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Some temptations are just not worth the complication.

Victoria Hollingsworth does not need a surly, uncommunicative bodyguard cramping her style, following her everywhere, and intimidating any would-be male callers. She's a florist for goodness sake, not a princess or a pop star. Having a massive, mysterious bodyguard always hovering is an inconvenience. And yet... there he is, Tyler Chambers, her unwanted protector, ultra-serious, no-nonsense, and off-the-charts hot. Vicki doesn't want, or need, him as a bodyguard. Yet, disturbingly, he may be everything she wants, and needs, in a man.

Ty hates his current long-term assignment. It's mind-numbingly tedious. Vicki Hollingsworth is a pain in the butt who talks too much, laughs a lot, and frequently tests his patience. And her life isn't exactly filled with intrigue and action. Ty is ready for this job to be over. He has a couple of months left before reassignment. So close to being out of here he can taste it. The last thing he needs is to suddenly find his cute-as-a-button charge irresistibly attractive. She's not his type. Wholesome, adorable, and sweet, Vicki is the kind of woman who needs long-term commitment. And all Ty has to offer is a few short weeks of far-from-wholesome pleasure.

How much chaos can one little florist introduce into his regimented life? Ty is about to find out.

528 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 2021

137 people are currently reading
542 people want to read

About the author

Natasha Anders

22 books3,179 followers
Since making her publishing debut in 2012, Natasha Anders has drawn praise and attention as a unique voice in romance. Montlake author and 2018 RITA® Finalist, Anders was born in Cape Town, South Africa. She spent nine years as an associate English teacher in Niigata, Japan, where she became a legendary karaoke diva. Anders currently lives in Cape Town.

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5 stars
184 (31%)
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206 (35%)
3 stars
144 (24%)
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36 (6%)
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14 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️.
2,064 reviews35.9k followers
December 31, 2021
I love Natasha Anders and I love picking up her books.

This was a sweet read and I enjoyed it; however, I will say that I didn't feel like the main couple had any chemistry - which is completely subjective and might not be your experience.

That said, I had fun reading this and always look forward to more from the lovely Ms. Anders.

***ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Claire.
2,323 reviews738 followers
October 21, 2021
4 - "I don't do feelings and shit..." Stars!

Being the second book in the (Un)Professionally Yours series I was already aware of Vicki Hollingsworth as she played a part in the first book as a secondary character. Her older brother Miles being centre stage in The Best Next Thing. And if you are into all things slow-burn, with a little dash of the forbidden then her story; Protect Me Not will be right up your street, and can absolutely be read as a standalone.

"I’m sorry I always make things so hard for you…"

However, if you are familiar with the authors earlier works where she perfected the asshole-you-love-to-hate characterisation, then bodyguard; Tyler Chambers is a guy you are going to love, because he definitely has a few of those traits. A hard, closed-off, uncompromising man, with a surprisingly vulnerable underbelly, this is a guy that typifies one of the authors, well honed alpha-holes that you can’t help but love even though they are more than a little bit of a douche quite a lot of the time, through a large part of the story.

"I haven’t had to tie you up yet… But there’s always a first time for everything…"

I liked that this is a pair that grow individually as they navigate the role of being a couple, something one of them is 100% against, from the get-go. Set in London for the most part too, which was a nice change, and the author as always gives the reader a stellar secondary cast of characters, some of which will be familiar to long-time readers, and others who you just know are going to feature in future books as well.

She was rapidly becoming his entire world.

An enjoyably emotional read, which is nothing less than I have come to expect from Natasha’s books and characters.

ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
description
Profile Image for Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ.
1,038 reviews953 followers
October 20, 2021

Yes yes yesssss!
Kiss, Kiss, Kisssssssss!
I’m reading romance for these precious times when an impeding kiss is about to go down and you find yourself literally chanting the kiss kiss kiss mantra at your book, willing the characters to just do eeeet already because the chemistry between them has been driving you insane for much too long.
Protect Me Not certainely delivered in that aspect!

