A passion to live for—and to die for—in the RITA-winning series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Elisabeth Naughton.Up-and-coming designer Kelsey McClane is on the cusp of success. Recently divorced, she should be enjoying her newfound freedom and glamorous future. Instead, she’s living in fear of the past. When she returns home to Portland on a press tour, danger creeps … press tour, danger creeps closer than ever. As threatening messages from her bitter ex-husband leave her vulnerable, a new man in her life makes her feel protected.
Former Army Ranger turned security professional Hunter O’Donnell is hired to guard Kelsey. When a shattering explosion rocks her world, Kelsey’s ex is the prime suspect, but Hunter speculates there’s more to the situation than Kelsey’s letting on. Intent on keeping her safe, he delves into Kelsey’s past. As the two work together to unmask her stalker’s identity, a fire ignites between them that they both struggle to contain.
While the investigation proceeds, it draws them closer not only to each other but also to a lethal plot that’s been in the works behind their backs. And with each new secret unveiled, it’s not just temptation putting them at risk—it’s a madman who will not stop until Kelsey is dead.
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Protected keeps readers on the edge of their seat and glued to the pages with expectation in this exciting romantic thriller.
Kelsey and Hunter are strong characters that have an electrifying chemistry that readers can practically feel sizzling through the pages although they have rocky romance due to emotional issues and hang-ups which adds depth to the characters and really draws readers into their story. As their attraction heats up so does the insecurities and doubts which really keeps readers in suspense about the ability of this couple reaching their HEA.
There is never a dull moment in this fast paced plot that keeps the heart pounding and adrenaline pumping as anticipation builds throughout the story as misdirection and surprising twists keeps the thrills coming with danger around every corner and an enemy that is always one step ahead of the couple.
This is the first book that I have read in the Deadly Secrets series, but not the first book that I have read by Elisabeth Naughton and as I love her Eternal Guardians series, I just had to try this one. I’m not sure how I missed the first two but I will be going back and reading them as the author has once again brought another story to brilliant life with well written words that make the story very life like and the wonderful characters are full of depth that made me feel as if I really knew and understood this couple.
Intriguing, Suspenseful and Sexy!
Kelsey McClane just received her divorce from an abusive husband. Having just left New York City, she was back home in Portland about to give an interview to promote her fashion line when she bumps into Hunter O’Donnell. Several years has passed since she last saw him. She’d known him more than half her life because he’s her brother Alec’s best friend. As she is about to go on air for the interview on Portland’s hottest morning show an explosion rocks the station.
Loved it, loved it, loved it! Protected me in and didn’t let go. I loved how protective Hunter was with Kelsey, and I admired Kelsey for working through her vulnerabilities enough to let Hunter break down her defensive walls.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced copy.
This is the third book in The Deadly Secrets series by Elisabeth Naughton. This series features members of the McClane family who were adopted from problematic backgrounds. Though now a functional and loving family, they find that even as adults, they must at times confront the ghosts of their pasts.
This book is about the only sister in the McClane clan, Kelsey. She has four overprotective brothers which is hard enough to handle, but she is also on the cusp of becoming an international sensation as a fashion designer. Unfortunately, someone seems to have an issue with that.
Naughton does an excellent job of letting the reader see how adopted children sometimes find it difficult to deal with their feelings of guilt or inadequacy because they were “given up” as children and how those feelings can both drive you and paralyze you even into adulthood.
This book, like the first two in the series can be read as a stand alone. However I think you will enjoy reading them all, in order, to gain further insight into the McClane family and how their love, concern, and support for one another can be a great blessing and annoyingly familiar at the same time.
I’m sure you’ll like Protected, as I did.
I’m in love with this series! Such great romantic suspense.
“Protected” by Elisabeth Naughton is the third book in the Deadly Secrets series. The series is about four adopted siblings. They come from troubled backgrounds, but through the love and security of their adopted parents, they have become productive adults, But they are still dealing with the effects of their childhood.
In “Protected,” Kelsey McClain is a fashion designer dealing with the divorce from her emotionally abusive husband and her career, which is starting to take off. When she’s targeted by someone who wants her dead, long-time friend of her brothers, Hunter O’Donnell, uses his stills as a former Army Ranger to step in to keep Kelsey safe. In addition to dealing with the fact someone wants her dead, Kelsey must face her feelings for Hunter, which have only grown over the years. In turn, Hunter must face his desires for Kelsey, feelings he has kept secret for at least ten years.
