Persistent Protector

Cocky Hero Club

by Barbra Campbell

With little more going for me than a lenient judge who assigned community service hours instead of jail, I had to get my life under control.
That meant distancing myself from friends who weren’t ready to come clean.
Fulfilling the mandated service hours at the animal shelter occupied my spare time and gave me a sense of purpose—a belief that I could do good in the world. And while the pseudo-friendship I’d developed with the shelter Director helped, it didn’t fill my loneliness.
Because my life options rarely presented themselves in a timely or convenient manner, I found myself torn between two dating prospects. One had pulled himself up from a sordid past, just as I was trying to do. He offered comfort and understanding, and didn’t balk at being my first ever committed, exclusive relationship.
The other guy made my heart happy, my legs weak, and elicited a flurry of sexual thoughts, but came along one commitment too late. Or were those the reactions of my usual non-committal self, believing the grass was always greener on the other side?
The more I learned about the new people in my life, the more I learned that first impressions shouldn’t always be trusted.
Everyone had a past.
Everyone had a mission.
And like usual, luck wasn’t on my side.
Untangling the good from the bad could mean risking everything.
But for once, I wasn’t only worried about myself. The result of my actions could bring harm to the closest person I had to a friend, the Director of the animal shelter, and her ridiculous pet goat.
Could my past prove useful for unraveling the deceit and lies crafted by the man I’d let into my heart? And would my actions ruin the best chance I’d ever had at finding true love?
Doing the right thing wasn’t my forte, but there was no time left to

125 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2021

About the author

Barbra Campbell writes dirty-sweet romance because she gets a kick out of helping couples overcome problems as they fall in love, even if it’s her fault they have problems in the first place.
After pursuing degrees in Genetics for nearly a decade, she realized the ‘chemistry’ of romance was a lot more fun to write about than the biochemistry of how our bodies work. She shared her stories with the world, was a finalist in a bunch of romance contests, and traded her lab coat for a laptop.
All of this was done with her college sweetheart by her side. He helps her pursue the HEA on a daily basis, even when she has her mind on sexy book boyfriends and cover models.
When Barbra’s not writing, she’s likely to be taking a walk, petting one or more of her many animals, or playing the cello! Visit BarbraCampbell.com for more.

Golden Heart Finalist
Sexy Scribbles Finalist
Hook, Line, & Sinker Finalist

Reviews

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU / AUDIO



Mia is trying to stay on the right side of life now that a judge has given her leniency in the form of community service at Aubrey's (from Cocky Bastard) rescue shelter. So why does she jump at the chance with the first questionable guy she meets? And then there's the Grant, the gorgeous sweetheart she meets while driving for her rideshare job. She can't stop thinking about him even when she starts seeing Devon, the questionable guy she met at the shelter. Should Mia listen to Aubrey's advice that something is off about Devon? Will she continue to see Grant even after she finds out what he does for a living?



I really like Grant and was rooting for Mia to pick him from the time he was introduced. Mia's struggle with her insecurities, with being a better person made for interesting reading, and I like how much she had grown by the end. This is a quick read with a little suspense, a sweet, protective hero and a great heroine trying to be a better person. All in all, a great addition to the Cocky Hero Club.



ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you are trying to get your life back on track but sometimes things do not always go as planned.

Mia is completing her community service as part of her sentence at an animal shelter and has become friends with the owner Aubrey. She was also a ride-share driver and food delivery person. Things were doing well until Grant steps into her car one night. He is on her mind consistently but she doesn't see him again. Devon walks into the shelter and seems to be taking a liking to Mia but the Aubrey has some misgivings about him. Devon kept asking about Aubrey and seemed to be more interested in Aubrey, who is married, than Mia. Mia and Devon start a relationship but keep away from the physical aspect of it. What could be keeping her from taking this next step? What happens when she sees Grant again? Will her draw to Grant be stronger than her feelings for Devon? What happens when she finds out about Devon's past?