After months being the picture perfect bodyguard Tyler-Ty-Chambers suddenly decides—against his better judgement and despite his damndest efforts—on a more hands-on approach for his charge, Victoria-Vicki-Hollingsworth who didn't wait on his sudden change of heart to let her imagination going places.
Vicki has been harboring all kinds of lusty thoughts Tyler, her barely repressed ogling of the cold, unflappable fantasy of a bodyguard with a southern drawl (Darlin' porn alert!) was endearing and fun to witness on page.

That bodyguard of hers was after all the stuff of dreams: down to his stern "violet" eyes, square jaw, high cheekbones, large shoulders, tappered waist, mysterious tattoos and impeccable suits. He unquestionably deserved all Vicki's ogling. I will only regret his proclivity for uttering the most boring term of endearment for Vicky. In his mouth, "Honey" sounded so alien. I couldn't help but cringe each time he called her that. That being said I have a strong dislike for terms of endearments in general.

Ty finally catches up on the lusty train of thoughts and their chemistry runs its course for the most excruciatingly slow-building romance. That slow burn was painfully GOOD to read.

Opposites attract is such a good fodder for unrequited feels and tug at your heart angst, especially so in this forced proximity setting but I was a little disappointed by how fleetingly that angsty development was exploited. Especially considering how the author made it paramount in the previous books I've read from her.

Protect Me Not tasted super sweet, I adored the slow burn and enjoyed the good natured humor in the dialogues and the supporting cast of friends, family and colleagues but eventually I lost interest a little over halfway through. The third act conflict failed to engage me. Vicki and Ty lost a good deal of their appeal for me once they became an item. The push and pull of their repressed attraction and the illicitness of their first few encounters was what ultimately made the book for me. I loved those moments, it just fizzled out some near the end.
Overall a sweet, light and sexy romance.
3.5 STARS

This book releases October 21st 2021, I received an advanced review copy from the author.

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Profile Image for Beary Into Books.
947 reviews64 followers
December 8, 2021
Rating 3

This book was good. It started out strong and had me invested from page one. However, it started to lose me a few chapters later. I always love a damsel in distress and I love how Ty cares for Vicki but I hate insta-obsession. I understand they have been working together for over a year but it took Ty basically seeing her semi naked body to care for her on a deeper level. After that one night they both were obsessed with one another and I just didn’t understand it. While I do think this book was good, I don’t think it was for me. This makes me sad because I love stories like this and the synopsis sounded promising. I do believe others will enjoy this book, so read it for yourself and let me know your thoughts! The author did a great job with pacing and her writing flowed nicely. I am looking forward to reading more of their books and. i will continue this series.

**Received a copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,293 reviews13.6k followers
December 26, 2021
4 STARS
Some temptations were just not worth the complication.

I love me a good bodyguard romance, and while this one took me a minute to really get into, once I did, I couldn't put it down.

Now usually, I love my bodyguard romance with a touch more suspense. Ty had been assigned to Vicki by her overprotective brother after one break in in her flower shop. Being a top notch professional in the field, Ty isn't exactly thrilled at what he considers babysitting duty. And Vicki is just as thrilled at having a constant baby sitter. Suffice it to say they have a bit of a rough start when Vicki purposely antagonizes Ty in the beginning. You'd think that Ty's sudden waking up 15 months into his charge to realize that he's attracted to Vicki would be somewhat hard to believe, but it just fit.

Natasha Anders writes very character driven stories, and this one was no different. Admittedly it took me about 20% to really get into this story, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. I loved Vicki's sweetness and pure heart in comparison's to Ty's brokenness. After heartbreaking losses, Ty has put up walls around his heart. PTSD and loss will do that to a man. And he feels the only thing he has to offer is a short lived physical relationship with Vicki until his job is officially over and they both move on. He struggles with his attraction to her, but when this slow urn finally explodes, YOWZA! As much as Ty hot and cold, I want you but can't give you anything back and forth drove me nuts, I still loved him. There are so many layers to this man, that you can't help but fall for him with each layer you peel back. Vicki's sweet nature was the perfect balance, and I loved that she wasn't too much of a push over.