Ms. Naughton has again written a magnificent book that will intrigue you and connect you to the characters as only she can do. If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, don’t worry. You won’t be missing anything. But, I guarantee you will want to read the others, you should. Happy reading!
I personally loved this book. I think I may have liked it better than Gone, I’m not sure, for me they were equally good. This was a rougher book than Gone, in that you have domestic violence, obsession, stalking and murder and mayhem. In my opinion Elisabeth Naughton did a good job with the mystery aspect and hiding things, she kept me turning the pages. Kelsey and Hunter are both flawed, yet they balance each other out. I love Kelsey and the fact she owns her neuroses, yet she is willing to work to get better. Kelsey did make me laugh when she would put her overprotective brothers in their place. I loved Hunter how he wants to protect Kelsey, but he also knows he needs to let Kelsey deal with something on her own. Hunter also owns when he makes mistakes. Elisabeth Naughton also brought a tear to my eye with the Hunter and his dad’s exchange. I could feel the loyalty coming from all the McClane family. (I may have spelled the name wrong, if so sorry) This is a stand alone book you don’t have to have read the first two books to enjoy Protected, it does give some of the backstory on some of the family members, but it not necessary. In my opinion it’s worth reading. I read on Kindle Unlimited.
Terrific suspense romance. I love this author’s writing and her stories. This is a good one that’s full of suspense, danger, action and romance. Hunt agrees to provide security and protection for his friend’s sister. Kelsey thinks it’s overkill until it’s not. A dangerous situation brings the two closer and feelings are realized. Wonderfully developed characters trying to stay alive and fall in love.
This was the first book I’ve read in Elizabeth Naughton’s Deadly Secrets series and it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed this story so much I will be reading the first two books in the series.
There is murder, mystery, family drama and just enough romance.
Protected by Elisabeth Naughton is book 3 in her Deadly Secrets series. With each new book in this series the readers are drawn deeper into her world of suspense. Each book has a who done it and what’s next feel about them. Elisabeth will keep you guessing right till the end. It’s a great edge of your seat drama. I can’t even imagine what the next book in the series will entail. I received an ARC from the publisher. This is my voluntary honest review.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie –
This is the third in the series – and whilst it is an excellent story in its own right, I think you would benefit from knowing the family background and the roles these characters have played before.
Ms. Naughton has created another mystery for us and cleverly wrapped it around a romance. Her interest lies clearly in the issues of identity and the implications of not knowing who you are. Here we have Kelsey, adopted out of a foster system that had not identified or dealt with her developmental needs. She was most definitely one of the lucky ones gaining a wonderful family who nurtured her and encouraged her talents. These bring her a measure of fame and thus recognition.
Hunter is a wonderfully understated character, who thinks deeply, but acts slowly. He doesn’t always do the right thing, but he is trying, so hard, which makes him a far more interesting person. I would have liked to see more of the two of them just being with each other, but circumstances kept getting in the way, or there was a convenient bedroom which helped them escape from the crazy!
I really enjoyed this book and read it in no time at all, as everything else just had to wait!
Avid Reader –
M/F Thriller Romance
Triggers: Domestic Violence, Stalking, Attempted Murder, Murder
I have not read any of the previous books in this series but never thought that I was missing any information when it came to this story.
Kelsey is a thriving success. She has great designs and is just getting her feet back under herself after a tough divorce. Kelsey’s past is somewhat harsh, and you do learn more about it in this story, but I found that the details just made her more believable in her fears and insecurities. Kelsey grew up with four brothers and because of that, she is somewhat disagreeable to having her brother’s good friend protect her when her ex causes her problems.
Hunter is your typical alpha male who has overgrown protective instincts. He takes his protection of Kelsey very seriously and when things seem to go wrong, he’s there to protect her. Hunter has always kept people, women, at arm’s length. However, Hunter’s ability to stay away from Kelsey is seriously tested when she is in danger.
Kelsey and Hunter’s relationship was somewhat strange. They had the attraction, but their communication styles were hard to overcome. I didn’t particularly believe they had great chemistry. I thought that this book was much more successful as a mystery than a romance. I liked the running around, finding clues, and figuring out who the real bad people were.
Overall, this was a quick, enjoyable read.
Sarah –
This is an exciting read about the hunt for the bomber and possible stalker who is hunting a fashion designer. And if that isn’t enough, it is also a story about domestic abuse, adoption, and the impact childhood grief can have on life.
