia is left alone with secret service providing security. And you probably guessed it already ... Cruz is an agent on that detail. I don't want to reveal much more because that will spoil it for you.

I liked this, even though I was a bit frustrated with understanding the timeline at first (well, still, but that's ok). Cruz is the perfect man-of-few-words and alpha dog and Lia is in a place where she really needs him -- or does she? I guess I'll find out in the upcoming installments of this serial.

Overall, an intriguing start to this political romantic suspense serial.

An ARC was provided for review.
Profile Image for Tanya.
854 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2018
what a tease this first part is....in a good way.

I would have given it 5 stars but there were a few places I got confused as to the timeline/where we were. Overall when I got past that in the first chapter it was sooth sailing.

16 years ago these two had a short fling which they both knew would end, 10 years later they meet again, things happen. Now nothing stands between these 2, except his job as the agent in charge of her security and the 1 secret he is keeping from her.

The 2 full out sex scenes were HOT, but the flirting and teasing through out is just as hot.

I can't wait to see what Eden has in store for the next 2 parts and thankfully we don't have to wait long either :)
Profile Image for Yvette (Booksandbandanas).
485 reviews111 followers
Read
October 11, 2018
Eden Butler.

Brilliant.

Amazing.

Sexy.

Heart pounding GOOD.

Give more. More. More.

It has been forever since I’ve read an Eden Butler book, like years. When I Is saw the covers for this serial I just knew i had to get my hands on them. I love presidential type books! This was unlike anyone i read before! It just was in a league of its own.

The writing is gripping, sensual, and out of this world addicting.

Lia is now a widow after her husband the President was assassinated. The newest body guard to protect her is her first love, Cruz. They have a deep past. He was her first heartbreak. They have history, they have sizzle, they have love, what they have cannot be broken or shaken.

Cruz loves his job. He is a professional and nothing and no one will make him stray from his devotion of what he has worked for - for far to many years. Right?!

This book is short. Like I blinked and it was over. I kinda loved that. It made the angst that much greater.

Cruz & Lia brought the fire shown on my kindle and I am dying to get started on book 2.
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,954 reviews57 followers
September 24, 2018
This first part in The Protocol series will have you completely hooked. Against Protocol is a short read but it packs a punch and will have you falling in love with Lia and Cruz. As their story begins you will be caught up in the secrets, lies, rules and most importantly protocols. It is steamy, mesmerizing and will leave you in a spin. Bring on part 2 because I have so many questions.
Profile Image for Linda Cotter.
662 reviews20 followers
September 25, 2018
This was a wonderful start to the series. The heat was cranked up, and the story had me from the word GO. Great characters who bring you right into the story, and an interesting premise. I can't wait to see how this all plays out, and I can't wait for more!!!
Profile Image for Kinky Minx .
183 reviews6 followers
October 4, 2018
Thanks to the author for the generous ARC in exchange of honest review. 

So the Protocol series is a second chance romance to me. So the story starts with Lia and Cruz, way back in high school. As the start of a story, this is really steamy hot!!! I mean I can tell the chemistry between them just sparks right away and lovely. Cruz always says he does not do relationship but Lia is so different he brokes the rule for her but love didn't always work out well. Cruz left Lia sixteen years ago, Lia is heartbroken, Cruz meant the world to her and she believes that the feeling is mutual. But time flies, Lia married the President and became the first lady, but life didn't do her good at all. The love in her marriage was long gone before the President was assassinated. Lia feels like someone will kill her too, and . . . here goes the cliffhanger. 

Oh Cruz came back as a bodyguard for Lia, but both of them feel the tension between, nothing really changed, the love is still there, lying in between the thin wall. . .

I won't say I'm absolutely excited about this book but somehow the relationship between Cruz and Lia is very interesting and what kept me going is I wonder at the end can Cruz and Lia be together? 

I will give 4 stars for the start and 2.9 stars for the rest of the story. Hopefully, the next one will be better. 

Going to my next in line > > > Broken Protocol
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews62 followers
September 29, 2018
WOW another amazing book by Eden Butler love everything this author writes she always has me on my toes along with my heart dropping and lifting and just putting me through on a emotional ride that I don't want to get off on . Against Protocol is the first book in the Protocol series and ends in a semi cliffhanger if this is the first story that you read by the author you need one click all of her other books as soon as possible . The sexual tension between the couple is off the charts HOT they really know how to bring it can't wait to see what's to come for their future even though I am a bit scared so can't wait .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero=9 heroine=9 secondary characters=9
Chemistry=9 steam=6 romance= 5
humor=3 darkness level=4 action=4 mystery=4
enjoyment=10 angst=4 story line=10 Story ending=9
character development=10 pacing=9
cover=10 stars=4.5
Genre =
Is this part of a series =yes the Protocol series book one
Can it be read as a standalone =first one
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author=yes
Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,160 reviews44 followers
November 27, 2018
4 Stars

Review by: Alysia

Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog



The Protocol series by Eden Butler has a total of three books, all short in length, about the previous first lady and her security. Cruz and Lia have a past. They were lovers in college before Cruz left to follow his career in the military sector of the government. Lia waited for him for two years before she moved on with her current husband, who became the US president and then was assassinated. Cruz must now protect her from the men responsible.

I enjoyed reading about Cruz and Lia and all the ups and downs they went through to stay safe and be together. Their love was forbidden, and i loved how they tried to deny their feelings and do whats right, but were unable to physically do so. I won't spoil the ending but just know, you won't be disappointed!

**ARC received in exchange for my honest review***
Profile Image for Lisa Stinson.
1,336 reviews18 followers
September 25, 2018
This was a fantastic start to this story. It’s short, amazing, and oh so hot. Lia and Cruz had a short relationship while they were in college. He had clearly said that he wasn't looking for anything just a night together. But the connection between Lia and Cruz couldn't be denied. But he left like he told her he would. Now he is back...to protect her from the person who killed her husband, who was the President of the United States.

