4.25-4.5 STARS

In this final installment to author Megan Hart’s Protector Series, Ewan and Nina’s tumultuous journey pulses forward, leading the reader towards a conclusion that left me craving more. With the addition of an epilogue, this series could have been wrapped up with a much more substantial bow. That aside, the conclusion to this crazy rollercoaster ride was an enjoyable one, overall.

Picking up where the last book left us hanging, we jump ahead a bit to find that Ewan has attempted to secure Nina’s safety by tucking her away on his island hideaway. And, so, with Nina now reset, Ewan must (once again) strive to win her heart. But since Nina’s memories could prove detrimental, Ewan must tread carefully, lest he destroy the woman that he loves. Slowly, the story peaks, reaching for a climax that’s fitting but not totally unexpected.

While futuristic stories are not my typical norm, this is simply a love story at its very core. And as such, I give my props to Megan Hart for delivering a beautifully traditional romance wrapped up in such a non-traditional way.

This is the conclusion of the three book series of Ewan and Nina. You need to read these books in order or you'll think you drank something really weird because nothing makes sense.
Nina has lost her memories and Ewan is doing everything within his considerable power to help her mend. This part of the book dragged on, it took effort to keep going because frankly I was invested and wanted to know how it ended.
You might be really irritated with the turns at the end and the very quick resolution of the story arc. But ultimately we got all of our loose ends tied up and very little left to be explored.

From the sci-fi side of Megan Hart, “Forbidden Strangers” is a drastic changes from her erotic works such as “Dirty” and “Broken.” Those expecting the emotion driven erotica may be disappointed. While “Forbidden Strangers” does have romance, the story seems more centered around the sci-fi.

Not to mention, it is the final novel in a trilogy, beginning where the previous novel left a cliffhanger. Not knowing what is going on can be frustrating. Having not read the previous novels leaves big gaps in the readers understanding of the storyline and world, so it is highly recommended to read the series in order.

While the premise is nothing new, Hart brings her signature style and creativity to this finale. Love it or hate it, the reader cannot deny the roller coaster that is this novel.

Megan Hart’s Forbidden Stranger is book three of the near future science fiction story of Nina Bronson and Ewan Donahue. Book two ended with a major cliffhanger which is where Forbidden Stranger begins. So it would be confusing for any reader to begin with this book; reading the series in order is best.

The title is a play on the storyline since Nina has no memory of the events in the first two books. Given the characters history, amnesia is a good plot device. There has been much bad and good to go on between Nina and Ewan in the first two books that a clean slate is about the only way these two can go ahead with their relationship. Still it is not long before problems and keeping of secrets surface, making the relationship murky once more.

At times I felt as if the story is drawn out when I would have preferred it to be all neatly tied up. However, more realistically, this would be how it would really play out. A unique take on enhancement and science fiction stories in general. I would give it stars just for being a science fiction story that is not having aliens kidnap humans! Romance readers of science fiction will enjoy unique series.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.

Phenomenal!

Extremely emotional roller coaster! I loved the way this trilogy ended and can't wait to read more by Ms. Hart!

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

This book, while having a good premise and interesting back story, didn't work for me at all. The author didn't spend enough time explaining the world to the reader, so I was confused about the relationship between the main characters, what Gray Tuesday was, how the world looked like after the event, and just anything beyond the island they were on. The setting was strange, in that the reader can't really tell it's taking place in the future except for a few random mentions and weird futuristic words. The words were probably the biggest issue for me, they were so odd and unnecessary. Things like "shiny fine" and "galactically boring" just made me laugh. The book needed more worldbuilding, less silly futuristic phrases, and more relationship building between the characters.

Forbidden Stranger is the third and final book in The Protector series. I loved the premise of the book, but it sadly fell flat to me. Story was drawn out.... choppy... and I did skim a few chapters.

The story begins with a young woman named Nina. Who had an accident and lost her memory. The only thing she does remember is that she feels safe and protected with her boss, Ewan.

This was a cute story don't get me wrong, but rather dragged out.

Forbidden Stanger is the last book In the protector trilogy, and as with the first two I just couldn't with this one. I was really hoping I would have enjoyed this one, but that ship sailed early on in the story. I think what my main issue is, that every single one of these books was way too long. Each one is repetitive, filled with fillers, and drawn out. I hate when any book has one of these elements.

Plus before you even consider reading this one I would advise you to read the first two.

I was bored was reading this one, I skimmed along some because honestly I just wanted it to be over.