It’s a very busy book. With so much going on, it is the character and relationship development that gets lost. By the end of the book, I knew a whole lot about Kelsey and her personal security guard, Hunter, but I didn’t feel like I knew them well enough to care about them. Similarly, there is a whole lot of talk about attraction, love, and commitment, but there isn’t enough time spent actually showing readers how and why these two come together.
The action sequences are exciting, and the stalker storyline is pretty terrifying at times. But again, too many additional storylines mean that we get very few potential suspects and the whodunnit is obvious by the halfway point.
This is the first book I’ve read in the series and it worked well as a standalone. It was an entertaining read at times, but it probably won’t be a story I’ll remember in a few weeks.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
The story starts with a bombing that is described in such detail that I could feel myself being with Kelsey, trapped and in the dark. The fear she feels comes across loud and clear. I loved how attentive Hunter was. Being former Army Ranger he was able to keep his cool and help Kelsey keep calm so that they could come out alive and well.
All the way through the story you could feel how well Kelsey and Hunter balanced each other. Hunter was aware of the dangers surrounding Kelsey but was able to help her process them and find ways to keep her safe. Kelsey allowed Hunter to open his life to a woman, something he had sworn off doing. Together they kept each other grounded, safe, and willing to find happiness they both deserved.
I loved the mystery part of the story. Elisabeth Naughton does a great job with her clues in leading the reader through many twists and turns. She kept me reading page after page, guessing at who was behind all the threats, and not giving away too much to give it all away too early. This is the first book in the Deadly Secret Series that I have read and it is easily a standalone book within a series. Maybe there was history I didn’t know of but it took nothing away from the story itself.
Protected is a great mystery with twists of romance. I loved the characters and the storyline kept me reading long past I should have gone to bed. I recommend picking up your own copy and losing yourself in this great read.
This book was AMAZING!! Unfortunately I had way too much going on in my life and I wasn’t able to devour it as quickly as I would have liked and normally would have but at least this way I got to savor it longer.
This was the first book I’ve had a chance to read in Ms. Naughton’s Deadly Secrets series so it certainly stands fine on its own. After meeting Kelsey’s brothers however, I fully intend to go back and catch up on the first two.
Talk about a wild ride. This story starts off with a bang (literally!) and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. The chemistry between Hunt and Kelsey was off the charts and I loved how the author humanized both of them by showing their insecurities and how they eventually overcame them and learned to trust each other.
Overall this was an excellent story that I would certainly recommend.
ARC by the author and the publisher via Netgalley.
Kelsey McClane should be enjoying her success as a fashion designer who recently made waves in New York Fashion Week. Instead, she’s cowering and hiding after almost dying in a triggered explosion. Death threats , malicious texts, exploding bombs, hidden cameras, candid stalker photos endangered Kelsey’s every move , and she had no clue who was behind all these.
Hunter O’Donnell was hired by the McClanes to keepkeep an eye on Kelsey after her divorce with the snake Julian Benedict . He was trusted by Kelsey’s brothers to be professional and protect her at all times. But the more he spent time with her, the more he couldn’t help his feelings for best friend’s sister . It’s only a matter of time before both their lives get engulfed in a fiery rage of passion, jealousy, danger and death .
When Elisabeth Naughton writes a suspense mystery romance, expect the unexpected. Prepare for the twists and surprises. Don’t bat an eyelash, or else , you’ll miss the turn.
Protected is the third book in the Deadly Secrets series. It’s riveting, captivating and really got me spooked. I did not expect that twist coming. Kelsey’s and Hunter’s entangled mess and sure fire chemistry made the story more appealing and exciting to read. And the more I delve into these mind blowing books, the more I get involved with the characters and the more drawn and affected I am to their suspenseful world. I’ve said this before and I’m saying it again. If it’s from Elisabeth Naughton , it must be great!
I love the Deadly series and Protected (book 3) is a great addition.
Both characters have major emotional roadblocks that cause quite a bit of angst throughout this story. Hunter, due to the loss of his mother and Kelsey, due to her being abandoned by her birth mother and mental abuse by her ex-husband.
There is already a connection between the characters, as they’ve known each for years. The connection deepens after a tramatic event that happens in the beginning of the book.
This book is non-stop action, even in the quiet moments between the main characters. This makes for a great read, and before you know it a couple of hours have flown by. The story is engaging and the suspense is gripping. Overall great read.
ARC provide in exchange for an honest review.
