All I ever wanted was family. But one mistake cost me everything I’ve ever worked for.To get it all back, I’ll have to return home and protect the most stubborn woman on the face of the planet. To do that effectively, I’ll need to go undercover as…a Manny.I didn’t mean to fall for her or the kid. I really should have known better. When you get this close, it’s easy to get burned.But I’ll do … burned.
But I’ll do anything to protect them, even if it costs me everything…again.
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Plots within plots going on in this Romantic Suspense
While this is the first book in the Heiress Duet that will stand-a-lone, we get to spend more time with the fantastic crew of Royals from the Winston Isles, and the guards whose lives are intertwined with theirs. What a great series of duets that Ms Malone has written, and I love hearing from these secondary characters as they reappear in the ever developing under-plot that runs alongside the main romantic-suspense theme of each duet.
Ariel features heavily, and we are getting more into her background, and, King Sebastian makes his appearance. But, as always, it is always the story of the main characters that makes for great reading. Jax, a former Royal Guard has been betrayed in the worst of ways when making a decision to resign for love and family, and he’s looking for a chance to get back in, while Neesa has had the rug ripped out from under her life. She’s not only fighting for her business, she’s now responsible for a baby after the death of her best friend gave her exactly that, as well as a lot of dangerous baggage complete with a coded journal that her cryptographer’s brain is struggling to solve.
Pair a very hot and alpha Jax going undercover as a (m)anny, with a strong young lady trying to regain her footing on the shaky ground that her life has become, with a gorgeous baby and a huge amount of slowing building chemistry, and you have a hotpot of roiling passion. That first kiss is what I look forward to in any romance, and holy crap, I thought that Nana Malone knocked it out of the park for this one. Heated, passionate, exploratory, and all encompassing, this kiss finally unleashed the chemistry that had been tightly reined in.
Then, and remember this is a duet, another cliff-hanger! I’d usually be rather put out TBH, but I know that Nana Malone writes in duets, and I absolutely choose to keep reading. She is pretty quick at delivering the second books, so my frustration does not go unanswered for long. She is also energetic, excitable, and inspiring, and it shows in her writing. These romantic suspense duets are so much fun to read because they’re also witty and hilarious.
Again, I recommend her writing, so if you are after a royal romantic suspense complete with wit and humour, these books would be up your alley.
4.5 Stars
Ariel is getting her new team together and Jax is first up in this new series. Jax is hawt and has joined Ariels team for mostly selfish reasons but he never expected his first job to be Neela and sweet little Mayzie who are in trouble without knowing it. There is plenty of mystery, sexual tension, laughs and anticipation within this book and of course we still get to see some of the old crew, now gimme book 2 as I need to know what happens next!!!
Going through a nasty divorce and business division, the last thing Neela was expecting was to become an instant mother. But, when she is named guardian of the adorable toddler, Mayzie, when her friend is in a fatal accident, she can’t turn her back on the little girl and her life is turned into more chaos than it already was before.
But, Willa dies under mysterious circumstances and had some unsavory business associates . . .possibly leaving Mayzie as well as Neela at risk. Concerned, the solicitor hires bodyguards in the form of nanny’s so that Neela agrees, as she doesn’t feel that having a bodyguard is really necessary.
Jax made one mistake that cost him the career of his dreams. He’ll do anything to get a chance at getting back on the Royal Guard . . .even if it means acting as a manny in order to keep Neela and Mayzie safe. He knows his mission and he won’t let himself be distracted from his end goal ever again . . .or will he?
Passions flare hot between Neela and Jax and danger lurks for both Neela and Mayzie. Can Jax keep them safe without blowing his cover? And, what happens when Neela discovers Jax isn’t who she thought he was all along?
Protecting the Heiress is part one of the Heiress Duet and ends with a cliffhanger.
This is my first book by Nana Malone, and I really enjoyed it. That being said, even though this is a duet, it is also a part of a larger series and I definitely felt like I was missing some of the back story as other characters were the focus. I don’t think you need to read the other books prior, but I think it would have added to the story.
I really loved Neela. She’s so thoughtful and definitely a people pleaser. I loved how she never even thought of saying no to being Mayzie’s guardian, even though it is a struggle for her to take on a young toddler as a single parent. I also adored her cryptologist brain! Bring on the puzzle solving!
Jax is a super hottie alpha extraordinaire . . . and, quite honestly, one heck of a manny! I love how he easily steps into the role of caring for both Mayzie and Neela as if he were born for it . . .easily handling both his domestic role and bodyguard role.
