Final Protocol

Protocol #3

by Eden Butler

The worst betrayals are ones you don’t see coming.

The greatest lies are the ones we pretend aren't real.

But my life is at the mercy of Cruz Solano, the greatest pretender of them all.

Now I have no one to trust, nowhere to hide and the country I love is in the hands of a sociopath.

If I want to survive, there's only one person I can trust.

The same person who is willing to sacrifice love for duty: me

56 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2018

About the author

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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Reviews

[Dri ✰ · Rating 1 out of 5]

★ 1 STAR ★

▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬

Eu ainda me pergunto o real motivo dos autores dividirem uma história em vários volumes/partes...
São poucos os livros com sequência que eu li onde, no geral, a história consegue manter o mesmo ritmo e coerência entre todas as partes
.

No caso desta série em especial, pra mim, foi totalmente desnecessária essa “divisão”.
Os três livros são bem curtos e essa pausa entre cada um acabou atrapalhando completamente o andamento da trama como um todo.

Levando em consideração o número de páginas que cada livro tem, a quantidade de cenas de sexo e descrições do ato em si ganhou um destaque excessivo, além do necessário. Já que se eu for contar o quanto essas cenas tomaram espaço no enredo, não sobra muito da história. Faltou um bom equilíbrio neste quesito.

Achei a narrativa, assim como o progresso da trama bem confusos e por diversas vezes tive que pausar a leitura para conferir se eu tinha perdido algum detalhe.

A premissa era boa e a história tinha grande potencial, entretanto não foi bem elaborada-desenvolvida-trabalhada.
Enfim, esta série de fato foi uma leitura rápida, porém, não tão prazerosa. Pra mim, havia muito a ser explorado dentro desta história, mas infelizmente não foi e acabou deixando a desejar.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

I closed my eyes, letting Aretha’s rich, silky smooth voice purr in my ear as she sang about Do-Right women and men.

My Review:

An active storyline brought a satisfying conclusion to this spicy and tautly written tale of romantic suspense. The storylines were entertaining and Ms. Butler’s briskly paced and evocative writing kept me interested and invested in the characters from beginning to end.

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

The truth is out and it's a wake up call for Lia... and Cruz. Amid pointed guns and a political conspiracy, these two lovers have to figure out not only how to find a future together, but also how to survive. The author gave me the reason for all of the tension that built up from the beginning of the trilogy and I appreciated the action. I wanted to know the cause and effect of the events that took place, and in Scandal-esque fashion, all was revealed.

🇺🇸 I got to see how much of a patriot Cruz really was.
🇺🇸 Cruz was still so freaking hot!
🇺🇸 I loved the love the author created for this couple. It was simple and only complicated by life. Sounds pretty realistic to me.
🇺🇸 I'm still a big fan of the writing and will be reading more from this author.

If you're a lover of sex and politics, of love and second chances, then you're sure to enjoy this trilogy as much as I have.

My reviews of the previous books:
Book 1 - Against Protocol
Book 2 - Broken Protocol



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[Melissa ❤️ bookaddict_fanatic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short series filled with drama, suspense and second chances. Cruz and Lia were explosive together and in this final book they had me on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns I wasn't expecting. This was a quick read that you'll definitely want to read!

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW it's just WOW final Protocol is the conclusion to the protocol series and can't be read as a standalone I highly recommend that you get this series as soon as possible while you are at it one click every other book by Eden Butler you wont regret the emotional roller coaster she puts you through . Wont give anything away you need to read it for yourself to see what happens and why this is such an amazing series .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10
Chemistry=10 steam=7 romance=9
humor=3 darkness level=3 action=6 mystery=3
enjoyment=10 angst=3 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 stars=5
Is this part of a series =yes
Can it be read as a standalone =yes
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author=yes

[Up All Night With Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

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***

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last installment in this Protocol series and thank goodness we didn't have to wait that long! Picking right up where we left off in Broken Protocol, it's a true game of cat and mouse as everything and everyone Cruz worked so hard to protect is suddenly in all kinds of danger. Lia is nowhere to be found in the cabin and Cruz is scrambling to find her.

It's a fast-paced crazy ride with some jaw-dropping moments and a few memories thrown in as well to remind both us together with Lia and Cruz just how powerful their love was and still is. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to this wild finish and without giving anything away, let's just say I'm quite happy at the way things turned out. AND I could definitely read more from this fiery and sexy couple.

4 solid stars!

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Protocol brings this amazing series to an end that will take you on a ride of emotions like no other in such a short amount of time. As Lia is thrown into confusion, anger and terror threaten to bring her crashing down. Cruz is now on a mission to save the one person who quietens the noise that lives in his head, but will he survive to keep her safe. As their lives, freedom and love are at the highest risk to be lost can Cruz show Lia that he is still the man she has always trusted and loved. This final book nearly brought me to my knees as the intensity that surrounds these two characters found its way into my heart, head and soul. Such a breathtaking way to finish this three part series. Eden Butler never fails to bring you all you need, want and crave in a romance whether she is against, breaking or finally just writing to protocol.

