Protecting Prince

In Midsummer #6

by Jessica Frances

Protecting Prince (In Midsummer, #6)

One movie star. One bodyguard. One seductive attraction. One deadly obsession. One chance to have it all. One shot to lose it all.

Henry:
Falling for your bodyguard is so cliché. I cringe at myself sometimes, but then I just have to look at him to understand. How can you not fall for a man like that? Heroic, smart, stubborn, funny, sexy … how could I ever have resisted?

Bryan:
Falling for your movie star client is incredibly cliché. I have heard of people in my position doing just that and used to scoff at them … but then I got placed as Henry Prince’s bodyguard. Unfortunately, his irresistible charm and undeniably sexy self has claimed me, heart and soul. I have no chance of getting out of this unscathed.

Then just as things begin to get red hot, a stalker from the past escapes with the intent to destroy us both. I won’t let anything bad happen to Henry, but what am I supposed to do when potential danger lurks behind every corner, behind every stranger?

Will our cliché beginning blossom into something more? Or are we destined for the typical Hollywood crash and burn?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Suspense

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2021

About the author

Reader. Author. Book Hoarder. I’m asexual. I believe in human rights. That means BIPOC and LGBT+ people matter and deserve respect and protection. Trans people exist and they deserve every right given to cis people. I believe Palestine should be free and that what is happening to them is genocide. Books are political and if you don’t like hearing that, then you’re likely on the wrong side of history. Sit in your discomfort. Banning books is barbaric and pointless. Strict gun laws save lives. Amplify important and minority voices. Keep reading. Keep learning. Keep trying to do better.

I only have facebook (which I rarely use) and instagram (which I use only slightly more). Any other social media platforms with me on them are impostors.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protecting Prince is book six in the In Midsummer series by Jessica Frances. Jessica has turned me into a full blown obsessed fan girl with this series. I’ve raved time and time again about my love for Conner and Rocky in the first five books. This book focuses on one of the side characters of the previous books. The local movie star, Henry Prince. If you read the previous books, this one takes place one year after the stalker attack on Henry when his body guard, Bryan, was injured.

Henry Prince is one of the biggest movie stars in the world. Henry is out and proud about his bi-sexuality He’s known as a bit of a player and has gone through several body guards before Bryan Stokes came to him. They’ve been together for several years now. Henry is indeed attracted to Bryan and loves to antagonize him. Because Bryan is straight.



Bryan Stokes works for his family’s security firm. He has been with Henry for so long that they can practically finish each other’s sentences. Bryan has never been attracted to a man before. But the longer he has been with Henry, the more he starts to think about him in a way that completely confuses him. He knows he can never give in to his feelings. Firstly, it is against every professional rule to get involved with your client. Secondly, he knows that Henry enjoys the chase. That if he were to give in, then Henry would no longer be interested and it would break Bryan’s heart.



Henry is so misunderstood, even by Bryan, the man that knows him best. He keeps things to himself, shows only what he wants others to see. He has fallen for his body guard, fallen hard. But as far as he knows, those feelings aren’t returned in the least. But when circumstances change, and truths are shared, Henry and Bryan give themselves one night to explore all the chemistry that has been building between them. But secretly, Henry knows that one night will never be enough, because he’s never letting Bryan go.

“I never knew you had such dirty words in your vocabulary. I’ll let you in on a secret…I think you talking dirty to me might be my favorite thing ever. Don’t stop.”



Even though I have met both Bryan and Henry in the previous books, I didn’t really know them. Now I love them both so much. This book was so sweet, swoony, and steamy!! And there is an added bit of danger as well as in all the other books. Bryan was my favorite kind of hero, the gruff, jealous/protective type that will do anything for the person he loves. Henry was so good for him, both challenged him and got him to loosen up some. Together they were perfection.

