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Watchdog Protector #1

Protecting Harper

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Michael “Flint” Gray is a Navy SEAL forced into retirement by a personal secret that could shorten his life and trap him in a nightmare. A former teammate gives Flint a new lease on life when he offers Flint a job in Colorado with Watchdog Protectors, a security company with its own secrets. Flint has the chance to meet and learn from Tex Keegan for a week while the computer genius and his wife Melody are visiting—Tex for work and Melody for a much-deserved vacation. Flint is no stranger to Colorado. It’s where he met, loved, and lost the woman of his dreams ten years ago.



Harper Marling knows she’s a dead woman walking. Her charming narcissist ex-husband has done his best to ruin her life from the minute she reached for freedom. Now, she’s on the cusp of taking down the powerful multi-millionaire and reclaiming her life, if she can keep her plans a secret. Blackballed from her job as a medical researcher, Harper’s just taken a temporary job with Watchdog Protectors when she runs into the man who broke her heart a decade ago. Harper isn't sure if she’s ready to love again, but Flint gives her a reason to try as he stirs a slumbering passion deep inside her.



James isn't done trying to destroy Harper. If he can't have her, no one can, let alone a retired SEAL-turned-bodyguard. Can Harper trust Flint, Tex, and Watchdog Protectors to have her six? Or will James’ deadly game of cat-and-mouse end Harper’s life—in service to a darker purpose?



Protecting Harper is the first book in the Watchdog Protectors Series which branches off from the Watchdog Security Series by Olivia Michaels. Each book can be read as a standalone with an HEA but they do have reoccurring characters.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 9, 2021

563 people are currently reading
137 people want to read

About the author

Olivia Michaels

20 books92 followers
Olivia Michaels is a life-long reader, dog-lover, gardener, and a certified beachaholic. When she’s not throwing a Frisbee for her fur-baby, harvesting tomatoes, or writing, you can find her playing in the surf, kayaking, or kicking back on the sand and cracking open a romantic beach read.

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5 stars
518 (59%)
4 stars
244 (28%)
3 stars
91 (10%)
2 stars
15 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Jo West.
388 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2022
Good read

I really enjoyed this book, enough that I'm now planning to go and buy Watchdog Security books. This story has it all !
Profile Image for Marie.
4,984 reviews52 followers
March 11, 2021
Direct hit. Straight to his heart.

What do you do when the one that got away stumbles back into your life and needs help? If you are Flint you drop everything and she becomes the new mission of course!
It's a little heartbreaking that outside forces ripped Flint and Harper apart ten years ago, but they did need that time to grow and find themselves...is this their second chance at first love? Or will the psychopath with his sights on Harper kill them both? If they survive him will Flint's biggest fear be realised and rob them of the future they dream of?
Harper has learned the hard way that her ex will never let her go, not content with destroying her physically or professionally, he is now out to destroy her mentally too! Gas lighting her, tracking her and setting her up to take the fall for his crimes.....this book will send chills down your spine at the lengths he will go to to destroy Harper, thank goodness for Flint, Kyle and of course Tex and Gina! I love that this spin off has some crossover and has characters we already know and love. This is a dramatic start to the series and leaves you eager for more from the team.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,195 reviews32 followers
November 28, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed Protecting Harper, so much so that I'm planning on reading all of the Watchdog Security series before I move onto Protecting Brianna. I loved all the cast of characters and was especially pleased the Tex Keegan played a prominent role in this story. Michael "Flint" Gray gets a second chance to right a wrong with the only woman he's ever loved, Harper Marling. He messed up big time ten years ago so he's got lots of atoning to do. He has a huge secret though and once she learns it may be too little, too late. Harper's in the middle of a very contentious divorce and her soon to be ex is a controlling, maniacal egomaniac who's definitely not on the up and up. She knows it but now has to prove it. Finally trusting that Flint, Tex and the Watchdog Protectors have her back, they all work together to take down and free her from her ex. Meanwhile, Flint and she rekindle their love, reveal their secrets and look forward to a future.
Profile Image for Deanie Nelder.
1,131 reviews21 followers
August 25, 2021
Former college sweethearts Michael "Flint" Gray and Harper Marling were in love once upon a time, but hadn't seen each other for years when they reconnect at the offices of Watchdog Protectors. Her soon-to-be-ex-husband is out to kill her, and blame her for his crimes, and has the futuristic tech to do it -- but he doesn't count on Harper having Watchdog Protectors, including Flint, on her side.