Ty goes from cold to hot to back to cold, and I couldn't get enough. It was a slow burn romance full of heart and emotion, and a well deserved HEA that put a huge smile on my face.



ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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Profile Image for Elle ♡ [semi-hiatus].
727 reviews112 followers
December 20, 2021
3.5 stars

Besides the plot being on a shaky foundation: a florist does not need a full-time security detail for over a year after one break-in at her shop (her other brother also has the same and as far as I know nothing scary happened to him to prompt it) I don't care how rich your brother is that's not the solution...
I enjoyed this book. I couldn't decide whether to give it 3 or 4 stars so 3.5 it is. It was fun to see the characters I loved so much in the previous book again and find out what they're up to. Vicki and Ty were cute characters and I mostly enjoyed their romance.

*Slight spoilers*
The premise is Vicki falling for her bodyguard, Ty. Sounds fun. Ty is emotionally unavailable due to unresolved grief and abandonment issues (pretty standard romance hero trope) so when he finds himself lusting after his charge he proposes a fuck buddy situation. Vicki agrees and then pretty quickly decides it's not working for her.

My problem with this book and why it didn't get four stars is because Ty comes back and is like 'okay let's be fuck buddies again but I'll be a little nicer, this will still never be anything real and we still have to end it when my bodyguard detail is over' and stupid Vicki agrees like that's really any different than what they were just doing🙄 Why when Ty had all these revelations and growth was he still so fixated on them breaking things off at a specific date? Why would Vicki agree to the same damn thing twice? I feel like the author couldn't decide which version of fuck buddies she wanted her characters to be so she just did both back to back and it was a bit redundant and too drawn out. I wanted a new angle for their relationship at that point.

Other than that there were really sweet moments, cute side characters that might get there own books (Chance and Colby?) and I enjoyed this reading this one, just not as much as book one.
Profile Image for Lady Heather .
1,310 reviews773 followers
October 23, 2021

Publication Date: October 21, 2021



Once again Natasha Anders has given her readers a story that is well-balanced, with engaging storytelling, strong tension and heightened conflict.

This book is a part of the "(Un)Professionally Yours" Series and can be read as a standalone.
What can I say?
I loved this story!
I loved Tyler and Vicki's story.

It was well developed, engaging and their chemistry was off the charts.



Of course, Ms. Anders's characters have complex layers which she expertly unravels to reveal these incredibly vulnerable, loveable, memorable characters that you just want more of.



I truly enjoyed getting lost in this story for a spell, and I can't wait to read what Ms. Ander's writes next.


"An ARC of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review."
Profile Image for Brianna {Semi-Hiatus}.
176 reviews7 followers
January 10, 2022
Protect Me Not is the second installment in the (Un)Professionally Yours series, but can be read as a stand alone. Charity and Miles from the first novel make an appearance, but the stories are not dependent on each other.

After a break-in at her flower shop, Victoria (Vicki)'s brother is insistent on her having a bodyguard. But, her life is mundane and tedious! And that is exactly what her bodyguard, Tyler (Ty) thinks. He can not wait to be done this assignment and move onto something more meaningful. However, that is exactly when lines start to blur and after an entire year together, they no longer can deny their attraction to each other. Ty is completely closed off and doesn't "do feelings", but Vicki wears her heart on her sleeve. Can these two have a few weeks of "just" sex without it becoming more?