You can feel the chemistry coming off the pages from these two characters. A very explosive start to this series. Yes there is a cliffhanger but it’s manageable with not having to wait very long for the next installment. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
461 reviews40 followers
September 25, 2018
Lia and Cruz knew each other in college. Lia and Cruz didn’t really know each other but they had an incredible weekend together. Lia and Cruz are immediately drawn to each other but they both know it isn’t going to last. Lia and Cruz both go different ways in life but she is shocked that they will have to live in close courters with each other.

I thought this was a great read!! This book was short but it had a lot of steamy moments. You can tell from their very first moment that Cruz was an alpha and that Lia wasn’t exactly timid. I loved seeing Lia go after what she wanted from Cruz. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series!!
Profile Image for Brittani Brown.
191 reviews12 followers
September 26, 2018
I was not sure what to expect out of this story from the blurb. What I got was SO much more than I expected. Eden weaves an intricate story, and it has me wanting more! One, I love the name Ophelia. I couldn’t convince my husband we should have another daughter and name her this, but I digress...Two, I love Cruz!! What a dreamy hunk of a man. I have a feeling there is a lot I am going to hate him for in book two, but for now I will cling to him like Lia did in the townhouse. I would normally give less stars for shorter lengths, but this series is noted to be “quick-read,” 90 minutes or so. Do yourself a favor, pick this up and pre-order the last two parts. Oh! And if Cruz mentions protocol one more time...
Profile Image for Maura.
2,121 reviews6 followers
September 28, 2018
Ok, I really just want to write a review for this book that simply says... "F***ING HOT AND FANTASTIC" but I guess I would be short changing the author if I did that.

Against Protocol is book 1 in the Protocol Series and it is a GREAT way to start the trilogy. We are introduced to the characters in such a way that I had to go back to make sure I was actually reading what I thought I was. WOWZERS.

I'm so glad to have read this story and I can't wait to continue the story in parts 2 and 3 which I wish would be released already so I can find out what happens.

I absolutely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
19.6k reviews248 followers
September 24, 2018
This is the first book in a three part series from this talented author, and going by this amazing introduction, what a phenomenal series this is going to be! Ophelia is the first lady who is now a widow, and with her husband’s secrets coming to haunt her, her life is in danger. No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed! This author has done an awesome job in penning this story, and I was intrigued and captivated throughout, and I cannot wait to read the second book!
Profile Image for Fran Zoch, LSoR.
2,139 reviews13 followers
September 25, 2018
I have never really been into books like this but as soon as I read it was Eden Butler I was like yes I want to read it.

Ophelia was the youngest first lady and her husband was not what the nation thought and the secrets he kept are now haunting her , see now she is a widow her husband is gone and she has to act like she is unset and tormented over it .
Her mind is alw aqa yes thinking about the one man she wants more than life itself but she can never have Cruz.

I loved the twists and turns and can not wait for the next one
146 reviews
September 26, 2018
This was a quick read that is part of a 3 part series. Lia has only loved Cruz, but Cruz left everyone behind to try to make something of himself. Lia finally moved on and married the future President of the United States. Cruz is assigned as one of their Secret Service Agents.

These two are explosive together and are drawn together. They have made mistakes and Cruz tries really hard to do the right thing, but there is just a pull between these two. I can not wait to see what happens in the next book.

I received an ARC and voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
11.9k reviews90 followers
September 25, 2018
When Ophelia’s husband, who also happens to be the President, passes away he leaves behind a web of secrets and lies which has placed her in danger. Things become complicated when her security detail happens to be Cruz, the man she spent a weekend with while she was in college who she has never forgotten.

This is a great introduction to a new series which is filled with intrigue and twists that leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Melissa  ❤️ bookaddict_fanatic .
1,106 reviews105 followers
September 24, 2018
This was a quick, intense, captivating read that will have you inhaling chapter after chapter until the very end. If you thought the chemistry between Lia and Cruz was explosive just wait until the bomb drops because that ending definitely has me begging for more and impatiently waiting for the next book!
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,777 reviews12 followers
September 24, 2018
Ophelia and Cruz had a few hot and steamy months in college , while she wanted him to come back for her it was to late. Now a widow and the former first lady these two meet again. He is her protection detail and she is supposed to be in mourning. The first part of this book is absolutely amazing and dying to read the next.
Profile Image for Krista Ricchi.
818 reviews14 followers
September 25, 2018
First I have to say that the cover is stunning and fits these character so well. Their chemistry is off the charts hot. From start to finish I was hooked and couldn't put this book down. The writing and plot are so easy to get lost in. There is so much action between the past, the secrets and the forbidden pleasure. This is a delicious start to this new series and I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Amanda.
882 reviews
September 24, 2018
Holy moly! What did I just read! So many twists and turns, a story that spans years and the ultimate second chance story... and boy oh boy that cliffhanger! I cannot wait for book 2 and 3, they’re going to epic!
Profile Image for Karin Gesell.
1,826 reviews38 followers
September 25, 2018
This is part one of a series by Eden Butler that’ll have your blood pumping in more ways than one! For a short read, this has me completely hooked! Politics (which normally isn’t my thing), love and sex, not to mention lots of questions. Bring on part two, I can’t wait to jump in!!!
Profile Image for Danny Jeffery.
1,450 reviews19 followers
September 27, 2018
I'm not normally a fan of trilogy's but I have to say that I am so glad that I read this book.
It was a quick read, however, it was packed full. It gripped me from the get go and the story really pulled me in. It was edgy, sexy, mysterious and so suspenseful. I am really looking forward to the next installment and thankfully we wont have to wait to long.
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