This is a sweet short story that was enjoyable to read. Barbra has you feeling for Mia and the way that she is determined to change her life around.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to this amazing series. Mia is sentenced to do community service, which she does at Aubrey’s animal shelter, who with her crazy pet goat, becomes a great friend to Mia. Mia is a little lonely having had to cut ties with her supposed friends, and the only friend she has is Aubrey. When Devon comes into the shelter to adopt, she recognizes that they are kindred spirit, and he understands her past. Mia has a job as a Uber driver as well as she meets who is a customer, and he intrigues her, but what will he say when he finds out about her record? This is a well written story which is filled with lies, deceit, twists, suspense, and emotions, which all leads to an entertaining and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbra Campbell's Persistent Protector, a standalone in the Cocky Hero Club, is a brilliantly written, mysterious, steamy romance. Mia is a wonderfully developed, complicated character, who in her quest to turn her life around after a shoplifting arrest, finds herself involved with two different men. Devon shares a past like hers and she feels he understands and can accept her, while Grant is seemingly out of reach - yet he keeps crossing her path and makes her question everything. Traveling Mia's journey with her is an engrossing, emotional event and made this book completely un-put-downable. My favourite Barbra Campbell title to date!

I received an ARC for this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia is trying her hardest to get her life together. After making bad decisions after bad decisions it's time to right the wrongs. She's not just learning about herself, but others around her as well. When she meets a guy that makes her heart pitter-patter she knows that nothing can happen even though she wants it to. But she also meets someone who is just there with her and to pass the time. When the one guy keeps coming back into her life she knows it's time to listen. She wants to be better for herself and him. Can she learn and grow? Or will the one she doesn't want get in the way? A life lesson to the purest.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the help of Aubrey, Mia is determined to use the time that the court sentenced her to volunteer at the animal shelter to turn her life around. While working there she meets Devon who seems to be a kindred soul when it comes to cats and a relationship develops.

She also works as an Uber driver to make ends meet which is how she meets Grant who is enchanted by her from their first meeting. He arranges ride shares to see her again but when one wants to harm and the other wants to help will she make the right choice?

Romance, intrigue and a woman trying to overcome her past by making better choices in the present.

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok read.

Mia is trying to sort out her life, volunteering at Aubrey's shelter and uber on her spare time. Her character was hard to connect to, I appreciate what she is trying to do with her life but the addition of Devon’s character wasn’t my favorite. I do see where she has chemistry with Grant and enjoyed how they are connected in the end. Overall a good read with 3.5 stars, but not my favorite of the authors work.

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a great book. I really liked that this book was a little longer than what Ms. Barbra normally writes. Mia is trying to better her life and move on from the past. Grant is only supposed to a fare from Mia's second job but he keeps showing up and she can't seem to get him out of her head. Mia has someone interested in her but her head and feelings keep revolving around Grant. I really enjoyed the drama, intrigue, suspense, and great HEA. I would recommend this book and Ms. Barbra as an awesome author.

I received a free e-book copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc for my honest review.

This book was the first of the Cocky Hero books that I’ve read, but I did read the Cocky Bastard books that inspired the series. And this book did a great job capturing the vibe of the originals. I enjoyed revisiting Chance and Aubrey and of course Pixie. My only slight complaint was that it was only single point of view, and I prefer the dual point of view.

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know what to say other then I just couldn't connect with this book. It's not very long, so I thought nice quick simple read. It didn't work out that way for me....
I can't even give a reason why I couldn't connect really. Just something about this book didn't pull me into the story I guess?

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Mia's ruminations about her life, of trying to find herself, of becoming a better person; and in between are two men in her life, one seems to be obsessed with her boss, the other persistent in pursuing her.

I actually liked Grant, he is very persistent. I liked his ingenuity in pursuing Mia. And his words of declaration to Mia, that was so sweet. He loves Mia.

In the end, all is right in their world.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet Mia at Aubrey's shelter where she is trying to fix her life. I had a hard time connecting with her although I felt the connection she had to Grant once they meet again. I couldn't find myself to care about Devon and had a hard time connecting to the story at the beginning. While the story moves quickly, doesn't drag and has steam, which I love, I felt as though I was missing something in the story.

[Amy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will say that the story has some twist & turns that are a pleasant surprise. I loved Mia and felt sorry for he having to be all alone and having no one to turn to. A well written story that is intense with great characters. A hit for me!