For fans of this series, Ariel plays a large role as she assembles her new team for her private security company.
Protecting the Heiress has fantastic suspense and plenty of heat! It ends on a bang and definitely left me craving the other half of this duet. 4 stars!
The Winston Isles is one of my favorite places to hang out. The characters are hilarious and beautiful, and the action is second to none, not to mention the romance is steamy and swoony!
Ms. Malone has a knack for putting a handsome brute of a man in a situation where he is tempted by his perfect match, usually all while being paid to protect her. It’s a trope that’s hard to not get drawn in by!
This duet brings us more about Ariel, which I’m thrilled about as I just adore her. She’s staring her own security firm with the blessing of King Sebastian, and Jax is one of her recruits. Jax has been tasked as the many / secret security for baby Mayzie whom Neela gained as the result of her best friend Willa’s death. There’s suspicious circumstances around Willa’s death and Neela has no idea what she’s doing with a toddler. Thankfully, the swoony Jax is great with babies!
Their chemistry is fantastic and the thriller aspect as always is on point. Can’t wait for the second half of this duet!
Nana Malone did it again. ‘Protecting the Heiress’ is another story full of mystery, suspense, sizzling attraction and action.
After walking out from Royal Guard, Ariel start tracking down the people who are recommended by the people she trusts the most in order to build up her own team.
Her first employee is Jax Reynolds, former Royal Guard, who is a man of honor. When Jax comes on board; his first undercover job is as a manny 🙂 His job is to protect the itsy bitsy heiress, Mayzie, who’s mother just died and her new legal guardian.
Neela Wellbrook is a smart, headstrong woman and when her friend, Willa MacKenzie, passes away and Neela becomes a legal guardian to Willa’s daughter Mayzie. Willa was a famous art dealer and some of her clients seems to be shady. While trying to adjust all the changes, Neela also trying to solve the puzzle Willa left for her. Sooner than later Neela realizes that Mayzie is in danger and she doesn’t know why.
Ohhhh the relationship between Mayzie and Jax is adorable. He is so good with her. As for Jax vs Neela, it is sizzling hot. Even though, they fight really hard not act on this attraction, they are doom to fail. Will they be able to get past the old scars and move forward? Will the mystery of Willa’s death come out? Will Neela able to crack the code and figure out the message Willa left for her? I am dying to get those answers as well 🙂
Also, thank you Nana for including Sebastian, Penny and Roone to the story. I cannot get enough of them. Also, I am dying to know what went down between Ariel and Prince Tristan. I hope soon Ariel can get her story so we get a chance to learn more about her story.
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
When the announcement was made pertaining to these upcoming duets, I just knew I had to read them! I didn’t even know what they were about, I had to have them regardless! And you’d think by now, knowing the author’s love at keeping her readers in suspense, I’d be used to her cliffhangers. But I’m not. And I don’t think I ever will be. They just keep getting worse, and worse…which makes me LOVE them even more, and more!
To piggy-back off what I said before, I went into this duet completely blind. I knew the story was going to be about a new, fresh set of characters, with dashes of cameo appearances from the previously beloved ones, while still keeping the story line unique and entirely separate from the other duets.
I was instantly transported back to the Winston Isles, my new favorite place to be, and was introduced to Jax and Neela. Another threat looms in the air, which brings more secrets, lies, and hidden agendas. Not wanting to give too much away, Jax is “hired” by Neela to take care of baby Mayzie. How Neela comes upon this baby, I’ll let you find that out on your own. Just know that with a new baby comes the threats as to how Neela became the child’s new guardian. Something wicked, disturbing and tragic is brewing, and it’s up to Jax, with the help of our favorite former royal guard, Ariel, to find out where this risk is coming from, who is orchestrating it, and the ever mysterious why it’s happening.
Immediately upon Jax and Neela meeting, you can feel the instant attraction between them. And as their time together passes, that attraction flares into uncontrollable chemistry that sparks and soars off the pages. The sexual tension, and entirely swoony emotional facets to their connection sets their character dynamic apart from the other couples we’ve read before. Lust may have clouded their vision initially, but it’s their compassionate bond and selfless actions toward not only baby Mayzie but each other that showcases the passionate and intense desire for one another. But when one secret comes to light, truth and trust is the only thing that can possible save them….or break them apart.
