One night brings them together. Another night tears them apart.Grace Miles misses her easy friendship with Asher, but growing up means growing apart. And really, how could he fall for her when they spent their childhood getting muddy in the creek and splitting sticks of gum?But this summer, something feels different. If Grace didn’t know better, she’d think Asher was flirting with her. Those dark … flirting with her. Those dark eyes, hard body, and wicked smile make her insides swirl and her heart dare to hope for things she’s convinced herself she’ll never have.
Falling for your best friend shouldn’t be complicated, but for Asher Bailey, loving Grace is anything but simple. The road to romance isn’t smooth thanks to his pack of wild brothers who are protective of the girl next door, a take-no-sass grandmother, a small town where gossip is a spectator sport, and a feud that spans generations.
But Asher realizes his feelings are too big to ignore. Loving her isn’t the risk. Losing her would be.
And one night, one kiss, changes everything.
Finally admitting their feelings is the beginning of their happily ever after. Until their fairy tale love story is tragically interrupted, and neither of them will ever be the same.
Author’s note: Lifelong soulmates, ridiculous pranks, brother shenanigans, and a feuding town. Protecting You is the Bailey Brothers series origin story. Be there when it begins and fall in love with this wild band of unruly brothers.
The Bailey Brothers is meant to be read in order, and Grace and Asher’s story concludes in book two, Fighting for Us.
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Protecting You is a spin-off of the Miles Family Series and the intro to the wild and wonderful Bailey Brothers. (Both of these series are amazing and I definitely recommend starting with the Miles Family.)
This is a beautiful friends-to-lovers story about childhood best friends who grow up and apart. They reconnect years later and their attraction to one other is impossible to ignore. They finally give in and have a magical summer together until tragedy strikes and they’re ripped apart.
Sometimes true love means taking action to protect the one you love… even when there are life-altering consequences.
Protecting You will make you feel all the feels. And, at the end, it will rip your heart out and stomp on it.
**Be prepared to read Fighting for Us to get to Grace and Asher’s happily ever after.
Protection too far.
Asher and Grace are starting up their friendship which is blossoming to love.
They get engaged but then the unthinkable happens.
A group of men take a shine to Grace and Asher steps in only seeing red.
Things do no go according to plan and he is sentenced to 8 years and tells Grace they are over and not to wait for him.
A great book to start this series.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars
What a great start to the series! This origin story set the stage perfectly for what’s to come and introduced readers to all the different characters that we will see along the way. This is a spin off from the Miles Family series and some of the events in Protecting You actually take place before that series. It’s not necessary to read the Miles Family series before starting this one, but it will give more insight into the heroine of this book if you do.
In addition to introducing this new world, Protecting You is also the start of Grace and Asher’s story. Childhood friends to lovers is my catnip, so I was all in for these characters from the start. The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but if you’ve read the Miles Family series, it won’t be quite as big of a shock. Aaron Shedlock and Samantha Cooke did an amazing job narrating the story and gave really emotional performances. They matched the characters very well and their voices really complemented each other. I’m jumping right into the next book, Fighting For Us, and can’t wait to see how Grace and Asher’s story concludes.
*I need to kiss you like I need to breathe.*
This story has been one of my most anticipated reads for what seems like forever. I don’t just mean Protecting You. I mean, finding the love story of Grace Miles and Asher Bailey.
Don’t let the shortness of this prequel get to you, Claire packed a hell of a punch (no pun intended). The start of an emotional rollercoaster.
If there is one thing, Claire knows, it’s swoony men and strong ladies. I can’t wait to see more of this family.
#freeasherbailey
*He was asking for a summer, but if I gave him so much as a moment, I’d have to give him all my moments. My heart wouldn’t accept anything less.*
This one has all the feels. I highly recommend this book and series to fans of contemporary romance genre.
I adored this book! I read it so fast, and cannot wait for the next! I loved seeing how Grace and Asher’s story began. We knew something happened from the Miles’ family books, but to see what happened broke my heart! Literal tears! I am so happy that Claire wrote this story… I would’ve been happy starting with book 2, but the progression of these two coming together, and getting to meet all the Bailey Brothers and Gram, and see characters we met in the Miles’ series is truly heartwarming! Claire is a one-click author for me, and this book did not disappoint! I can’t wait for the rest of this series!