This book was very easy to read (even if it was drawn out for no real reason) and the main characters were pretty adorable. I even loved the side characters (I mean Chance and Colby or Hugh and Jazz HAVE to be the next book right??). That being said, however I do have a few critiques about this book:
- Purple eyes? I mean really? Less than 1% of the population actually have purple eyes
- Ty's PTSD is so prevalent to his character, but the issues felt so glossed over
- What was the deal with this the three degrees of separation bull crap? Sometimes the author would be like "so-and-so's friend's child" or whatever and I just could not follow along with who these people were!
- The use of the nickname "honey" felt so forced every single time

Anyway, rant over! I hope you enjoy this one, but I have to rate it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

A huge thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,092 reviews267 followers
October 23, 2021
I don’t typically like the bodyguard troupe, it’s usually always soo complicated, but I really liked this book! Ty made me really mad a lot, but I’m a picky bitch so that doesn’t matter lol

Also for safety gals: this one is completely safe. He hadn’t been with anyone the whole time he was working with here even before the started liking each other, which was around 15 months I think. I’m not sure how long it was before that but he didn’t come off as a manwhore 🙌🏻🙌🏻and i don’t think the h had been with anyone either since right before he started working for her. Also he’s never been in love before, so don’t worry that that’s why he’s standoffish
Profile Image for Sania.
939 reviews
November 20, 2021
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone

Ages of H and h: Vikki is 28 and Ty is 33

Was There Descriptive Sex:   

Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:  No

>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:

Contains Cheating:

Amount of Sex In The Book: 

HEA/HFN/etc Ending:

Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval: Yes

Any Triggers/Warnings: No

>>Detail: 

Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.

Will You Re-read This Book: No 

Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes


My Thoughts
Really enjoyed this book! Both Vikki and Ty were enjoyable, likable characters to read and I really rooted for them. I especially like Ty, he wasn't too much of a harda*s like some heroes have been lately. I did feel like some aspects of the book were a little 'filler'. Looking forward to the next installment!
Profile Image for Janet.
5,090 reviews64 followers
December 21, 2021
Victoria Hollingsworth does not need a surly, uncommunicative bodyguard cramping her style she's a florist in Kensington for goodness sake, not a princess or a pop star. Tyler Chambers, her unwanted protector, ultra-serious, no-nonsense, and off-the-charts hot. Vicki doesn't want, or need, him as a bodyguard. Ty hates his current long-term assignment. It's mind-numbingly tedious. Vicki Hollingsworth is a pain in the butt who talks too much, laughs a lot, and frequently tests his patience. Ty is ready for this job to be over. He has a couple of months left before reassignment.
A well written easy to read entertaining book, I’ve not read the first book in the series & wasn’t lost so definitely can be read as a standalone. I really liked both Ty & Vicki & enjoyed their road to a HEA. I enjoyed how their relationship gradually changed & developed. This is a long book & I did feel it could have been condensed a little.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
909 reviews
January 22, 2025
Unlike the other books from Natasha Anders, this didn't draw me into the story as the characters weren't relatable. The H is a bodyguard and the h is the sister of the man he is protecting! Since H is essentially violating his work ethics, has no moral integrity as fraternization isn't what the client is paying for is a turn off personally.
The book starts with the h pub hopping and drinking and flirting with random guys and the H carrying her back when she is too drunk to walk. From here I skimmed a chapter or two before skipping to the end. I am sure this is probably going to have the H playing the despicable despot and the h would be a doormat who takes all she can and then they get into a relationship of sorts and then H pulls either a passive move and absents himself or an aggressive one where they figth or a combination of passive aggressive that ends with h asserting herself and HEA.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
1,389 reviews62 followers
December 13, 2021
Client/Bodyguard Romance

I’d probably give this book 3.5 ⭐️ if could.

This is the second book in a series of standalone novels. The plot can be understood without reading the first book in the series, but there are definitely areas in the story where there are gaps if you haven’t read that book. There is no cliffhanger. I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Vicki is a florist in Kensington, London. She has her own business and works very hard to make it on her own. Her older brother Miles (from the first book in the series) is very wealthy and exceedingly protective of his younger siblings. He bought Vicki and their brother Hugh a penthouse apartment in a building partly owned by a security company, because he wants them to be safe. When Vicki was robbed, before the start of this book, Miles insisted that she receive a personal bodyguard. For the last year she has been watched, mainly by Tyler and despite his efforts at remaining distant and professional she is intrigued by him.