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia was a mess, Grant was a protector. Add them together and you have a pretty good story.
I have not read the main story that this comes from, and I am intrigued about it. I wished Mia would have had more confidence in herself.

[Donna Purcell Zappone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read that keeps you enthralled in the book from the first page to the last.
A great addition to the cocky hero series.
My suggestion: great quick book to bring on your day trip to the beach or lake.

[Rachel - Read with Rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I’ve read from this author and I will definitely read her again. This was a quick novella and overall I enjoyed it. I’m a big romantic suspense fan and enjoyed that aspect of this book.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story and it kept me turning the pages. Mia has had a troubled life but it trying to get it straightened out. What happens when she meets Devon? Loved their connection!

[Wild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!!!

Why Amazon insist on 20 words for a review via kindle, I don't know. Especially when I just want to say that I really enjoyed this book.

[Bookcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author for me. Yeah! Aubrey is in this one 🥰 Really enjoyed this! Second chances, hard lessons and wishful thinking.

[Corrinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trying to find one love is hard enough but to pick between two ? Mia had her work cut out for her to choose Between Grant and Devon, she thinks one is Up her alley and the other one too good for her .. or is he ?

[evieo17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok read. I didn’t much care for Mia. I get she has issues but she too the enjoyment out of the book.

[Lauren Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story. I enjoyed reading about Mia as she tried to become a better person. The story was enjoyable and I loved reading about these characters and their story.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun quick read
Mia is doing her best to live her life. Always on her own with no one to lean on or trust.. She ends up at Aubrey's animal shelter to work off some community service. This is where she meets Devon. Against Aubreys warning Mia continues to see Devon. During one of her other jobs driving people around she meets Grant. From the moment he comes into the picture you'll be rooting for him. He does everything he can to see Mia. This book takes a twist you don't quite see coming. It will have you turning the pages wanting to know what's going to happen next. I enjoyed this quick read and how it intertwined with the original series.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia is serving her community service hours at the shelter that Aubrey manages. She feels like finally she is doing something good with her life and has given up her old friends in the change. She meets Devon when he comes into the shelter and finds a kindred spirit. He understands her past and seems to like her. Grant is a ride share customer who intrigues her like no one ever has. Can she make smart choices or will she destroy her new found purpose?

There was just something about Grant that had me rooting for him from his first appearance. Kind of agreed with Aubrey's gut on Devon even with nothing specific. Loved that Mia was working so hard to fix her life despite her doubts at every turn. This was a fun read with a little twist of suspense. I am new to Barbra Campbell and really enjoyed her writing style. The story pulled me from the beginning and I nearly finished it in one sitting. A great addition to the Cocky Hero Club World.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Devon & Aubrey's book. It was an entertaining read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia is sent to Aubrey's animal shelter to fulfill her community service commitment and she's enjoying what she does there. She meets a guy who comes in to adopt and she likes what she sees. Aubrey on the other hand has her radar going off big time, there is just something about Devon that just doesn't sit right with her. She voices her concerns to Mia, and Mia does listen....to a point, and there are incidents that kinda concern her, and she is questioning if she really wants to be with Devon, especially when while working one of her other jobs as an Uber driver she meets Grant, and he lights up her world!! She can't stop thinking about Grant, especially when there are things that Devon does that make her question her decision to see him in any capacity, but she doubts her self worth, and believes Grant is wayyyy out of her league, and once she finds out what Grant does for a living, that feeling is amplified. So what will happen when Grant finds out she has a record? Will it matter....and what about Devon....Y'all are just gonna have to read this awesome book to find out allll the things!!!

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable fast paced book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Mia is looking to be a better person and meets Grant in her Uber. She gets caught up with someone else but in trying to be better she just isn’t feeling it and Grant always seems to be in her mind. They keep meeting and things progress but this other someone is still a problem. This book was delightful and it didn’t disappoint. This book is part of The Cocky Hero Club but can be read as a standalone. I received this book as an arc for my honest opinion.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has pulled us into the life of Mia and does not let go. The story keeps us involved as Mia tries to become a better person

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.