“Congratulations. The papers were signed by the judge last night. You’re a free woman.”

Elisabeth Naughton begins her new book, Protected, with those intriguing words, and I am, instantly, hooked
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Elisabeth Naughton is a romantic suspense author who knows how to please readers in this popular genre. This novel’s plot revolves around the lives of Kelsey McClane and Hunter O’Donnell. Kelsey is an “up-and-coming” fashion designer, who is newly divorced from her abusive husband. She is receiving death threats, so her brother hires his best friend to be her guard.

Hunter is a former Army Ranger who now owns a protection agency. At one time he had a “crush” on Kelsey, but he thought she had a boyfriend, so he moved on. Kelsey had also found Hunter attractive at that time, but she felt he only saw her friend, so she also moved on.

Astonishingly, this novel starts with a gigantic “accident,” that allows Ms. Naughton to demonstrate her skilled writing skills. Her descriptions are so explicit that I felt like I was actually there with Kelsey and Hunter. And, the characters’ dialogue with each other, beautifully expressed every emotion they had. And they had lots of different emotions during this event. In fact, they run the gamut from terror to the intimacy only felt by very close friends.

As this event concluded, which was quickly because I couldn’t put the book down, I wondered if the author could top it. However, I didn’t need to worry; the suspense and intrigue never stopped. The author took me on such a “wild goose chase” that I had no idea who was causing all of the trouble until the end.

I, thoroughly, enjoyed this book. Kelsey and Hunter are loveable, realistic three-dimensional characters. Unfortunately, they go through a lot of dangerous situations that I, hopefully, will never have to experience. Fortunately, Elisabeth Naughton gives me a chance to, vicariously, experience their adventures. It is a lot safer and a lot more fun!

As I read this book I kept wondering how many more times is Kelsey going to escape death?

This story starts off with a bang moves right into romance and sex. Hunter is a very likable character while Kelsey readers will yell do not go there many times throughout the story.

Elisabeth Naughton is able to find a good blend of action to romance giving readers a balanced story even with its unbelievable moments.

From the first page to the last romantic suspense readers will not be disappointed with Protected.

This story can be read as a stand alone or in the series either way readers will enjoy spending hours with Hunter and Claire.

Thank you to the Author, Netgalley and Montlake Romance for the advance copy.

this book had more dialog than action. I liked the characters and the story line but would have loved to have see more action between the characters rather than just long conversations

Best book of the series! Thankfully I spent a day traveling so I didn’t have to stop reading. The chemistry between Hunter and Kelsey is perfect. I love all the twists and turns their story takes, but most importantly I found Hunter and Kelsey to be very real people. This book is a perfect companion to the rest of the Deadly Secrets series and I cannot wait for the next book.

WHEW....I loved this book...just what I was looking for to read. Loads of mystery, mayhem, murder and love circling around it all. If you love books that keep you on the edge of your seat wondering which way it's going to go then you'll love this one too!! Looking forward to the next book...I volunteered a review for this early release, which in no way affected my review...it simply was a fantastic book. Thank you Ms Naughton for a great series of books!!!

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.

I’ve had mixed experiences with Elisabeth Naughton’s Deadly Secrets romantic suspense series, but the third instalment-- PROTECTED (which can be read as a standalone)-- definitely fell into the ‘positive’ category. Though the plot was pretty standard fare for RS and required a healthy dose of suspension of disbelief, it served to support the real standouts of the novel: protagonists Kelsey McClane and Hunter O’Donnell and their burgeoning romantic relationship. Hunter and Kelsey both have relationship issues and are remarkably complex and flawed (particularly Kelsey, in a nice departure from the tortured-hero trope), but Ms. Naughton makes them incredibly sympathetic and relatable rather than unbelievably overdone-- even when Kelsey is at her most neurotic, you can understand and empathise and root for her. Even the ‘happy for now’ ending, rather than the traditional HEA of the genre--as disappointing as it may feel for us avid romance readers-- is on point and realistic for Kelsey and Hunt. Overall, PROTECTED was a thoroughly enjoyable way to while away an afternoon, and I look forward to seeing what Ms. Naughton has in story for the remaining McClane siblings: Rusty (an enigmatic character if there ever was one) and Thomas.

Kelsey McClane is a talented designer on the verge of success. Just before appearing on a talk show she receives a disturbing text on her phone. Kelsey is divorced from a controlling ex and her family has hired a family friend, former Army Ranger and now owner of a PI firm, Hunter O’Donnell to provide security for her. They are afraid her ex won’t go quietly. Someone is definitely threatening Kelsey but is it her ex or is there another player.