Tyler was in the US Marines and when he got out on a medical discharge he came to London to work for a security firm that was owned by someone he worked with on operations overseas. He has no family left, and no friends. He keeps himself isolated from making any connections with anyone because the loss of anyone else would devastate him. He believes loneliness is better than experiencing the pain of losing someone he loves. For the last year he has watched Vicki and despite himself he has grown fascinated by her friendliness, warmth and kindness.

When Vicki gets drunk one evening with her friends, Tyler is forced to carry her home and look after her when she is sick. She makes some comments whilst drunk that make him begin to see her as more than a client and things start to change between them.

This book has a lot of things going for it. It’s filled with passion, longing and hope. It’s also filled with loneliness, emptiness and pain. However, it takes a really long time to get started. It feels like the book could have been written at 2/3rd the number of pages and it wouldn’t have lost anything from the plot or the character development as some points are hammered home a little bit.

Tyler is a sad character that wraps himself in his loss, living in the past and who is scared to face the future. Vicki is one of the few rays of light in his life and he doesn’t trust his own feelings. They are very different characters and the author conveys that thoroughly. I think a large number of people reading this book will find something familiar about it. A lot of people have had relationships with someone who is closed off and determined not to get into anything serious to protect themselves. I feel that there is a little bit of wish fulfilment in this book, where the right woman can change a closed off man because he falls in love with her. Often this is not the case, because being closed off means you can’t connect enough to fall in love. I like that with this book at least the author had other factors helping Tyler want to reconnect with the world, though they were thin on the ground, and it wasn’t just down to ‘the love of a good woman’.

This was an entertaining story, if a little predictable and long-winded, and I enjoyed it. I think if I’d read the first book I might have got more out of it, so if you are tempted by this book, you might want to consider starting there before diving into this one, but it isn’t necessary. I get the feeling that there will be more books in this series because a lot support characters were given extra attention as a lead in. I think they could be interesting to read.
Profile Image for LoveYourShelf (LAB☺).
646 reviews31 followers
December 14, 2021
(eBook provided through Netgalley for honest review; opinions are my own.)

I really enjoyed this! At first I was a bit confused as to why a florist would need a body guard, but the primary incident is briefly explained - a previous armed store invasion and two over protective brothers. This is book two in a series, but can be read as standalone book. I imagine that the original violent incident and her relationship with her brothers was prefaced in book one, which was about Vicki's brother Miles. I did enjoy this book so much that I plan on going back and reading book 1 The Best Next Thing.

I adored Vicki! She took everything in stride and was just fun to read about, with the way she was so bubbly and understanding. She had flaws, and she recognized them in herself. She sometimes was able to do better and other times just admitted she was doing the best she could.

Ty melted my heart. I love a big tough guy getting wrapped around a kind woman's finger. His vulnerability was touching. He knew he had issues, but until Vicki he was fine with just ignoring them and being alone. His issues were mentioned enough that they were not just an excuse for his character to behave like a jerk. We saw many times through Vicki's POV that he was damaged, and until her he didn't want to do better.

I really enjoyed the humor in this book - when they were watching the sappy movie together and Ty did not understand what she was crying about, his POV at that point had me laughing out loud. Both Vicki's and Ty's POV pages had moments like this that were very entertaining.

Ty's efforts to fix himself for Vicki and the groveling at the end were wonderfully written, along with the surprise in the epilogue. I found myself rooting for Ty for the entire last half of the book, which had some very emotional moments.

I'm looking forward to reading book 1 and then continuing with this series when the next book is published.
Profile Image for Jenny.
281 reviews21 followers
December 5, 2021
This is the second book in the series, but functioned well as a stand-alone. The story revolves around Vickie, a woman receiving protection, and her personal bodyguard, Tyler. It’s never made clear what she needs guarding from, other than potential danger at her London florist shop, but the chemistry between Vickie and Tyler is pretty amazing. If you prefer your romances on the steamy side, this is the book for you. The sex scenes are graphic and abundant.