I must be in the minority here since everyone who has read this, or the series are loving it, or that they have been fans of Megan for years. I was one of them, I loved all her early work from years ago, when she was writing with Lauren Dane. So I know that she can do great story building and characters that we love and adore, just with this one. Nope!

This story had it all, tech, romance, combat and so much more!!

It was not the normal type of story that I would go for but I was pleasantly surprised and I really enjoyed it- I got straight in to the story and was hooked within a few chapters!

The two main characters were good, the story was well detailed and you didn't get lost in the plot. This is the third book in the series and as I haven't read the previous two I would say that this is fine to be read as a stand alone as I have given it five stars!!

A very well written story and I would definitely recommend this one!

This is the first of her books that I have read. The author does a wonderful job of my making her characters come to life .The story kept me on the edge of my seat. I am going to purchase the first 2 books of her series so I can see how it all started..

This is book 3 of the Protector series, so you should definitely read book 1 and 2 first.

After more broken trust Ewan whisks Nina away to help her recover. It’s a rush to develop the necessary code that will save Nina and the other enhanced. This is a really enjoyable fast paced read full of love, forgiveness and sacrifice.

Forbidden Stranger is the final book in this series and while I have enjoyed the premise behind the storyline, I feel that some of the impact was lost in the drawn out length of each book. My opinion only, but the author would have been better served, compiling all three books and omitting some of the needless and confusing details; this would have resulted in a five star 4-5 star read.

So with that said, the story was good, but not great, and I didn’t really like the ending; however I’m sure there are certainly some readers who will gobbled this series up with enthusiasm.

FORBIDDEN STRANGER is the third and final book in <i>The Protector</i> series and all I can say is finally. It's over. Any hope that I had with this concluding installment being better, or at least as good, as book one.. well, that hope crashed and burned pretty early on.

<i>She didn't know what was worse, knowing that she'd forgotten something, or being unable to remember that she was constantly forgetting.</i>

My main problem with this series is that it's just too long. Each book is drawn out, repetitive, filled with filler, and in the case of this last book, well.. repetitive. As a result of the end of book two, Nina Bronson, an Enhanced soldier, in and out of a relationship with Ewan Donahue over the course of the series, Ewan being the man who created the technology that gave her her abilities, has lost her memory. As a result we basically get to watch everything that's already happened between them happen <b>again</b>.

"<i>I can't expect her to forgive me for everything, forever.</i>"
"<b>Why not? Isn't love about forgiveness?</b>"
"<i>Nobody should expect that of someone else. Love doesn't give you a free pass to hurt someone, over and over again.</i>"

Compounded by a tendency to screw first and talk about feelings later, the constant lies or omissions Ewan is once again having to spin, this time 'because the truth might kill her'.. ugh. And don't even get me started on the return of the villainous Jordie, now complete with version 2.0 of his crazy theatrical Lex Luthor impression. I just can't even.

<i>Once again, he'd found himself keeping the truth from her, and once again, he'd convinced himself it was for her safety and well-being.</i>

Everything that I disliked about book one was worse in book two and honestly nothing about three was better. I don't think it was <b>as</b> bad, per se, but honestly my overall tolerance was in the toilet. I skimmed over a lot of details, especially the sexy ones, but even Hart's general dialogue and narrative was repetitive and easy to speed through without much processing power required. This does not lend itself well for keeping a reader interested. Certainly not this one.

"<i>You lied to me. For months and months, Ewan. And I might not remember everything, but I do remember that it's not the first time you've lied to me. You think you're protecting me, you say you love me, but that's not love.</i>

As for the world building that kept me engaged in this series, nothing was added to that in this wrap-up book, and other than Ewan flexing his Mister Money Bags muscles and having the ability to do anything and everything, even control the weather (not joking).. honestly, it just felt too over the top. Ewan in general was just one of the worst heroes I've read about because all of his bad behaviour is done under the guise of being for another person's benefit or care or protection but without any actual redeeming qualities that might make you feel inclined to forgive him his arrogance (sorry, none of that end of the book 'doing everything for non-profit, underprivileged children' to make the world a better place or whatever made any of it easier to swallow). He's just a dick. A pouty entitled dick and even though Nina acknowledges this, resists, rails at him for it.. lo and behold these two crazy kids are still going to make it work. Sigh.

<i>There was the very real possibility that they were simply incompatible for something beyond the bedroom.</i>

I wish I could've loved this series but unfortunately, I just never did and I would not recommend.

I’m really enjoying this series! Great light read that will have you chuckling all the way through.

2.5 to 3*

Despite having issues with the previous two books (you really need to read those first) I was really looking forward to this one.

Before I really get into my review I have to say that one thing all three of these books had in common is they were just too long. I’ve skimmed all of them at some point just to keep going.