First off, I didn’t realize this is more or less a prelude into Book 2 and is the BEGINNING of Asher and Grace. Something tragic happens to tear them apart and its really heart wrenching. I scoped up Book 2 IMMEDIATELY and I literally read both books within about a day and a half. I am definitely not one to really want to read books which has a cliffhanger HOWEVER, this is definitely worth it! The Bailey brothers are so charismatic and after reading Asher and Grace’s story–I CANNOT wait to read the others.
“Loving her wasn’t dangerous. Letting her go would be.”
Protecting You was a wonderful origin story for the new series, The Bailey Brothers. While this story centers mostly around Asher and Grace, we get a glimpse at the entire Bailey clan. Can I just say that Gram is the true MVP here? She is the epitome of clan matriarch and she might be my favorite character in the book!
OK, so second favorite is more accurate because ASHER IS EVERYTHING! He was strong, sweet, loyal, basically he was everything you need. swoon I’m not a huge fan of friends to lovers romance stories, but this one was very well done. We get a small glimpse at Grace and Asher as kids, but for the most part this story takes place when they are in their early twenties. Protecting You provides great character building for the Bailey Brothers series to build off of.
Fair warning though, Asher and Grace’s story continues in book two, Fighting for Us. While I knew this story wasn’t a standalone I wasn’t prepared for the ending! Mind the Cliff! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to devour book two in the series…
Protecting You (Bailey Brothers #1) by Claire Kingsley is a contemporary, friends to lovers, small town love story. <--- Notice my word choice. This book is a love story, it is not a romance. If you read this expecting it to be a romance, you may be disappointed. It's a tragic love story told in dual POV. There is no happy ending. It's also an origin story that ends with a cliffhanger. The Bailey Brothers series is a spin-off from the Miles Family series. ******************************************************************* POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T READ THE MILES FAMILY SERIES ******** KEEP SCROLLING TO SKIP IT ** WILL MARK WHERE IT ENDS ******** ******************************************************************* If you've read the Miles Family series, then you've already met Grace Miles and some of her Bailey brother neighbors. You already know that Grace is engaged to Asher Bailey. You also know that Asher has been serving a lengthy prison sentence, and that Grace has been waiting years for his release. What you don't know is how Grace and Asher fell in love, or how Asher ended up in prison. ************************************************************* **************** END OF POSSIBLE SPOILERS ********************* ************************************************************* This is a story about childhood best friends, Grace and Asher, falling in love. It ends tragically when they both experience a horrific event. (This event may be triggering for some readers.) When I read the Miles Family series, I was very curious about Grace and Asher. So I was excited to read this background story to find out what happened to put them in their current situation. Their love story is sweet, but keep tissues handy, because the ending is gut-wrenching. The good news is that this is not the end of their love story. Grace and Asher's story continues in book two, Fighting for Us, which IS a romance. That means they'll definitely be getting their happy ending.
Protecting You is a kick-ass start to the Bailey Brothers series by one of my favorite authors. It is the origin story of Grace Miles and Asher Bailey — and HOLY SMOKES, is it all kinds of small-town goodness.
The light-bulb moment when Asher realizes that he’s in love with Grace was one of my favorites; it’s pure simplicity made it so beautiful. These two experience so many firsts together, and they so easily slip into a wonderful romance after being friends for so long.
I have been a Claire Kingsley reader for a long time, so I was well-acquainted with Grace Miles thanks to the Miles Family series. I already knew the basics of Grace’s relationship with Asher. But reading how they were best friends as kids, fell in love as young adults and then were ripped apart in a tragic moment where he was protecting her was nothing I was prepared for. Everything about these two was just pure and sweet. They have such a deep, soul-crushing love. So when tragedy strikes and Asher turns his back on Grace — to protect himself as much as her — it was just heartbreaking!
I read this book in a day. I could not put it down. I stayed up way too late at night reading it to get to that heartbreaking cliffhanger ending, and then jumped right into Book #2 Fighting For Us (which is the conclusion to Asher and Grace’s story) the next morning because I NEEDED MORE!!
While Protecting You is the origin story for Asher and Grace, we also get to know the rest of the Bailey brothers — and they are a handful. Their Gram is a saint! I can’t wait to see what CK brings next in this series.
#FreeAsherBailey
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Amazing prequel
Omg! This story has my heart. I am a total mess over this love story and can’t wait to read what comes next.
Protecting you is a story of a first love. One that is a lifetime in the making: realized then tragically lost.