What I love about the amazing series is that each book can be read as a stand alone. While the characters from the other stories appear in each of the books, each book has its very own mystery and suspense that will keep the reader hooked from the first page to the very last. This is the story of Kelsey and Hunter
Kelsey McClane is recently divorced, making her a living as a fashion designer. Now that she is away from her emotionally and sometimes physically abusive ex, she is hoping to make a better life for herself. At least she would if her interfering brothers would call off the body guard that they have trailing her around. The very handsome body guard that has been her friend forever. The same person she has harbored a secret crush on, one Hunter O’Donnell.
Hunter O’Donnell has been friends with the McClane boys since they were all teenagers. He has had a secret crush on their younger sister Kelsey for over 10 years, but knows that she is off limits. Hired to protect her from her ex, he will stand between anything that would come at her to make sure she is safe.
When Kelsey starts receiving threatening text messages, photos and is put in physical danger, Hunter and Kelsey will need to unravel the mystery of who is out to get her and stop them before they cause damage that cannot be undone.
What I truly enjoyed about Hunter and Kelsey’s relationship is that they both have issues and baggage. Hunter lost his mother at an early age and swore to never fall in love because that would wreck him, the same way that it wrecked his father. Kelsey was given away by her mother when she was really young, adopted by the McClanes, she suffers from anxiety, fed by the emotional abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex, she fells unlove, unworthy, and like she will never be good enough.
It is with the help of Hunter that she realizes just how strong she really is, and the when he is by her side, she is more than enough, she is perfect, at least, perfect for him and perfect in his eyes. An amazing addition to this amazing series. I cannot way to ready more.
Holy Hotness Hunter…
Naughton has a knack for creating a hot and sexy leading man with a number of endearing qualities. Hunter is no exception. Who doesn’t love a ruggedly handsome ex-military man that is totally ripped but is also compassionate and caring? I fell in love with Hunter fairly quickly as he stepped into his role of Protector. From the moment I started Protected, I was totally captivated. As with all the Deadly Secrets Novels, Protected picks back up with the McClane family, in particular, Kelsey McClane, up and coming fashion designer whose past is coming back to haunt her in more ways than one as she is trying really hard to put her abusive ex-husband behind her. In walks Hunter O’Donnell, a friend of the family and ex-Army Ranger with a thriving PI and security firm that has been hired by her family to protect Kelsey from her ex-husband while they are out of town. Both come together and immediately struggle to fight their growing attraction to one another as the plot thickens when the threats to Kelsey’s life become deadly and border on obsession. Protected is full of twist and turns and is action packed when the past comes boiling to the surface as the couple grasp at leads to determine where the lethal threat is coming from and from whom. All the while Hunter and Kelsey open up about their past, both have a lot to overcome if they are going to make a relationship work. Can their attraction survive what is coming their way? You’ll have to read that for yourself.
What did I like about Protected? The flow of the storyline, the chemistry between the male and female leads, the plot twist, need I go on? My dislikes? For me, there was absolutely nothing to dislike about this read.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this suspenseful tale, I was engaged from beginning to end. Last but not least, I received an ARC of Protected which in no way affected my review. I simply loved the book and could not get through it fast enough. Thank you, Elisabeth Naughton and Montlake Publishing for this wonderful opportunity.
Wow! I don’t know another phrase that could better explain this book. Kels and Hunt are two
perfectly match characters. One really big thing I loved about this book was how real and
relatable that main characters were. Kelsey is a woman who escapes from an emotionally
abusive husband. She is strong, smart but vulnerable at the same time. Naughton does a
wonderful job of delving into the emotional and mental effects such relationships have on the
victim. Hunter is a man who has avoided relationships because of a fear of losing another
person he loves. Sexy, charming, strong Hunter is an amazing male lead in this story. This book
is very emotional but also very action packed. The suspense and intrigue are constant
throughout the entire book. I couldn’t put it down. Naughton does an amazing job with this
book. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
I was provided an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My review is in no way
influenced by the author or publishing company.
Omg Amazing. Just when you think you know who the bad guy is it changes. So amazing I can’t praise this book enough. So many twists and turns
Fast-paced, thrilling ride. Great book that can be read as a stand-alone or as the third book in the Deadly Secrets series (Repressed and Gone). Characters were easy to connect to and the plot kept you turning pages. Read the entire book in one sitting because I had to know what was coming next. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book. I love Elisabeth Naughton’s work and this one does not disappoint.
Hunt is on amazing man. Kelsey is one strong woman. Loved the twists in this story. What an amazing way to finally find what you never knew you were looking for. Could not wait to see where the story would take Hunt and Kelsey. They have an amazing connection. Can’t wait to read more from this amazing author.