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The Protector Guild #0.5
Saving the Protector
His job was to keep her safe. Now, he just wants to keep her.
Charlie moved to The Lodge to run away from the demons of her past. And, for the most part, she's succeeded. But everything changes when she learns that some demons are literal, and that the monsters she's spent a lifetime encountering in films and books exist beyond the screen and page.
Bishop screwed up. With instructions to hunt down a vampire, he and his teammate end up stranded at a small resort instead, waiting out a bad winter storm. But the location isn't as quiet and peaceful as it seems, and the monster he's after might be closer than he realized. Determined to protect a human woman, he sticks around for a few days. The problem? He might never want to leave.
This is a 30,000 word Christmas / holiday / winter novella. It can be read as a standalone paranormal romance, but is connected to The Protector Guild series. The events in this story take place several years before Academy of Protectors (The Protector Guild, Book 1), but it can be read at any point in your TPG reading journey.
Charlie moved to The Lodge to run away from the demons of her past. And, for the most part, she's succeeded. But everything changes when she learns that some demons are literal, and that the monsters she's spent a lifetime encountering in films and books exist beyond the screen and page.
Bishop screwed up. With instructions to hunt down a vampire, he and his teammate end up stranded at a small resort instead, waiting out a bad winter storm. But the location isn't as quiet and peaceful as it seems, and the monster he's after might be closer than he realized. Determined to protect a human woman, he sticks around for a few days. The problem? He might never want to leave.
This is a 30,000 word Christmas / holiday / winter novella. It can be read as a standalone paranormal romance, but is connected to The Protector Guild series. The events in this story take place several years before Academy of Protectors (The Protector Guild, Book 1), but it can be read at any point in your TPG reading journey.
111 pages, ebook
Published November 18, 2021
89 people are currently reading
859 people want to read
About the author
Gray Holborn
25 books343 followersHi! I'm Gray. I'm best known for my series, The Protector Guild - an 8-book completed series filled with all things angst and chaotic hijinks. I'm currently working on my second series, Order of Reapers, which is the follow up to The Protector Guild. At the moment, there are 10 books published in what I'm calling 'The Gray-verse.' Sounds ominous, right?
What can you expect from my stories?
First, you have to love a slow burn, angsty romance. I tend to get quite bored when my characters are happy and together, which is why I keep them in various stages of misery and yearning for as long as I can *que evil laugh.* Yes, my books are spicy, but they are far more focused on the plot of the story and character development (MUST LOVE INTERNAL CHARACTER MONOLOGUES OR I PROMISE YOU WILL HATE MY WRITING STYLE). Finally, both of my series focus on themes of and around the following: trauma, mental health, grief, community, found family, moral complexity, and dismantling oppressive systems (yes, yes, amongst the chaotic fun of a fantastical world and characters unabashedly pining for each other).
Sound like your jam? Great! Dive right in :D
As for me, when I'm not writing or reading or funneling entire seasons of TV into my brain in one night, I can be found hanging out with my cartoonish dog, staring at a wall for hours on end while I think through some tricky bit of character or plot arc, paddleboarding/kayaking alongside the local seals and sea lions (don't worry, I keep a respectful distance!), or pretending to enjoy camping. One day it will click for me. I hope.
What can you expect from my stories?
First, you have to love a slow burn, angsty romance. I tend to get quite bored when my characters are happy and together, which is why I keep them in various stages of misery and yearning for as long as I can *que evil laugh.* Yes, my books are spicy, but they are far more focused on the plot of the story and character development (MUST LOVE INTERNAL CHARACTER MONOLOGUES OR I PROMISE YOU WILL HATE MY WRITING STYLE). Finally, both of my series focus on themes of and around the following: trauma, mental health, grief, community, found family, moral complexity, and dismantling oppressive systems (yes, yes, amongst the chaotic fun of a fantastical world and characters unabashedly pining for each other).
Sound like your jam? Great! Dive right in :D
As for me, when I'm not writing or reading or funneling entire seasons of TV into my brain in one night, I can be found hanging out with my cartoonish dog, staring at a wall for hours on end while I think through some tricky bit of character or plot arc, paddleboarding/kayaking alongside the local seals and sea lions (don't worry, I keep a respectful distance!), or pretending to enjoy camping. One day it will click for me. I hope.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
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January 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Probably better than most freebies I get on Stuff your Kindle day, but tbh all I could think about is TWILIGHT! Seriously, is it just me?
Want to read
July 10, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/14/2022)! 🎁
June 23, 2024
This was a prequel novella and it was okay. It was a fast read. I wasn't drawn into the story but it was still good. If you like protector stories this is for you.