There is going to be one final book in this series, book seven, Love Fuller’s book. Honestly, I just don’t know what I’ll do without these characters in my life. Jessica Frances has truly given us a gift with this series, characters I will carry in my heart for the rest of my days.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Smashing story! Henry Prince is a successful sexy actor who has a sharp funny bodyguard.
Bryan Stokes, working for his family’s security company, has trouble resisting the delicious man he has to protect with his life, he has to stay professional at all times.
There is a dangerous stalker who already injured Bryan.

Being around each other 24/7 isn’t easy, Henry is always playful and challenging Bryan running around naked and flirting. They’ve seen each other more than once naked, it’s hard to hold back.
The sexual energy is sky high and when Bryan finally gives in, the heat is on. They can’t keep their eyes, hands, and mouths of each other. Feelings are all over.
But life has other ideas for them. A few obstacles are blocking their happiness and one of them is a stalker.

Both Henry and Bryan are great characters I loved them from first sight. Both extremely funny,
and sexually very compatible, but it’s not only that chemistry, they fit on all fronts.
There was a lot of fun and joy. I laughed more than once. Except for the stalker's part, that was serious business.
All written with humor, very smooth and engaging.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful & Delicious MM Bodyguard Romance with Well-Written Background, Glamour, Sexy & Swoon, Heartwarming Emotions, Love, Choices, Dangers, & Gorgeous HEA.
I loved Henry & Bryan so much! I saw this book on Netgalley & it totally intrigued me! This story was so fun to read, DEVOURED it in 4hrs.
#My 1st by Jessica & I'm so going for more! I'll definitely Check out Conner+Rocky's books, they were Awesome here😋.

Henry Prince; Charming & Funny; is a Renowned Bisexual Actor. His Work for LGBTQ community is amazing, I love how passionate he is.
Bryan Stokes; Strong & Smart; works in His dad's Security firm & has been Henry's Bodyguard for years. Bryan Thought he was straight..But Henry brings a new Side of him out..

They both had a fairly normal upbringing if you disregard a few things. Their Attraction has grown into a inferno since they met & Resisting it has been harder each day. Especially since Henry is so flirty & loves to be Naked around Bryan *Chuckle*.

But a Year ago, Henry had a Obsessed Stalker, & with a Reckless plan, they brought him out BUT Bryan got shot. Since then, things have been Same yet Different. Knowing that the feelings they have for Eachother are REAL. But both haven't acted on it. ~Their Bond is so strong❤, I love it. Their Christmas Present Exchange was fun!

But When Old Dangers come close again & Circumstances Threaten Bryan Away from Henry...They finally act on their Feelings!
One night turns to Many, Due to his Dad's order, Bryan's no longer Henry's Bodyguard..But now he's so much more.
So..With the New Bodyguards, Bryan goes with Henry on a Fun & Sexy vacation, as his Boyfriend!
~B Telling his dad that caused Surprises!

They want forever. But Then someone clicks their Intimate Pics & that gets viral..Oh Shit. This causes so much trouble, Their Break up & Sad days (Reasons ALERT!). But Soon they both Re-think their Decisions & after a Nudge from their Family & Friends, were gonna Act on it.
But then Henry's Kidnapped! That were Scary scenes but Bryan was close & Goes to Rescue him, Cue Action! And Gladly The Perp gets caught without major Bloodshed *Fist-pump*.

The Later Scenes were so Swoony as Bryan & Henry confess their Love & worked out their Problems❤ *Yay!*.
And, The Epilogue's So Cute! #Family-Friends-Brunch and...Marriage Proposal! Cue HEA!

I adored the Array of Characters we see here, especially Bryan's Family & Henry's Friends! So excited for what's next in this series😍.
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
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[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted more plot and character development rather than too much of those repetitive scenes.

The writing is good. The characters are fine.

I just wanted a proper story.

Happy read though even when it sounds serious. It wasn't that serious. An easy read.

[My Own Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously wanted to beat my friend Carol to my review, but I'll relish in the fact I beat Lori.
So lemme get to the point.

I fricking floved this book.