My only critiques of the novel are that Tyler is a bit more of a cold fish than is necessary, and the very important note that one is never an EX-Marine. Someone like Tyler would only refer to himself as a former Marine, or a retired one.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.
Profile Image for Aly.
3,158 reviews
January 3, 2022
This is a cute body guard romance and a pretty easy read. Ty is the big, brooding protector and Vicki is his sweet, caring charge. They definitely had an opposites attract vibe, with Vicki encouraging Ty to let go of some of his past tragedy and start living in the present. I didn't mind them as a couple, but the chemistry was kind of lacking. Also, it seems weird that he would be her bodyguard for over a year with no attraction and then she gets drunk one night and suddenly he wants her.

The pacing was a bit slow and made the book feel a bit long. I was hoping there would be a big kidnapping attempt or some sort of action, but it was more about the drama of Vicki and Ty getting together instead. Overall this was an alright romance and I hope others enjoy it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley for the copy
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,181 reviews17 followers
December 8, 2021
Vicki’s two older brothers were so protective of her, especially her oldest Miles. I admired Vicki because even though her family was rich, she opened her own florist shop to make her own money. I know she had to have been scared when there were some robberies around her, but it had to be overkill to have a bodyguard for her! But then, if she didn’t need a bodyguard she would have never met Ty. I couldn’t believe how Ty almost seemed like a robot and had to be so professional all the time. The more though I learned about Ty’s past I understood better why he closed himself off to everyone. I loved Vicki and how sweet and caring she was. I think she was the best thing to happen to Ty even if he didn’t know it. Their relationship had many ups and downs. I was given a book from NetGallery and voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for Jes.
607 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2023
Okay, this one I remember really clearly. It wasn't great. Unlike the other Natasha Anders book I read, this one doesn't center around the protagonist groveling for something he did at the beginning of the story. Without that basic structure, the story doesn't feel as compelling. And this might be her writing at its corniest. I'm sorry Ms. Ander. I'll read more of your books after I take a little break.
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,474 reviews70 followers
December 17, 2021
3.5 stars

I enjoyed Ty and Vicky's slow-burn romance.

It was obvious it wasn't easy for Ty to let his defenses down. Then there's Vicky who is quite open.

The author takes her time developing the characters. We're taken on a journey through the transition of their relationship, from bodyguard and client to lovers.

If you like strong bodyguards this will appeal
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,507 reviews61 followers
January 2, 2022
3.5 stars for me

This was an easy read. Ty is the good guy bodyguard grump and Victoria is definitely crushing in a massive way. One explosive encounter and he is all in. OTT/JP and definitely plenty of steam. I hadn’t read the earlier book and easily kept up with the story.

I received an arc of this book
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,387 reviews119 followers
December 11, 2021
I would like to thank netgalley and Author Collective 20 for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoyable, I like that the hero's issues are acknowledged and that he starts to deal with them in a healthy way.
Profile Image for May Sage.
Author 154 books1,909 followers
October 31, 2021
I literally read anything published by Natasha Anders, with good reasons.
Although bodyguard stories don’t tend to be my cup of tea, but I’ve wanted to read this story since we got to know Ty in Sam’s story. He clearly had a mind of his own and sass for days.
Natasha delivers, as usual. I loved, loved, loved Ty and Vicki.
The fact that she doesn’t actually need a bodyguard makes the storyline about forced proximity and inappropriate attraction (employee/sort-of-client) which is always delicious.
Ty has issues for days and bubbly Vicki is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Profile Image for wonderfullyweird88.
877 reviews15 followers
May 7, 2022

While part of a series this book can be read as a standalone. This book was long. Too long. The story was bogged down with too many irrelevant details. I don't see how this couple would last. The relationship felt forced and I didn't find it believable. This was a miss for me.