This is a very good romantic suspense novel, with a good balance between the romance and the action of the plot. The characters are interesting, and Susan Stoker's Tex is used in a great way (since Harper's husband is using advanced computer technology, he's an appropriate character to include). The plot is a little unrealistic, but still a lot of fun. Olivia Michaels is one of the best writers in the Operation Alpha world.
Profile Image for Madm007.
1,154 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2021
Excellent Fast-Paced Suspenseful Romance

I honestly dk where to begin, except read it. It truly is phenomenal with more secrets, twists, hotness, and love.
A second chance romance fitting so well into this spin-off series, located in Colorado. Harper's X is a meniacal egomaniac, and that's putting it mildly. He's pure evil and she's got something on him. He's out to stop her with or without collateral damage. What she doesn't know is, where she's boarded her horse for years has turned into a compound with many different "hats". Enter Michael or call name Flint, a blast from her past who never really got over her--whole other story here too, and included!
This is a crazy, fast-paced roller coaster of a journey. Page-turning action, excitement, mystery, futuristic control (maybe not so future to it), and heat. Emotions run the gamut.
A stand alone for sure, but I think all the rest of Ms. Michaels's reads are just as strong as Protecting Harper, with a few Cameos included as well.
3,537 reviews14 followers
August 8, 2022
Protecting Harper is a spectacular romantic suspense by Olivia Michaels. Ms. Michaels has crafted a well-written book that kept this reader glued to the book from start to finish. Harper is running from her husband, carrying secrets with her. Flint is shocked to find Harper has just been hired on as temporary help for Watchdog's kennels. Flint and Harper's story is loaded with drama, humor, sexy bits, action and suspense. I loved every page of this book and can't wait for my next Olivia Michaels book. Protecting Harper is book 1 of the Watchdog Protector Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.

I read a print copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,062 reviews
March 23, 2021
3.5 stars from me. I felt there was too much of another couple - Kyle and Arden - in this book. It seemed like it was both of their stories and Flint and Harper got short changed a bit. That was my only real issue with the book. It was a good story, very interesting. I liked the characters and it was nice to see Tex and Melody in this one.
Profile Image for Delaine Mclafferty.
511 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2021
Read it.

Harper needed to get away from her ex and make sure that he didn't hurt anyone. If she can stay one step ahead and prove what he's done before he takes her down. Flint finds the woman he lost back in college. He needs to help her and keep her safe. God, he loves this woman but can or will she love him back? It's always fun book when you have Rex involved solving the impossible. Good book.
454 reviews
April 6, 2021
Flint and Harper

When I saw that Tex was going to be in this, I knew this was going to be a great read. This is a true heartbreaker when you read about the abuse that Harper went thru. Then we see how Flint is with Harper and how they knew each other a decade ago. When I realized Flint is a computer geek, I'm already wondering if we have a Tex Jr. coming up.
115 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2021
Love, dogs and intrigue

Love this book! Harper and Flint are an awesome couple. I love that Tex and Melody and their fur baby are in the book as well. Lots of cool technology, interesting health information and a love from the past reignited. I can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Heather.
193 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2021
Harper & Michael

Protecting Harper is the first book in the Watchdog Protector series by Olivia Michaels as part of Susan Stoker’s Special Forces world. Harper and Michael used to be a couple years ago. They meet up when interviewing for different jobs with Kyle and Arden. Kyle is running a branch of Watchdog Securities. Arden is running her Animal Therapy Centre. What I liked about this book was how much Tex and Melody Keegan were involved throughout the story. Their children had been left with Wolf and Caroline. One of the funny comments was Melody saying she was buying souvenirs to take back to bribe Wolf and Caroline to give back their children. Which is another way of saying they were comfortable leaving their children in their care as they would be well taken care of. Plus the children enjoyed staying there. Trigger Warnings: Rough divorce where Harper was disadvantaged financially and emotionally by her almost ex husband.
1,356 reviews
March 16, 2021
This book is a great start to a great new series. This is more than former seals training special dogs for security and military, more than old loves reconnecting, more than corporate espionage and sneaky computer skills. It is all that and more. Smoke and mirrors. Wow. A page turner -- just wow. I loved it and am eagerly looking forward to more of this series.
Profile Image for Anna.
214 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2021
Love Protected