I love the Midsummer series and all things Conner and Rocky. Hands down a delightful romance series. Then along comes Henry and Bryan. *boom* done. Conner and Rocky who?

These two - shazam - the chemistry leaps off the page. The duo has been dancing around each other forever, and you get to see a bit of this before they decide to give an r-e-l-a-t-i-o-n-s-h-i-p a try. However, the story centers on the newness of admitting feelings and just know "this is my forever person". But love stories are not fantastic unless there aren't a few bumps in the road.

What I loved about it:
- Henry and Bryan were natural together.
- How Henry helps Bryan through the ropes of loving.
- How Bryan loves Henry beyond measure.

Things to consider:
- It is a series. But I am not sure you NEED to read the others. Yes, there are references you may not get (you know the inside joke) but those are so slight.

Welp there you have it. Carol and Lori are gaga over Conner and Rocky. So I felt like Jessica Frances wrote this story for me. She said "You need a couple to fall hopeless in swoons over." I'm keeping this couple for my own. Yup - I've still not recovered from my happy heart.

Recommendation: Buy It
5 plus stars for a perfect feel-good love story to start your year

[Shirin Rasheed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protecting Prince by Jessica frances is a sweet with bi of a suspense and enjoyable read.

I Really Enjoyed it and Recommend it to all Readers.

[Lori R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really shouldn’t be surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. My love for this author’s writing and storytelling is no secret. If you’ve read my reviews for the other books in this series, you can see it’s obvious. But if you haven’t read my reviews, I will now profess my love and adoration and appreciation, yet again, for this series, its author, for the town of Midsummer, and the amazing characters. SO. GOOD.

Henry Prince and his bodyguard, Bryan, make appearances in the other books in this series. And of course, they were awesome and amazing and deserved their own book. Henry comes across as arrogant and cocky, without a care in the world. He’s an actor who’s often in the public eye, so he has a reputation to uphold - to portray confidence as if everything in his life is perfect. But alas, it is not. He wants to find his true love.

Bryan comes across as grumpy and gruff and unable to let loose and have fun. But he’s a bodyguard, so he has to be the strong, protective, non-distractible tough guy. But even he has his weaknesses. And one major weakness has name of Henry Prince.

Getting to experience Bryan and Henry up close and personal, to finally know their story, and get inside their heads was so. Very. Satisfying. I hadn’t realized how much I needed to KNOW them.

Bryan’s love for Henry was heartwarmingly beautiful.
His confusion about his feelings was cute, his curiosity endearing. His vulnerabilities made him a little sweeter, which made me crush on him even more. Henry’s patience and understanding was absolutely charming and made him that much more lovable.

They were perfect together!!
Their chemistry was pure fireworks that sparked and sizzled and may have melted my Kindle. Their banter was sweet and fun and frickin’ adorable. Not only do they love each other, but they are best friends first. There is so much caring and giving and passion and trust between them. Oh, and lots of smack talk. :) They gave me serious heart-eyes and made me smile constantly. Who knew these two could love so hard? *SWOON*

And can I just say how much I loved Bryan’s filthy mouth?! Wowza. For not having experience with men, he sure had a vivid imagination and some delicious fantasies planned out.

And of course, relationships can have ups & downs, and Henry & Bryan experienced a rough patch. But, have no fear, their love was strong and nothing could keep them away from each other. Everything worked out perfectly and Miss Jessica wrapped this story up in a lovely little bow. 

As with the other books in the series, this one also has some danger and mystery added in. I love the way Ms. Frances keeps us on our toes!

This well-written M/M romance has plenty of humor, tons of steam, and a whole lotta heart. All the feel-good moments I needed and loved. The lampshade part of the story was hilarious and made me snort-giggle. Oh, sweet Bryan, such a lightweight. LOL

From the first page to the last, I LOVED THIS BOOK!!

[Sanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A hot and steamy love story with some great romance. I really liked this book. It was so easy to read. The mc both are wonderful in their own way. The way they go from friends to lovers to soulmates was so beautiful. Fighting from what you love is all that counts.

[Jerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a wonderful series. It’s the first one that doesn’t focus on Connor and Rocky.

Henry and Bryan have an interesting relationship. Henry tends to run around naked at home. Bryan has finally started joining in with the smack talk, thank goodness. Henry is slowly driving Bryan to distraction, who feels guilty for allowing himself to be distracted.

It’s wonderful when they finally give in to the attraction. They make such a great couple before the wrong thing is said. Too bad there’s a threat to Henry just waiting in the wings.

Great writing, even better characters. It feels like you know everyone in town and feel right at home!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Jessica Frances. And I enjoyed it very much.
Henry is a movie star with a dangerous stalker. Bryan has been his bodyguard for a long while. Despite the inherent dangers, they're more like long-term friends. Who both secretly want it to be more.

I really enjoyed meeting these two and the other characters in Midsummer: I think I'll be hunting down the earlier books in the series and hoping to read more in the future.

[C&D Editing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was screaming for this book! Henry always intrigued me in the first five books, and I knew his would make a great story with a dynamic character, and Jessica nailed it!

I have to say that there is a certain part in the book that I did not expect. I loved the unexpected, angsty, torn-in-two twist. The choice for the greater good that really should not have been a choice, but ... you just got to see!

[Jenn Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Midsummer friends and I am so freaking happy about it! It's no secret that I adore everything about this series, yes I'm admittedly obsessed and I loved Henry and Bryan and their story too! We've had the chance to get to know a bit about Henry Prince the movie star as he made friends with Connor in the previous books but now it is his time to truly shine and find love. 


Bryan is Henry's bodyguard, he's been assigned to the star for years and has pretty much managed to avoid his flirty behaviors. He's the stoic serious (straight?) body guard and Henry is the A-list movie star, maybe a bit flighty and carefree. At least that's how it seems. Their dynamic has changed though, after Bryan was shot when Henry's stalker came after him. Bryan is starting to figure out that he has very real feelings for Henry and Henry just wants Bryan. Things get real for these two when it looks like Bryan's assignment as Henry's bodyguard is going to end. They give in to the physical attraction, it's supposed to be one night, but it becomes oh so much more. 


I LOVED these two together, whether it's the lighthearted and fun moments, the intense, deep ones or the off the charts hot ones, it really all comes together perfectly. It's not all sunshine and rainbows though, they face some very real challenges - Henry's stalker is on the loose again, Bryan coming to terms with his sexuality and his family, Henry's career, there really is a lot at stake for these two. They make mistakes and they get hurt, but it also makes them see how much they really care, how strong love is and that makes it all worth it. I've said it with every book but holy moly I FREAKING LOVE MIDSUMMER and this group! 

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

I really think you can get away with reading Protecting Prince as a standalone, but you'll get maximum enjoyment by reading the first 5 books in the series first. 

We met Henry and Brody in book 1 of the series, but it was great getting to know them better here. I really liked that Ms. Frances gave us enough backstory to remind fans of the series of certain events, but didn't really repeat the scenes here, instead focusing on the change in Henry and Brody's relationship. They had amazing chemistry and were great together. I felt that Brody's bi-awakening was done in a very realistic manner, too. It was amazing to see Brody finally give in to his attraction to Henry and see there was more to Henry than what the general public thought of him.

The stalker plotline was well-done, too. I loved the suspense of not knowing when Sam would show up or what he might do. And of course, catching up with Conner and Rocky and seeing Ryder being infatuated with Henry was delightful.

Overall, I think it's pretty safe to say Protecting Prince is my favorite installment in the series. I enjoyed myself immensely reading it. It was fun, suspenseful, hot, sweet, with just enough angst to keep things interesting. Very recommendable!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Protecting Prince is a fabulous bodyguard romance. The sixth book in the In Midsummer series, it probably can be read as a standalone, but it's definitely worth reading the series in order, starting with Stranded.