I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Profile Image for Chelsea.
44 reviews
January 5, 2022
DNF at 57%…I love Natasha Anders but this book was beyond stupid. It was who can have the biggest pitty party between Ty and Vicki 😒 the writing was good, but the story line was awful
Profile Image for Sharon Tyler.
2,815 reviews39 followers
December 21, 2021
Protect Me Not is the second book in the (Un)Professionally Yours series by Natasha Anders. I did not read the first book, and do not think that the lack negatively impacted my reading experience.

Victoria Hollingsworth does not need a surly, uncommunicative bodyguard cramping her style, following her everywhere, and intimidating any would-be male callers. She’s a florist for goodness sake, not a princess or a pop star. Having a massive, mysterious bodyguard always hovering is an inconvenience. And yet… there he is, Tyler Chambers, her unwanted protector, ultra-serious, no-nonsense, and off-the-charts hot. Vicki doesn’t want, or need, him as a bodyguard. Yet, disturbingly, he may be everything she wants, and needs, in a man.Ty hates his current long-term assignment. It’s mind-numbingly tedious. Vicki Hollingsworth is a pain in the butt who talks too much, laughs a lot, and frequently tests his patience. And her life isn’t exactly filled with intrigue and action. Ty is ready for this job to be over. He has just a couple of months left before reassignment. He’s mere weeks away from being out of here. The last thing he needs is to find his cute-as-a-button charge irresistibly attractive. She’s not his type. Wholesome, adorable, and sweet, Vicki is the kind of woman who needs long-term commitment. And all Ty has to offer is a few short weeks of far-from-wholesome pleasure.How much chaos can one little florist introduce into his regimented life?

Protect Me Not is a contemporary romance. I liked the connection and back and forth between the characters, and thought a great deal was done right with the characters. Vicki is a little too trusting and naive but also seems aware of her privilege and the love of those in her life. Tyler has problems with letting people in, but also seems to be aware of it on some level, but not necessarily ready to make adjustments. I liked the honest discussions that are had, even when they know they are lying to themselves on some level. I think the way Tyler's walls ad past are handled, and how the support system is always there and playing their role even what it is not blatantly obvious. I enjoyed the secondary characters, and the hints as to who might be the next pairing off in the series that are included here. I enjoyed the read, and I thought the slow burn and forbidden romance aspects were very well done, although I will admit to getting a little bored and eager for an ending at some point. I did like that emotional issues had to be recognized and dealt with rather than ignored, which is too often the case, particularly for male characters.

Protect Me Not is a solid romance with well written characters.
Profile Image for Stephanie Panach.
697 reviews12 followers
December 30, 2021
Who doesn't love a good bodyguard romance? Victoria is a talented florist and the sister of a very rich, self-made man. After her shop was broken in to and she was injured in the process , he hired her a personal bodyguard. As a result, Ty has been protecting Victoria for the last 18 months. Things have been extremely quiet and during that time Ty has tried very hard not to see Victoria as anything other than a principal. He has very firmly kept things professional and hasn't even been particularly friendly. Victoria hated the intrusion into her life at first - and didn't exactly make things easy on him.

Both Ty and Victoria have a lot of baggage. Victoria had had a lifetime of people not taking her seriously and didn't have an easy time growing up. Ty has lost everyone he has ever gotten close to and keeps everyone at a distance. He's nearing the end of his assignment and moving on to a different role in the company when he and Victoria get together - and that time limit seems to give him the permission he needs to take things with them in a decidedly more personal direction.

Ty and Victoria are definitely fire together. But it is almost painful to watch Ty lie to himself about what they can be and can't. It was refreshing however, to see Ty go through the work and do some therapy before he and Victoria fine their happily ever after.

Overall I liked this book a lot - I didn't love the pacing of it - and got very frustrated with Ty in particular. I also just really wanted them to talk to each other and not make assumptions all the freaking time.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Sue Galuska.
1,037 reviews22 followers
January 18, 2022
Protect Me Not is the second book in the Unporfessionally Yours series.