While I like the idea behind these and the characters (for the most part) I found my interest waning.
It started well, after being reset so many times Nina is a mess her memory has gone but the real threat is self termination. The early scenes on the island show us the struggle, the danger and progress plus the developing relationship between Ewan and Nina. Ewan has to lie repeatedly to the woman he loves and it’s hard but she needs to remember things on her own.
My problem is this takes up 70% of the book and honestly I was bored.

#### SPOILERS ####

Ewan’s team are working round the clock to find the fix but Katrinka Dev is also working and testing on her son Jordie. This is both illegal and unethical but somehow she’s doing it and everyone seems to know but no one is stopping her.

We know who’s really working on the fix and the fact that despite how desperate they are for it I don’t believe Nina would have taken it and I don’t think for a minute Ewan would have let her.
It’s obvious that Jordie is crazy and not to be trusted in anyway especially considering what he did and the grudge he holds.

Now I know this is a Sci-fi romance and I’m being picky but I’ve read all three books and I wanted an ending that fit. One I could believe in and this just didn’t work for me at all.
It would have made sense for the others to take up the offer and have the fix. They weren’t aware of all the facts regarding Jordie so that would have fit and then the book could have run its course that way just leaving Nina and Al out.

####

I know I’m in the minority here since all the reviews I’ve seen have been 4 and 5* and maybe it’s just me but there’s absolutely no point me writing a review if I’m not going to be totally honest and honestly I was very disappointed in how this ended.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.

This is the third book in the series - the previous books should read before this one , especially book two in order to set the characters in context .

At the close of book 2 we see Nina's rescue by Ewan and Al - her enhancements reset multiple times .
Ewan takes her to one of his safe havens , an island fully secure and protected from outside influences . Here he hopes that her memories will come back slowly and SAFELY and that she will yet again forgive him for keeping secrets from her .
With more and more of the enhanced 'self terminating' Ewan and his tech team are pulling out all the stops to devise 'code' that will stop Nina and others from suiciding .
But someone else is also rushing to devise the code first - what is their motive ?, will they allow Nina access if they succeed first ?
Ewan must put aside his own desires in order to protect Nina from the 'self termination' program even if it means their love love might not survive....... if she does .

This is a great read - of love , of loss and sacrifice .
I will be looking for more books from this Author

A wonderful end to The Protector series. Forbidden Stranger takes place just about where Wicked Attraction leaves off. Nina and Ewan fighting for their love. Nina is struggling with her memory and then ultimately trust with Ewan. Ewan just wants to do right by his love for Nina and protect her. He tries so hard to help her heal and set things right again. Their love proves that even when all may seem lost it can be found again. Nina and Ewan may have a few road blocks placed for them but still continue to fight for each other. I really enjoyed this series. It's been so different from what I've been reading of late. If you are looking for different, futuristic love story then this is a series to pick up.

Well, THAT was a crazy end to a crazy ride. Forbidden Stranger was the final book in this series. When I read book one, I quickly realized it wasn't like anything I expected, and wasn't sure what to think of it all. I mean, future Earth where everything is different and people have all these enhancements? Wow. But I got so hooked. And now it's over, but I kinda wish there was a bit more still, like an epilogue, or a novella about one of the side characters or something.

This book starts off and you don't totally know what's going on. They have to go back and explain because even more craziness has happened since book 2. I swear, this poor doomed couple have to fight harder for their happy ever after than maybe anyone I have ever seen. For real.

Oh and don't forget, there's more than just a love story goin on up in here. Halfway through, things get way WAY adventurous and edge-of-your-seat suspenseful! So, every series eventually ends and this one does in a grand, big way. I super loved the journey.

A fight to find the technology that will save the life of the woman he loves is something that drives Ewan’s every thought. He refuses to back down and with a race against the clock he is desperate to protect Nina from harm. Nursing her back to health and trying to ensure her memories don’t play a downfall in her recovery he enlists the help of others with the sole purpose of protecting her from harm where he felt he failed before. Their love is something that will make them whole and finally feel complete for the first time in their lives.

Nina Bronson and Ewan Donahue have put their love to its limits. To Ewan, she’s the only woman he wants to be with for the rest of his life. To Nina, whose memories have been ripped out of her, Ewan is her kind and generous boss who’s helping her recover after an accident she also can’t remember. The more time they spend together, the more she begins to feel for him, but Ewan knows the truth, she loved him once.When I started reading I couldn't put it down I read the book i couldn't put it down.Megan is magnifysent writer.I cannot wait to read more of het books.Keep up the great work.