This is a romance between Henry Prince, a movie star, and Bryan, his straight bodyguard. And it's awesome!

Their story starts with the event that went wrong, as Bryan was shot saving Henry. Fast forward a year, Bryan is healed, and the two men still aren't together. There's plenty of flirting between them, but they just can't seem to take a chance.

Now Henry's stalker is on the loose. Cue the danger and action that we've come to love from this series.

Their story is a GFY one, with first times and plenty of heat. Every moment with these two is just fabulous. They're simply perfect together. From the attraction, to the forbidden romance, to the danger, to the sex. Everything is awesome.

This series is a lot of fun, and I love the author's writing style. It's quick witted, sharp, and full of entertaining characters. She has quickly become a one click author for me.

Protecting Prince is a short, quick read. Jessica Frances excels in combining sweetness and heat with a little action and danger. It's just a fun read.

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a spin off of the In Midsummer series. It is Henry and Bryan’s story. In my opinion I do think you need to read the series in order as we do get a little Rocky and Connor ( not enough lol) and the action plot is carried over from the previous book, plus Henry and Bryan have flirted and tiptoed around each other getting hotter in each book.

Also this one has a lot more sex I thought which is well done but I’d have liked more story. It really picks up around the halfway mark though.
I liked the characters , getting to know more about Henry and Bryan, the action plot that was here is good.

I loved this when series so I recommend it. If you like small town suspense, bodyguards, actors and hot man-sex you will like this. ( not enough lol) and the action plot is carried over from the previous book, plus Henry and Bryan have flirted and tiptoed around each other getting hotter in each book.

Also this one has a lot more sex I thought which is well done but I’d have liked more story. It really picks up around the halfway mark though.
I liked the characters , getting to know more about Henry and Bryan, the action plot that was here is good.

I loved this when series so I recommend it. If you like small town suspense, bodyguards, actors and hot man-sex you will like this.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from Jessica Frances and I really enjoyed getting to know Henry and Bryan. Henry is outgoing, brash, and most of the times it's an image he maintains for everyone else. Thinking Bryan, his bodyguard and close friend, is straight and untouchable doesn't keep him from feeling what he does for the man. Bryan, seeing Henry as a player, doesn't want to give into his feelings for the younger man because if he leaves, which Bryan thinks he will, he won't survive it. Bryan is a caring and lovely man who cares for Henry in the sweetest ways. I loved their story and am looking forward to going back and reading the other books in the series!

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. Protecting Prince was sweet, romantic, some angst, and I enjoyed it from start to finish. Prince is an actor and someone is stalking him. He's in love with bodyguard, Bryan, but he's straight. Bryan is shot saving Prince and Prince feels guilty about it. Bryan has feelings for Prince but knows he can't act on it because he can't sleep with his client. The book has a great flow to it, funny, with likeable characters, there's great chemistry between these two, with some intense moments. I'm looking forward to the book in this series.

[Danna Iuliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I absolutely loved this book. I love mature characters, who make mistakes but own up to them and find solutions. Both Mc s were great, I couldn't pick who I liked more, their banter was so natural and funny. Sure, Prince was totally sexually harassing his employees but that s what the money jar was for 😂 Bryan s dad was all sorts of fabulous, tough but funny and honest too, him and the family adopting Prince so easily was charming.
I ll be skipping the next book since FF is not my thing but hopefully there will be another book with these 2, I just don t feel like I got enough of them. Also, Ryder s love for Prince was ridiculously adorable as was Bryan's reactions😂😂

[Cely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

This was a funny, a bit of suspense series I truly enjoyed. I am looking forward to Love’s story! Hope you guys enjoy it!

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry Prince, one of the biggest actors in the world. Midsummer gives him a small break from his fame. Bryan is the ultimate bodyguard. Big, strong, stoic, and halfway in love with his charge. But that can’t work, ever.

Another sweet story in the Midsummer universe. Henry and Bryan are so good together.