When Victoria Hollingsworth's florist business, Bloomin' Paradise is broken into, her older brother, Miles insists she has a bodyguard. Enter Tyler Chambers....the hot, gorgeous man who gets to spend all day with her. Too bad Tyler is a serious, no nonsense type of guy. As much as Vicki tries to get to know him better, he just doesn't doesn't budge. Ty is looking forward to being done with this protection detail. Only a few months left and then he will be on to bigger and better things. But what is Ty to do when all of sudden he is seeing Vicki in a different light? Ty has tried to keep his feelings reigned in when it comes to Vicki but it is becoming harder and harder until one day they both finally give into to their attraction. Ty tells Vicki it's just short term and she reluctantly agrees. Any time with Ty is better than none. Before long these two are having deeper feelings for each other but the problem is that there are ghosts in Ty's past that he needs to overcome before he can have anything serious with Vicki. Once Ty overcomes his demons he will finally find his happy ever after with Vicki.

I really enjoyed this story. I just adored Ty. He tried his hardest to be all serious but when he finally met the right woman that all got thrown to the wayside. Vicki was a fun, sweet girl. Anyone would be lucky to be with her. I really enjoyed how she was able to bring out the best in Ty. I also just loved Ty's big, grand gesture. It was a perfect ending to this wonderful couple.
Profile Image for Courtney B..
296 reviews33 followers
January 26, 2022
4 stars

I had a really good time with this book. It is a multi perspective, bodyguard romance. It follows Victoria, who owns a flower shop in London. After several break-ins, where one leads to an assault on Victoria, her older brother hires a bodyguard for her. Ty has been following Victoria for over a year now, it's boring and tedious, but he has had worse jobs. Ty has tried to keep Victoria at arm's length, but her kind heart keeps making dents in the armor that Ty has had in place for a long time. The scales are tipped, and Ty’s and Victoria's working relationship becomes something a bit steamer.
What a great time this book was, heartwarming, emotional, healing and a bit spicy. I really appreciated that it was not an insta love story, I really don’t care for that type of relationship in my romance and this one surprised me. It was very thought out and I really loved the flower shop setting. The main characters were written really well; they complement each other, sticking really well with their personality traits. I liked how Victoria never gave up on Ty and it was just her nature to be thoughtful and kind, even though Ty fought her all the time. There was definitely a lot of personal growth for both of them and dealing with trauma that is still very present. The spice and tension is good and builds up without being over the top. I would definitely recommend this book.
Trigger warnings: assault, ptsd
I received this advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Nextbookaroundthecorner.
1,018 reviews14 followers
February 1, 2022
The blurb of Protect Me Not got me curious: why does a florist need a bodyguard?

Not having read any other books from Natasha Anders, I hadn’t realized that Protect me Not is the second of a series. But you can read it as a standalone perfectly. We meet Victoria, said florist, who has bodyguard Ty following her every day. And Victoria is fed up with that. But after her rebellious phase. (where she would try to lose her detail) she realized that it only got Ty in trouble with her brother.

And although she hates her stick-up- his-cute-butt-bodyguard, she doesn’t want his reputation as a stellar bodyguard tarnished by her actions. Ty hates his assignment. Guarding Victoria is lame as hell, so he is seriously reconsidering his career choice. When an opportunity arises, he wants to seizes it.

When confronted with the fact that Ty’s assignment will end and Victoria’s detail will be less, both come to realize that being stuck together isn’t so bad at all. But admitting that to the other party.- with only a few weeks left together, someone’s gotta give. Or they will never see each other again.

The story is an opposites attracts with a nice slow burn. Ty is a very straight laced, grumpy exterior kind of guy. Whereas Victoria is a happy-go-lucky kind of girl, who trusts everyone. The attraction is undeniable and cute. So, if you are in the mood for a nice romance, check out this one.

Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
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