Olivia Michaels is a new author for me, and she had me from the first page. The way she written the book is new to me in that she covered all the characters involved and still the focus on the main characters in the spotlight. I LOVED that!!!!
Now, I had to get her other books so that I can get to know her Watchdog team of guys and gals slot better❤❤
Olivia is an awesome writer and I will love to keep getting and reading her wonderful books❤
Profile Image for Iris Hehe.
701 reviews9 followers
March 12, 2021
Good read

Flint knew Harper from college. They had been room mates and lovers. They hadn't seen each other for 10 years but one look an they knew they were still in love. Harper was trying to divorce her husband, but he was trying to gas light her. Flint could tell it was getting to Harper, but he was trying to help her.
Profile Image for Pam.
4,624 reviews66 followers
August 30, 2021
Protecting Harper: Special Forces: Operation Alpha: Watchdog Protector Book 1 is by Olivia Michaels. This is the first book by a new author for me. I found her book to be quite interesting and easy to read and relate to.
Kyle McGuire and his fiancée Arden Volker live on her ranch in Colorado. Kyle is starting Watchdog Protectors on the ranch along with a dog training school. He is working alongside Arden with her animals and her helping in the training area. He has hired his friend Flint to come out and help with both the ranch and as computer expert for the company. He is due today as is Ted Keegan, the guru of computers. Ted helps a number of operations like Kyles in their investigations. He and his wife are due at the ranch for a vacation and for Ted to meet Flint as they will be working together for a while. Arden’s friend Harper is also coming for an interview to help with the dog training and to help Arden out. No one realizes that they will all be coming together to stop Harper’s soon-to-be ex-husband from harassing and even hurting Harper. It definitely starts Kyle’s new business off to a quick start.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,275 reviews6 followers
October 20, 2025
No more secrets

Michael “Flint” and Harper’s story is a second-chance romance with a dangerous twist. They walked away from their grad school relationship due to a mutual misunderstanding, but now, years later, emotions still burn hot—and Harper’s life is in danger. Flint’s secret, meanwhile, threatens his future and their chance at happiness.

The danger they face blends high-tech threats, corporate espionage, and hints of national security intrigue. I loved seeing my favorite Stoker character, Tex, play a big role—solving the tech mysteries, giving emotional support to Flint and Kyle/Pup, and adding his signature humor.

The story is well-detailed and filled with colorful side characters I hope get their own books. Dog lovers will especially enjoy the mix of trained, military, and rescued K9s throughout. Flint and Harper work through their past and present struggles toward a well-earned HEA, and the ending teases the next story with a laugh-out-loud meet-cute that left me smiling.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
November 27, 2023
SEAL Michael ‘Flint’ Gray knows he can’t keep his secret problem secret much longer and hopes his friend Kyle McGuire won’t fire him when he finds out. Medical researcher Harper Marling has been terrorized by her ruthless, cruel, corporate raider ex, James, for over a year, her therapist Arden, Kyle’s partner, is one of the few that believe her. College sweethearts Flint and Harper are stunned to see each other there and to learn they’re both starting with Watchdog Security.

IT guru, Tex Keegan’s due any moment to check Flint’s skills but in light of Harper’s problem, one Flint, Arden and Kyle witnessed and the fact James has already caught Watchdog’s attention, plus James is using innovative technology Tex hasn't seen, the chase is interesting to all three men and a test for not only Flint, but Tex as well!
Rating: 4.5stars
1,914 reviews5 followers
September 4, 2021
Flint is very surprised to see Harper again. They used to room with a couple of others and had a brief relationship. Harper left after a misunderstanding. Now here they are again.
Harper is being blackmailed by her soon to be ex. She is hiding evidence against her ex. Flint is dealing with a tremor in his hand and doesn't think he is good enough but the attraction is still there and building.
Tex and Melody are visiting. Tex is there to check out Watchdog. He ends up helping with the investigation.
When her ex threatens one of her co-workers, she goes to him. Will the guys get there before it's too late? Will her and Flint finally tell each other their secrets?
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.2k reviews537 followers
June 4, 2025
Harper's life is a hot mess at the start of this one and you can tell pretty quickly it isn't due to her own actions. She's lucky enough to know Arden and Kyle and they help her out more than what was originally thought. Harper's connection to Flint is interesting, more so when you know why they broke up in the past. What a waste on both their ends, wished they could have talked back then. I do love that Flint stepped up to help Harper in the present no questions asked.