The author has taken all the people that populate her town and made them feel like family (not the insane ones though, they are just wrong). I would recommend this story to anyone who wants a nice love story with a lot of heat and a little bit of action.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute

This was a great look inside the world of Henry Prince. He’s such a free spirited and flirty character, seeing him be serious on occasion was nice. Bryan was so intense but still well aware of what he wanted even when it was foreign to him. Alot more sex scenes than I’m used to for this series. They were definitely hot too.

I can’t wait for Love’s story next. I’ve loved her since book 1.

[Christina Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this 3 stars since I liked the series overall but if I had read this as a standalone I would have given it less.

After all the simmering angst between Bryan and Henry, I was so excited for this book. But it wasn’t what I was expecting, and I was a little disappointed. I have been up and down with this series. The first book intrigued me enough for me to stick with the series, but it missed the mark. That’s how I felt about this book. While reading the book, I honestly thought to myself…hmmm, this seems like it was written at the same time as book one because they feel similar; the author seems to have reverted to the beginning.

There were times the dialog was almost sophomoric and forced between Bryan and Henry. If they hadn’t had interactions in the previous books, this would have not been a complete story so I honestly don’t think this could be read as a standalone. The story felt so rushed and there wasn’t much to it…other than them finally having a sexual relationship that was almost spoiled as soon as it started, and not for a believable reason.

I would consider this a short story that needs some additional work. Most of the character development was done in the previous books so this is almost an add-on to that series and could have been handled in additional chapters there.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars for Bryan the grumpy bodyguard and Henry the flirty superstar

Three and a half stars. While it’s great to get back into the crazy world of Midsummer, AR, this trip into town felt stilted, rushed, and not as solid as the earlier books. Henry’s and Bryan’s voices were not as differentiated, and the humor and craziness associated with Connor only showed up a few times - usually when Connor cameoed, altho there’s a lamp missing Bryan somewhere in Angus’ mansion that Henry likes to talk about. 😊

I’m seriously looking forward to Love and Rian’s story - Love is awesome, and Rian is mysterious. 👍

[Amneris Cesare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well enjoyable but same old same old...

[Star Obimbo]

love isn't rare in my opinion: love is ridiculously easy when you're open to it. But making it work is hard. meshing with another human being is hard.

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

RTC but I keep flip-flopping between 2/3 stars (like the first 2 eBooks in this series. I like them, a candy-floss of a MM romance/crime thriller, but they’re not exactly going to set the world on fire)

***eProof given by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review/reaction***

Last year being the first UK COVID-19 Lockdown, I binge-read the first two books in the IN MIDSUMMER (Stranded & Separated) and while they were light, sweet and fun (sometimes, we all need light and fun, don't we?), they didn't hit the mark the way I wanted them to. They were ok reads, but they couldn't decide whether to be a cosy, romance suspense or something darker.

But the thing that made me stop continuing was Separated's final twist. It felt like it was there to add more drama, a shock twist that you see in a soap opera. And yet... and yet I couldn't seem to let this series go. I kept checking in, wondering if I could come back.

So when I spotted this, I thought "why not?". This book is more a companion novel (Connor and Rocky's romance/story came to an end in the fifth book, Safe. Though we still see them but they are now more side characters) as two side characters come to the forefront. Henry the film star and his bodyguard, Bryan.

And this is nice. We have a bodyguard/client romance, a bisexual awakening, an M/M romance from two bisexuals and, in case you thought that was all too light and fluffy, a stalker storyline with a dollop of kisses/sex scenes.

And it's nice. It's easy. And yet... and yet, the issues I had when reading the previous instalments are still there. I wanted more from them and yet, it just wasn't there.

This is fun series and I could probably very easily blitz them one summer holiday by the pool (when we are allowed to go on holiday aboard again!), but it's not knocked my socks off compared to other MM romances I've read the past 12 months [such as [book:Caulky|53285761] or Against Fate to name two).

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7. Shorter.