I should tell you that this is part one of Grace and Asher’s love story so that you know more of their story is coming. And yes, you will want more….. Gracie and Asher have been best friends since childhood, together through life’s ups and downs of which both have had many. Through thick and thin their relationship was steadfast and solid. Then as time passes and childhood grows into adulthood their easy relationship changes and grows into some more.
Ohhhh my heart!! This story completely owned me and I was left a in pile of emotions when I was done. Witnessing Grace and Asher’s relationship develop and grow into this all consuming love story was beautifully refreshing. No games, just forthright honest emotions and it was everything.
Yet every story has a twist and theirs although epically tragic is also up lifting. But the rest of their story isn’t done yet and so I cannot wait to see how their love can stand the test of time. I know Claire won’t disappoint. So I am ready, bring it on with FIGHTING FOR US and it’s coming soon.
So If you love romance and heart melting stories you need to read this book. It comes out May 21st and you can pre-order it now. And I I forget to mention this is going to be a series showcasing all the Bailey brothers that you will meet in this book. Hold onto your hearts because you will surely loose it to these men.
Oooo, excellent start to the series! Glad the second book released close to this first one because the suspense would kill me!
This prequel to the Bailey brothers series tells the story of young Asher and Grace. This is the story of how they came together, and how they become separated. The book is written in first person from dual POV. I love how Asher comes to terms with his feelings for Grace and makes the decision to take a chance that it might work out. I love how when Grace realizes that the future she has dreamed of is possible, that all of her priorities shift. The love and connection these two share is palpable. Though this is a shorter novel, I felt like the characters were very well developed and I had a solid understanding of their thoughts and motivations. Asher protects Grace, even though it costs him everything. I am jumping right into the next book so I can get to their HEA.
Just the sip of their early story to suck me in, grab hold and not let go.
Even knowing the difficult challenges that lay ahead of Grace and Asher I adored how Claire gives us a glimpse of the new world she created.
Highly recommend.
This is the origin story for Claire Kingsley’s new Bailey brother series. We have met Grace Miles in her Miles family series.
In this novella, we learn Grace and Asher grew up next door to each other. She was always part of the Bailey family. As they grew up, Asher and Grace were best friends and did everything together. Then one day Asher looked at Grace and he’s eyes opened and he saw her as a woman. And he vowed to show her that he was the man she should be with.
The beginning of the love story is very poignant and heartfelt. I fell in love with Asher and how he loved Grace. But their love would be tested!
Claire really pulled at our heartstrings with this one! She made us fall in love with these 2, but she then rips them apart! It is a cliffhanger, but it is meant to be as it is Asher and Grace’s story of how they fell in love. I’m glad Claire wrote it for us so we can see them fall in love!
This prequel drew me in and HOOKED me! I love these characters and I absolutely can not wait to get my hands on the rest of Grace and Asher’s story!
By Alisa
What a beautiful book. This is my first read by Claire Kingsley and I now a definitely have a new must read author and a favorite new series.
This book has everything I love in a book. Small town romance, protective brothers and friends to lovers.
Asher Bailey is the oldest of 5 boys that grew up with their Gram. His best friend is their little neighbor Grace Miles. They’re friends since they were toddlers.
Omg love Asher and Grace. They were so cute together and love their chemistry.
The town of Tilikum has a feud that has been going on for ages. The Bailey’s and Haven’s.
Nobody knows how this feud started. But one thing is certain, you’re either on one side or the other.
And then one night tears everything apart. Omg that was so heartbreaking.
Can’t wait to jump in to Fighting for Us and see what’s going to happen next.
My Rating: STARS!
This novella was the origin story we didn’t know we needed. It was everything
You can tell Claire Kingsley put her heart and soul into these characters and their back story. The first 77% was alllll swoon. Asher. Oh my sweet, loving, loyal, strong Asher. He and Grace were sooo made for each other. They feel SO real and so relatable.
The last several chapters I spent with my stomach in knots, my heart racing and tears streaming down my face. Things escalated far past what I expected and my jaw was on the floor!!
I know, I KNOW everything will work out for Asher and Grace in Book 2- Fighting For Us but the wait until the end of the month may kill me
Wow!!!! I mean I’m at a loss of words right now on how it ended! I love Grace and Asher together.. the fierceness of Asher wanting to love and protect Grace was amazing..The Baileys mixed together with the Miles Clan was an awesome part in the book and I love how they together will do anything for family. I’m desperately waiting for the next part of this book do I can see how it pans out!!! With NO spoilers this was an amazing read that was well written and had a great storyline!