This book grabbed me from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. Kelsey has had her confidence shaken by her ex and I loved watching her grow stronger and take back control of her life. The chemistry between her and Hunter jumps off the page. Hunter is a true hero. There are a few interesting twists in the story. I guessed part of the ending but not all of it. This is part of a series but could easily be read as a stand alone. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Former Army Ranger Hunter O’Donnell owns and operates a PI and security firm in Portland, Oregon. He is best friends with Kelsey’s older brother. Kelsey McClane is a promising fashion designer. A recent divorcee, her brothers hire Hunter to be Kelsey’s bodyguard at a local television show. She receives a menacing text message that heralds danger. When the danger intensifies, Hunter suspects there is more to the threats than either of them realize. Kelsey and Hunter learn significant facts about her past as the search continues. Will the truth about her birth be Kelsey’s doom? Can she learn to trust Hunter? Will Hunter be able to protect Kelsey from her mysterious stalker?
Hunter steadily grew on me. He is haunted by his own past. I understand how his mother’s death and his father’s inability to handle it influence Hunter’s fear of relationships. Yet, Kelsey tempts him to take a chance despite his reservations. I love how he sees her inner strength when Kelsey cannot. But what I adore the most about Hunter is how he accepts Kelsey for who she is, insecurities and all.
Kelsey is such an inspirational heroine. She acknowledges and accepts her many insecurities and flaws, yet she is determined to work through them. I admire Kelsey’s resolve and inner strength to reclaim her life, especially after everything she endured at her ex-husband’s hand. But what I like the most about Kelsey is how she understands Hunter’s fears about relationships, because she too has the same difficulties.
PROTECTED is book three in Elisabeth Naughton’s romantic suspense series, DEADLY SECRETS. I have not read the first two books in the series; however, that did not hinder my ability to follow the events in the story. I like that there is no ongoing plot that requires reading the prior books.
PROTECTED is a riveting tale of two like-minded people learning to overcome their fears of relationships. I love how this book kept me on the edge of my seat in anticipation. I hope the author plans to write a story about Kelsey’s brother Rusty.

4.5 Stars!

Even if this is your first look at this series, you are going to be very happy with Hunter and Kelsey. So much action and tension throughout the story. Loved it all!

We have met Kelsey McClane in the previous two books. She is baby sister to her adopted brothers. Well protected by said brothers but still rebellious and doing her own thing. Her choices have led her to some bad situations. This book has her brother's best friend, Hunter, assigned as her body guard. Secretly both of them are hoping that there is some up close and personal protection coming. Of course life and bro codes try to keep them apart.

Great adventure with a strong heroine. Loved that Kelsey stood her ground around Hunter. It's when that soft squishy side for both leads start showing, that the reader really melts.

Loved seeing previous couples and the whole McClane family again. Can not wait to see what the the rest of the brothers get up to. I look forward to reading more about this couple in future books as well.

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 received an arc from Netgalley. This book had me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought it was figured out a twist in the storyline was shocking.

The chemistry between Kelsey and Hunt is off the charts. Hunt assigned as Kelsey’s bodyguard, an ex husband who doesn’t want to let go, and someone else out to steal her inheritance are all in this action packed romance.

Definitely a five star review and an author I can’t wait to read more of.

I enjoyed reading, Protected, book 3 in the Deadly Secrets series. I loved the main characters, Hunter and Kelsey. Their backstories where interesting on what they went thru as children making them into the people that they grew up into. The story had suspense, drama, and a whole lot of sexy scenes together once they hooked up.
Very good story.

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, we you should. Happy reading!

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.

Thank you Elizabeth for ARC. You never disappoint me. Sit back and buckle up. There are some twists and turns, ups and downs, edge sitting moments. The fire is still smoking. Well done I’ll be referring to my family and friends.

Great, fast paced story. Grabs you from the opening and doesn't stop. Book never drags and keeps you guessing. Thought I had it pretty figured out but it managed to surprised me. You don't have to read the first two book in the series to understand this one. Would definately recommend and will be reading the first two and looking forward to more!

This book is FIRE from the frist page. It ignites hot, sizzles throughout, and builds to a raging inferno of an ending!

Hunter & Kelsey have known each other their whole lives, both secretly loving the other, but believing their love to be unrequited by the other. Circumstances bring the two together, and while Hunter's job is to be protecting Kelsey; as the plot thickens, so does the sexual tension between the two. What we are left with is a pulse-pounding suspense that keeps you turning the page, and a romance that feels so genuine, you are truly rooting for the couple with each page turn.


Protected is book #3 in a series, but it can be read as a standalone, as can the previous two books. Kelsey is related to the main characters from the other books. It's been a bit since I've read the first two, so that fact completely went over my head until then end of the book. I must admit though, once I realized the connection I had been missing out on, it made me love the book even more. I highly recommend this read.... and the previous two in the series. If you're an RS junkie like I am, and like your romance to have as much mystery as it does steam, you'll thank me!

What starts out with a literal bang turns into a slow burn that keeps building with some great chemistry between Hunter & Kelsey and a plot that keeps you guessing.

Who doesn't love when characters who've known each other for what seems like forever but who have been ignoring their attraction finally come to their senses and realize they belong together?!? H&K have had heat and attraction between them for as long as either can remember. It's only when they are forced to be together all the time that they are admit to themselves and each other what has been bubbling under the surface for so long. EN has given us a fabulous couple that, to me, felt genuine and honest.

The circumstances of them having to be constantly around each other not only fuels the chemistry between them but also the mail plot of the story - who is threatening Kelsey and why? What I'm enjoying more and more about the romantic-suspense genre is the combination of plot that keeps your pulse up but also a couple that keeps it up as well. Protected is full of both at an amp'd up level.

While this is book #3 in a 'series', it can be read as a standalone as are the first two books. The only thing that carries over from the previous two books are character names; they do not play into the main plot of the story.

Thanks to the author, publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Protected is a true mix of romance and white knuckled suspense. Not only does it grab you emotionally from the start while you connect to both Kelsey and Hunters fiery passion, it keeps you on the edge of your seat with all of the suspenseful twist and turns.

I loved these two characters together. Kelsey fights to overcome obstacles from childhood, a bad marriage and her life on the line. Hunter, who is not only a family friend but a Security Expert, has been hired to protect her and not only steps up to battle the bad guys but also battles the insecurities to win her heart.

Protected is a part of a series of even though it can be read as a standalone I would have liked to have read the other books in the series first to have a better connection with some of the underlying characters.


ARC Review