[Krista Ricchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much action and drama this series left me breathless. I adore the characters and loved the journey they took us on. I could see more from this couple they are captivating. Eden has done an amazing job as always and I can't wait to read more from her in the future. This is definitely a series that should be on everyone's TBR.

[Katina McKinney James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love to hate

Lia found herself wondering what was true and what was false. How things unfolded was nothing short of a miracle. This story could go on and on with no end. I love this series and hate it is over.

[Karin Gesell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting end to a short series that I devoured quite quickly. I completely love Cruz, every single thing about him. And Lia is just fierce. This was such an epic end, with all the feels & excitement throughout, that you’re just gonna love it!!

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 STARS—-

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 8, 2019

The worst betrayals are ones you don’t see coming.

The greatest lies are the ones we pretend aren't real.

But my life is at the mercy of Cruz Solano, the greatest pretender of them all.

Now I have no one to trust, nowhere to hide and the country I love is in the hands of a sociopath.

If I want to survive, there's only one person I can trust.

The same person who is willing to sacrifice love for duty: me

••••••••••••

REVIEW: 3.75 stars--FINAL PROTOCOL is the third and final instalment in Eden Butler’s contemporary, adult PROTOCOL serialized erotic, romantic suspense story. FINAL PROTOCOL is the continuing story of former First Lady Ophelia ‘Lia’ Harris, and Secret Service agent Cruz Solano. FINAL PROTOCOL can not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of BROKEN PROTOCOL.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lia and Cruz) using present day and memories from the past, FINAL PROTOCOL follows in the wake of Lia believing Cruz may be guilty of the ultimate sin. On the run, Lia discovers she is not alone, and the man that she loves may be battling for his life.

FINAL PROTOCOL is another quick read revealing the truth about what happened and why: the assassination of the US President, and the people behind the power, the control, and the cover up pointing fingers at an innocent man. The fast paced premise pulls the reader into a story of betrayal and vengeance; domination and control; second chances and happily ever after.

‘Reviewing’ a serialized novel is difficult; made more challenging when consecutive instalments are brief requiring cohesion between instalments for a completed summary. World building and character development transpires over several instalments making it problematic for individual reviews but necessary for a cumulative final judgement.


Copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Final Protocol comes the epic and breath taking conclusion of the Protocol series. The last two books slowly built up to the confrontation that is taking place is some far place in a forest. Cruz Solano, the Secret service agent and his client / love-of-his-life, Lia are fighting the demons. Secrets will come out. War will be here. Everything in their world is threatening to break apart. Will they be able to come out of it unscathed? At what cost?

At this point anything is a spoiler. So you have to read it yourself to know how the author fit the puzzle pieces and build the bigger picture. It was a pleasure to read the story!The romance mixes effortlessly with thriller. I am in love with Cruz. This guy is just incredible. He has done so much, seen so much, endured so much. Only because he loved Lia. Their love is strong and eternal. I was so happy with how the story finished. Lia and Cruz deserved it! And Lia is an amazing woman. They are truly made for each other.

If you love stories with lots of sexy romance, surprises and twists, Protocol Romance is the book for you! 4 loving stars to the series!

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great end to a great series! This one starts in the past and quickly picks up at the same unsettling time as Broken Protocol ended and it ties up nicely. Everything is explained. The characters are realistic. This is a short instalment and I think the author did a great job fitting all the necessary facts and information into this fast-paced story, without making it feel rushed.

Cruz and Lia find themselves in a scary situation and have to think fast. I was a little nervous to see how this was going to go down. They’re perfect for each other. Their connection allows them to read each other so well, which definitely comes in handy. Phil also had a helpful role in this one, making sure the truth came out, so Lia understood the depth of the situation. It was such a relief when it all came together.

Eden Butler is a fantastic storyteller. I’m interested in looking into some of her other stories. I enjoyed the past and present in these short books, as well as the suspenseful twists, and cliffhangers that kept my interest as I moved from book to book.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really could have been a 5 star read had this been one book with that being said this was a good read but I can't give it it's due with it broken up like this, it's just not fair to readers. If however you are willing to buy it this is a good story with everything you want from an exciting suspense/romance. These two have plenty of steam and the action and intrigue really kick in. As one book it will keep you entertained from start to finish and yeah there are enough twist to keep you wondering and happy at the end. As 3 books you can't really appreciate the story or the action in my opinion it cheats both the author and the reader. Would I read this author again? Yes I would but I would also pay attention to the page count on her series.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Protocol is the final book in the Protocol series, so guess what?! YOU MUST READ Against Protocol (Book 1), and Broken Protocol (Book 2) FIRST! This is the conclusion, and answers all the questions, not to mention, kind of picks back up where Broken Protocol left off after a bit of history for a Prologue. Lia thinks Cruz betrayed her, and is on the run, thinking she is in danger from him, so is she right? So yeah, this is the most explosive one yet. More action, more twists, more heart pounding, and yes, a finale worth all the wait that will leave you dropping all kinds of f-bombs! The brilliant Eden Butler has written a suspenseful political series that knocked my socks off, and I will revisit over & over again! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Amanda McCalip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Protocol brings this amazing series to an end! I am really going to miss reading about these two! These books took you on a roller coaster of different emotions, but left you completely satisfied at the end.