The ending to this one was so satisfying! I loved that Harper got to turn the tables on her ex! Now she and Flint can focus on their lives and being happy.
Profile Image for Karyn.
234 reviews
June 2, 2021
Very good

Did enjoy this story

Flint is starting a new job with a old work buddy when he bumps into the other new hire - his ex Harper. Turns out she’s got herself into a bit of trouble in the form of her soon to be ex husband. James is making it his mission to discredit and gaslight Harper at every turn. Lucky for her the team have her back and dont suffer fools gladly,

This was a nice wee read, did enjoy it. Would like to see maybe a wee short story written about Flint and Harper after all the drama.
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,118 reviews8 followers
December 30, 2023
Protecting Harper

Another FANTASTIC story by Olivia! This is basically a second chance love story for Flint and Harper! Harper was having a very bad experience with her ex-husband. Flint started his new job with Kyle and Harper just happened to be there at the same time. That is how their romance started after ten years apart. After the horror that Harper went through, she got satisfaction knowing her ex was in jail. So glad this couple got their second chance at love and happiness. FANTASTIC job Olivia! I would recommend this book!
742 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2025
Harper and Flint

I must say that this was a good story, interesting characters and good pace. But there were many moments I did not totally understand what was going on. One question is how some of the characters got their nicknames.

It was good that Harper and Flint did not spend this journey pushing each other away or fighting too hard to not be together. They both did a bit of I’m not good enough which is more often than not irritating.

Great ending for Harper — her ex in prison and her future with Flint bright! I’m intrigues by the next book…
Profile Image for Terra Oenning.
3,492 reviews
September 18, 2021
Brock "Badager" Jones was hired on for Watchdog for security and was there enjoying time on the lake and finds a violin case and when confronted by Brianna Taylor ,but when someone is after her can he keep her safe? This book was absolutely fantastic and will have you enthralled from the beginning until the end and the storyline flowed throughout the book and I absolutely needed tissues at the end of this book. Bravo well done.
50 reviews
May 10, 2021
Very good!

I especially enjoyed this book for the change up in plot. I always enjoy a book where Ted makes an appearance, however, this story goes beyond what we normally see from star crossed lovers, and give
s us an extra plus with a little corporate espionage. I thought it had it all!
1,431 reviews12 followers
September 13, 2021
Fabulous storyline and great characters. Some heroes from former Operation Alpha books make appearances and it was great to “see” them once again. High tech chips and equipment make the story exciting. Special dogs, both former military and family pets, are part of the book. I loved Flint; knowing this, he is my hero. This book is a great start to a new series.
Profile Image for v'sreadingjourney.
4,483 reviews
February 18, 2023
​​
Method: ebook
Rating: 4/5 stars
H rating: 4/5 - Michael
h rating: 4/5 - Harper
Drama: 3/5
Thoughts: Really liked this, will look into more from this author.
511 reviews
May 12, 2021
Protecting Harper by Olivia Michaels

If you are looking for a good read read this book. This story has a little bit of everything for anyone that enjoys alpha males and heroic females.
Profile Image for Laurie Gyd.
1,959 reviews9 followers
May 15, 2021
Suspenseful romance

Tears rolled down Harper’s cheeks. “No, Michael. You have no idea. You’re just being selfish again.” Her eyes went wide in surprise at the words that just flew out of her mouth.
299 reviews
June 13, 2021
Protecting Harper

This book by Olivia Michaels was very good. It had all the suspense and intrigue you could ask for in a good thriller. Through in a little loving which makes it the perfect story. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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