I’ve probably said this a million times, but I seriously cannot wait to find out what happens next! The author’s cliffhangers are epic, and leaves you on the edge of your seat, desperate for resolution and answers between Jax and Neela. I’m dying for more…a thoroughly addicting series!
5 Stars!
This book, Protecting the Heiress, Nana Malone has written another delightful rom com with intrigue and suspense. Ariel forms a company called Royal Elite and her first person she signs on is Jax who is from the Winston Isles. Their first assignment is Neela who has just found out her good friend Willa has died and left her guardian of her baby and she was very wealthy. The attorney wants her to be guarded with security. In come Ariel and Jax.And let the fireworks begin with Neela and Jax. Also, want to know what happened to Willa. There is definitely something suspicious regarding Willa’s death and Jax is protecting Neela posing as a nanny, but does he have hots for her which got him trouble before, and she is very attracted to Jax. I hope that Ariel also gets her HEA. Loved this book and can’t wait till Teasing the Princess. Also this book ends on a cliffhanger!
Really enjoy each and every book that Nana Malone writes. They are written just the right way to keep you interested and wanting to read more and more.
This book is no different. Lots of intrigue and romance and anything that it takes to drag you in and get you reading and enjoying the book from start to finish.
I really thought I would get Ariel’s story finally. Instead, I got Jax and Neela’s and I was not disappointed at all. Nana gave another roller coaster of a read that always makes me want more. The story had humor, sizzling chemistry, suspense and amazing friendships that makes me okay with the cliffhangers.
Let me start by saying that I love, love, love these books and the characters in this world. In the beginning, I had thought this was supposed to be Ariel’s story from the way it started. It seemed at times it was going that way m with her and Jax when he was introduced, but no.
So on to Jax and Neela. I really liked them and their interactions and both of them with the baby was great. Some nice sexual tension and all that. One thing that stood out for me was for as smart at Neela is supposed to be, how on earth did she not figure out Jax and Ariel’s real agenda?
Another thing that sorta bothered me, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the chapters of Sebastian and Penny getting it on seemed pointless in the story. I mean, I love those two something fierce and I get pulling them in because of Tristan, but showing their sexy time was not necessary.
Once I got over the Ariel thing, I enjoyed Jax and Neela’s story. Her just getting used to the idea of Mayzie and Jax’s immediate bonding with Mayzie was sweet.
I literally devoured this book. So glad that we get to see more of Ariel, she’s such a great character. This one is faithful to the other books based on the Winston Isles, in that it’s fast paced with plenty of suspense, fantastic chemistry between the characters whether we’re talking friendship, love or budding romance. Follows up beautifully to those other books, but can easily be read on it’s own (even if would be a shame to miss out). Jax and Neela are explosive together, I loved the whole “manny” concept, it’s a nice change. Loved this one.
Jax is persuaded to return home to join a new security company started by Ariel.
When Neela finds herself guardian to Mayzie she never imagines what problems it may cause. What has Neela got that the criminals want? Can Jax keep her and Mayzie safe?
This is a very well written and intriguing story which I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend
I was not prepared for Jax Reynolds at all. You cannot be good with children and hot….my hormones will not stand for this! LOL! I love the intertwining stories in Protecting the Heiress and I cannot wait to see how the mystery unfolds. I can’t wait for part 2 of the duet.
Ariel has stepped out on her own, opening a top notch security firm, The Royal Elite. Her first job is protecting a recently orphaned child, Mayzie, and her guardian Neela. Thank goodness she was able to recruit former Royal Guard, Jax Reynolds, a natural manny at heart.
But when thinks heat up between Jax and Neela, will Jax jeopardize his job and the only way back in to the Royal Guard?
Protecting the Heiress is a funny an intriguing romance that you won’t be able to put down! Nana Malone definitely has another hit series on her hand!
I read an ARC of Protecting the Heiress and willingly left this honest review.
Now that Ariel is no longer a part of the Royal Guard, she’s busy working on building her on new company with the help of her friends. One of her first hires is Jax. Unfortunately, Jax fell in love and followed his girlfriend and left the guard only to find out that his girlfriend had been lying the whole time and now he can’t get back into the guard, or can he….?
Then there’s Neela. Neela’s best friend has died and left Neela, her baby girl, Maysie. Neela’s friend’s business wasn’t completely on the up and up and while she has a lot of money and properties, there’s also a lot of people who may want to cause problems especially for her young daughter who will inherit everything. Neela thinks everyone is over-reacting and she agrees to find a bodyguard soon but needs to get a nanny first. Luckily the lawyer/executor of the will wants Neela and Maysie to have protection and hires Ariel’s company to watch the baby/protect them without Neela knowing that they’re bodyguards.