Lia is thrown into chaos and Cruz is on a mission to save her. These two go through so much and go through it so quickly it is unbelievable! I honestly loved every minute of this series. It kept you sucked in from book one to book three and each of these books were sure page turners.

Eden Butler wrote a terrific series and will definitely be one of my "one click" authors from now on!

[Bellereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lia and Cruz are the best America has to offer! If you love political, second chance, thrill/mystery driven, sexified rollercoller rides this trio is the one for you. I was sooo privileged to get all three and I was glad to not be left hanging because it was a can’t be put down page turner. Lia is the former First Lady that still has all eyes on her. Cruz is the secret service agent assigned to protect and defend her especially from the threat that killed her husband. Little does the world know these two have a storied past that cannot be denied. Buckle up for this one!

I voluntarily read an advance reader copies of these books

[Crystal's Book World ~ Crystal Cordova · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 Stars!!

The Protocol series were a series that will have your mind in a tailspin. The fast pace and the drama that is building up with each book. The only thing that is keeping this review a 5 stars was that there are too many lines in between. Maybe that is the way it has to be with Novella's. Once we reached the peak of the drama, it was easily fixed. No more angst, just a solution.

Let's go back to the story line. It was great overall. The characters were outstanding. The chemistry was great, but the underlining was still there. So it is up to the reader to know what is wrong or right. I still need a tad bit more to make that decision. 

[Melissa Schaub · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a conclusion... this series has brought us a ton of scandal, deception, longing and love. It has been up and down the whole time and this book wraps it all together. Lies and secrets are exposed and loyalties are tested.

Lia and Cruz have had more road blocks in their way from college until now...but they are determined to stand strong and stand together. However no one else is willing to let them be happy.

Will they finally get their HEA??

Definitely a series worth reading but you do need to read them in order!

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conspiracy is broken wide open in this fast-paced series finale, and Cruz & Lia's lives hang in the balance. Fighting with the memories of how good their love is and the evidence of what she believes to be the lies Cruz has told her, Lia is running scared. Will the answer come before it's too late?

The entire series was very gripping, with a plot that moved fast, but kept me intrigued and entertained right up to the finale. This three-part series is a quick, steamy read that I definitely recommend.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book/series.

[Falling_with_the_leaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

“Because I silence the noise?” I whispered, the smile gone now from my mouth.
“Because, mami,” he said, fingers dancing over my cheek, “with you, there’s no noise at all.”

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

An awesome conclusion to this series. Cruz and Lia’s relationship was truly intoxicating. They fought for each other every step of the way. Nothing and no one could pull them apart.

[Carolyn Muller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m stuck on this 3 star rating because these three shorts would have made an awesome book if they were combined. I still don’t understand the Authors reasoning. Why the stop and starts. It makes me feel like the Author got stuck and had to leave the characters for a while and then came back to them. This short had it been combined into one book would have been a 5 star read for me.

[Within The Pages Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m stuck on this 3 star rating because these three shorts would have made an awesome book if they were combined. I still don’t understand the Authors reasoning. Why the stop and starts. It makes me feel like the Author got stuck and had to leave the characters for a while and then came back to them. This short had it been combined into one book would have been a 5 star read for me.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending!

Butler gave us a series of shorts with this Protocol series, a new presentation for her and I be!I've it worked in this format. Lia and Cruz travel a winding road to their NEW in this conclusion to story. A quick read with a twist I didn't expect. Enjoy!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Loved the fast paced, suspenseful ending! No spoilers, but you will finally get the answers to every question in your head, including the fate of Lia and Cruz! It's totally swoon worthy, you will no be disappointed!

[Jimmy Oconnor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing ending

Wow I don't even know what to say! You expect stories to go a different way and it didn't go the way I expected. Amazing story of love and finding a way to make it work even if in the eyes of everyone else it's all wrong.

[(the.darkandmoody.reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 - it’s the conclusion to the serial. It was good.

Felt kinda rushed — like it lacked some of the magic that the first 2 stories had going for them. The who, what, when, and why’s were ok. Plot twist was that shocking.

I liked the three stories a lot and completely recommend them.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I had a good time reading these three novels. Sometimes they weren't as in depth as I wanted for the character backgrounds, but the plots were interesting and there were some good steamy and funny moments as well.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the last installment of the protocol. We finally get answers we've been waiting for. And the hea we were hoping was coming. Cruz finally gets to tell his side of the story, and Lia finally can move on with her life. Loved these two together