June 15, 2022
Saving the Protector: A Protector Guild Novella (The Protector Guild)
I enjoyed this novella so much… Can’t wait to see how it all works into “The Protector Guild Series” I read the 1st book from the series but can’t remember Bishop or Dani….. guess only reading book 2 and the rest of the series will answer questions about them….
Definitely recommend this novella….
I enjoyed this novella so much… Can’t wait to see how it all works into “The Protector Guild Series” I read the 1st book from the series but can’t remember Bishop or Dani….. guess only reading book 2 and the rest of the series will answer questions about them….
Definitely recommend this novella….
April 10, 2022
Bishop and Dani are two Protectors sent to earth to care for the safety of humans against the underhanded deeds of the Supernaturals. in this case, they are looking for a Vampire.
Charlie inherited a Lodge and Bar in the mountains from her deceased uncle. her family consists of he best friend Mer and her son Devin. Even if not related by blood, there is nothing that she would not do for them.
The author uses the masterful gift that she has to create and tell a story about Joy and Guilt, Friendship, love, and the power that each and everyone possesses to surmount problems even if they appear to be insurmountable. Trust is the first part of the solution.
The book is gripping and the plot is very well-written. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series and give a rating of 5 STARS + to this page-turner
Charlie inherited a Lodge and Bar in the mountains from her deceased uncle. her family consists of he best friend Mer and her son Devin. Even if not related by blood, there is nothing that she would not do for them.
The author uses the masterful gift that she has to create and tell a story about Joy and Guilt, Friendship, love, and the power that each and everyone possesses to surmount problems even if they appear to be insurmountable. Trust is the first part of the solution.
The book is gripping and the plot is very well-written. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series and give a rating of 5 STARS + to this page-turner
April 21, 2025
it felt a little rushed
It felt a little rushed at the end, and i also know that Tex is a wolf at least he is in the protectors books so when do they find out about that and how does she tell her friend? I don’t like loose ends to stories lol I want more! Although i was heartbroken while reading this knowing what happens to him in the end of protectors books! She didn’t deserve that after her sister and niece died and just as she’s pregnant and he didn’t deserve that ending either, he could’ve become a wolf, especially cuz his family clearly had a flair for becoming supernaturals! His cousins both were either turned or born a different species! And his bestie was already a wolf, it would’ve been easy to transition to that life. I hate loosing characters!
It felt a little rushed at the end, and i also know that Tex is a wolf at least he is in the protectors books so when do they find out about that and how does she tell her friend? I don’t like loose ends to stories lol I want more! Although i was heartbroken while reading this knowing what happens to him in the end of protectors books! She didn’t deserve that after her sister and niece died and just as she’s pregnant and he didn’t deserve that ending either, he could’ve become a wolf, especially cuz his family clearly had a flair for becoming supernaturals! His cousins both were either turned or born a different species! And his bestie was already a wolf, it would’ve been easy to transition to that life. I hate loosing characters!
March 27, 2025
3 STARS ✨
rating criteria below.
★★★★★ ──┄ absolutely phenomenal, a flawless piece of literature that i will continuously recommend as if it is my only personality trait.
★★★★☆ ──┄ amazing, i thoroughly enjoyed reading it and am more than likely to hype up the book because i found myself immersed in the world.
★★★☆☆ ──┄ good, but did not completely enthral and entice me like a four star read does.
★★☆☆☆ ──┄ merit can be given, but the book personally wasn’t for me.
★☆☆☆☆ ──┄ read until the end but really wasn’t for me and i couldn’t in good faith recommend it.
rating criteria below.
★★★★★ ──┄ absolutely phenomenal, a flawless piece of literature that i will continuously recommend as if it is my only personality trait.
★★★★☆ ──┄ amazing, i thoroughly enjoyed reading it and am more than likely to hype up the book because i found myself immersed in the world.
★★★☆☆ ──┄ good, but did not completely enthral and entice me like a four star read does.
★★☆☆☆ ──┄ merit can be given, but the book personally wasn’t for me.
★☆☆☆☆ ──┄ read until the end but really wasn’t for me and i couldn’t in good faith recommend it.
December 31, 2021
Honestly, definately not what I was expecting! This was a cute PNR novella. I loved the ending. And I loved how in a sense, they actually saved each other. I truly felt the emotions from Charlie when she talked about her past.
Like I said nice novella to get you started into this world! Can't wait to read more.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
Like I said nice novella to get you started into this world! Can't wait to read more.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
October 12, 2024
Cute novella
Nice little novella. I read it after book 7 and it seemed to fit in nicely there. I don't think I would recommend reading this first it just barely touches the surface of the protectors and the guild, and the book was more enjoyable since I knew the characters already,
Nice little novella. I read it after book 7 and it seemed to fit in nicely there. I don't think I would recommend reading this first it just barely touches the surface of the protectors and the guild, and the book was more enjoyable since I knew the characters already,
May 17, 2023
Great novella
Normally I hate novellas. There isn’t enough space to get a true story. But this one was really good. Yeah it was insta love but there was the chemistry between them that you Visio feel.