Jax is quickly smitten with Neela and is baby whisperer when it comes to Maysie. Neela is equally smitten with Jax and they fight the attraction until….they can’t. Things are hot and steamy but then…
Nana draws you in with her amazing characters and wonderful story and then bam! She leaves you wanting more! Always a great read when reading a Nana Malone book!
Nana Malone got me hook, line and sinker. She hooks you with the first word, keeps you reading until you reach the last page (reluctantly) and sinks you when she leaves the ending the way she did. Every book I read by Nana just proves she gets better and better with each book she writes. She includes every element of a romantic masterpiece you need.
This spinoff of the royal series just get funnier and more intense. She weaves elements from the past series into this most recent series. You will learn more about past characters and it will make you crave more from this author.
Jax and Neela will make you swoon and sweat all at the same time. The want this story continues is enthralling and captivating. One of my top reads of 2019!!! Trust me, you’ll love it too!!!
When Ariel left The Royal Guard, she decided to start up her own protection agency. She’s got lots of connections, though, who are just waiting to help, and Roone (from the Royals United Duet), to give her recommendations on who to recruit. One such person is Jax Reynolds. Jax left The Guard, too, but it backfired on him, thanks to a cheating ex, so he’s been passing the time since by becoming a PI. But when Ariel barges her way into his life with a better proposal, he takes her up on her offer. And that’s when he meets his newest assignment, and the baby she’s just become guardian of, both of whom he’ll completely fall for.
Neela is overwhelmed when she gets news that not only has her former best friend, Willa, died, but she’s also left her guardianship of baby Mayzie, and trusteeship after a year of Mayzie’s wealthy estate. Neela’s life has blown up thanks to her ex taking their clients and destroying their company. And then she gets this news. Damn. But then a gorgeous man waltzes into her office from the nanny agency and her world tilts that much further off its axis. She can’t possibly get involved with her new manny, can she? Of course not…
Will Neela forgive Jax when she finds out he’s not exactly who he seems? Can he protect her from the forces determined to find something she’s not even aware of?
Nana Malone’s royal world is so exciting and intriguing! I loved Jax and Neela together. Such contrast between this tough, sexy man falling for equally strong, but soft in the way only a woman can be, Neela, and Mayzie, who steals every scene she’s in. Their chemistry is seriously hot, even at a slow burn, and I could feel the tension through my Kindle. I can’t wait to find out who the forces are targeting Neela, whether Jax will really be able to get back into The Royal Guard, and if Ariel will get her own love story. For now, I’ll just wait here impatiently until Tempting the Heiress is released.
A continuing story with the Winston Isles characters but it can definitely be read as a standalone knowing that it is a duet – that means a cliff hanger in this one but always finishes with a HEA in the second part.
More of a cute story with the alpha male playing the part of a ‘manny’ to a baby, based on his interaction with his own family of nieces and nephews. Jax is protecting Willa’s orphan baby but to do that, he has to keep his hands off her new ‘mama.’ The threat is out there but without any idea who or what it is, he could ruin it all.
Just enough to keep you reading more!
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for the review.
Ariel regrets her decision to leave the royal guard, so she has created her own security service and has hired Jax for their first job. Jax also regrets not only his decision for leaving the royal guard but also what happened afterwards, and this opportunity is a new beginning for both of them.
When Neela’s best friend Willa passed away after a suspicious car accident she finds herself as the heir to not only her fortune but to her 13 month old daughter Mayzie as well. She refuses to hire security so Jax now finds himself undercover as the Mannie/bodyguard. Let the fun begin!
Humorous banter, hot chemistry and suspense all lead up to a cliffhanger that have us wanting more of Neela and Jax.
Nana Malone has done it again. She pulled me into the story from the beginning and had me wanting more by the end…yes, there is a cliff hanger, but I wasn’t frustrated because I knew going into it that there would be one. Jax and Ariel make quite the pair, both regretting what they lost when they left the Royal Guard. Jax left because of a girlfriend who later betrayed him. Ariel left because her father was a criminal and forced her out. Jax finds himself working undercover as a manny for Neela who suddenly finds herself guardian to her friend’s baby. I really enjoyed the dynamics between the characters, and at times I laughed out loud as I read about their crazy antics. Definitely looking forward to reading Tempting the Heiress.