Normally I hate novellas. There isn’t enough space to get a true story. But this one was really good. Yeah it was insta love but there was the chemistry between them that you Visio feel.
October 16, 2023
Intriguing introduction
Decided to read this first before reading the Protector Guild series. It's a quick read but gives you a perspective of what's to come. 4 stars means awesome, but I will only read once.
Decided to read this first before reading the Protector Guild series. It's a quick read but gives you a perspective of what's to come. 4 stars means awesome, but I will only read once.
January 9, 2024
Decent
Saving Her Protector, a prequel to the Protector Series, by Gray Holborn & @ gray_holborn is a new to me author.
This was a quick read at 111 pages. It was a decent enough book, though I have no plans on reading the rest of the series as it didn't capture my attention.
Saving Her Protector, a prequel to the Protector Series, by Gray Holborn & @ gray_holborn is a new to me author.
This was a quick read at 111 pages. It was a decent enough book, though I have no plans on reading the rest of the series as it didn't capture my attention.
February 2, 2024
Yes!
This was the novella I had no idea I needed. I almost didn't read it, but I wasn't ready to leave this universe. This was a beautiful story! I can't wait till the new book comes out!
This was the novella I had no idea I needed. I almost didn't read it, but I wasn't ready to leave this universe. This was a beautiful story! I can't wait till the new book comes out!
January 17, 2022
I loved this book. Two lonely people forming a positive connection. It gave me tingles in some of the scenes. A really well written book with a hea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2023
Squee!
An absolutely fantastic paranormal romance novella!
Wonderful characters, a great setting, intriguing world lore, and great a and b plots.
An absolutely fantastic paranormal romance novella!
Wonderful characters, a great setting, intriguing world lore, and great a and b plots.
January 28, 2024
So glad I got this and read this before starting the rest of the series, have a glimpse I got the world and characters and was a quick read
February 22, 2024
Well, I've just accidentally been introduced to a whole new world I need to explore completely 😅
This novella is. A. Must.
Supernatural characters ✅️
Romance with some spicy spice ✅️
Found family trope ✅️
Story to keep ya hooked ✅️
Do you need to hear any more? Cause I didn't, the whole rest of the series is on my tbr now 🤩
(Plus... look at that cover, it's gorgeous 😍)
This novella is. A. Must.
Supernatural characters ✅️
Romance with some spicy spice ✅️
Found family trope ✅️
Story to keep ya hooked ✅️
Do you need to hear any more? Cause I didn't, the whole rest of the series is on my tbr now 🤩
(Plus... look at that cover, it's gorgeous 😍)
June 18, 2024
A quick read
A good quick read with enough of a back story explaining a few bits for Dani and also Darius.
I look forward tobthe next book.
A good quick read with enough of a back story explaining a few bits for Dani and also Darius.
I look forward tobthe next book.
September 20, 2024
Loved this novella, the insight in to Charlie and Bishops beginning and also the start of our grumpy vampire who we all have come to love.
February 20, 2025
Not bad. Short and easy to get thru. Better than the full books tbh
May 6, 2025
Pretty short but I enjoyed the romance and the worldbuilding which sets up for the series
June 3, 2025
It was ok. Nothing crazy wrong with it and nothing to write home about.
June 26, 2025
I liked seeing how Darius got caught but instalove isn't really my thing. I also wish I'd read this between books 7&8 because it just made me sad T_T
January 26, 2024
Read my book review of Gray Holborn’s Saving the Protector. This is a paranormal romance set in a secluded mountain town.
https://www.amrauthor.com/post/saving...
https://www.amrauthor.com/post/saving...
October 7, 2025
⭐ 3/5
This was my first read by Gray Holborn, and Saving the Protector is a fast-paced prequel to The Protector Guild series. It’s short, punchy, and clearly setting the stage for bigger things—lots of action, a gritty world, and glimpses of characters who seem like they’ll matter later on.
Since it’s a novella, things move really quickly. I didn’t feel fully connected to the characters before the story was already wrapping up. Still, it had enough energy and intrigue to make me curious about the main series.
A solid little intro—just not quite enough to fully hook me yet.
This was my first read by Gray Holborn, and Saving the Protector is a fast-paced prequel to The Protector Guild series. It’s short, punchy, and clearly setting the stage for bigger things—lots of action, a gritty world, and glimpses of characters who seem like they’ll matter later on.
Since it’s a novella, things move really quickly. I didn’t feel fully connected to the characters before the story was already wrapping up. Still, it had enough energy and intrigue to make me curious about the main series.
A solid little intro—just not quite enough to fully hook me yet.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews