The plot and synopsis grabbed me right away because I like a good mystery that can bring people together. It's when the stress rises that you get to see the truth of people sometimes. While the flow of the story kind of confused the whole plot I was expecting, it was the characters themselves that disappointed me.

Win was a bit too attached to her pain so when the repetition began as we re-lived her past and reiterated many times how much there was that caused her to act the way she did I wasn't as invested. Henry was too attached to his pride. Secrets suck, for sure, but hers were completely understandable and he pretty much made Everest out of some foothills. When female leads become doormats and beggars for a love they deserve I struggle. Henry drew things out way, way too long and made Win suffer unnecessarily. Both characters became people I had a hard time loving.

The villain was pretty predictable and hints were mentioned and then left alone or just never picked up on in order to lengthen the story and amp up the drama. There was drama coming from everywhere, actually, once things really started to progress. I will admit that there were some incredibly tender and sweet moments that gave me hope, it was just too near the beginning and the follow-through was a long wait. So this wasn't a bad story at all, just unfulfilling for me.

Lexi Blake has the talent to draw in her readers into a story that you get addicted to; and can’t let go of until you know the ins and out of the mystery. Order of Protection is the first book in a brand new series; Courting Justice but has loose ties to her Masters and Mercenaries as well as the Lawless Series. 

Here we meet; Henry, a newly divorced recovering alcoholic who was once the shark lawyer but his very public and scandalous divorce to an actress has him licking his wounds – yet he wants to get back on the horse. So, he does his best to look forward to his future with a new firm with David, a NFL star turned lawyer and Noah Lawless, a Lawless sibling who is trying his best to stay away from his hacking days!  

Henry is ruthless in his work, and somehow, he came off as arrogant and jerky more often than not. At first, I actually found him to be more focused on his own reputation rather than his own physical or mental health, which after what he went through, he should have had the insight to change his own lifestyle and his thought process.  

When he finds Win on the beach, an attraction that is instantaneous between them; yet they decide on a brief affair; yet connection that is undeniable but neither of them is willing to let go of their secrets to move them forward.  

It’s in the real world that destroys the tranquillity of the memory of the two – week affair between Henry and Win – I actually wanted to punch Henry for the way he behaved with Win, when they come face to face in the real world but Win totally takes over my heart with the way she handles the crass behaviour of Henry. She makes sure that Henry never stood a chance against her – she is smart, resourceful and intelligent + the way she challenges Henry to eat his own words was brilliant and definitely enjoyable!  

 The suspense is the classic who – dunnit – and those mysteries are the ones that I absolutely adore and the mystery is the typical of Lexi Blake – and one that I definitely relished and respected!  

This is a series that I am gonna keep an eye out for; especially the sneak peaks we have gotten into David and Noah – who make me salivate all the more for the next books in the series!

*4.5 stars*

Whew….

Once I started this story, I didn’t come up for air until the very end. A slow burn, this was an intense romance and a whole lot more…

Win and Henry were both recovering when they ‘ran’ into each other on the heels of a storm. Win was beautiful, interesting and throughout it all, carried herself with class. Henry was smart, accomplished but haunted by his fall from grace. Even when secrets tore their fledgling relationship apart, when tragedy struck, there was no one Win would trust more…

This offshoot of the Lawless series (I see you Noah!) was mystery, suspense and, of course, schmexy love. This author knows how to write a story that gives and gives from page one and this one was no exception. I loved all the characters as they played their given roles to perfection. The twists, the betrayals (oh my word – the betrayals!) fed a storyline that nudged but never quite went over the top. I loved every drama-filled moment and can’t wait for more!

Order of Protection is not my favorite Lexi Blake book. It is well written, with an intriguing plot and well drawn characters, but it lacks the charm and humor of the author’s Bliss and Masters and Mercenaries series. Maybe it just lacks Ian Taggart!

Taylor Winston-Hughes, famous as the heiress to a fortune and a reality tv show, is trying to leave that life behind-along with the anorexia that nearly claimed her life. So when she meets well known attorney Henry Garrison in his family’s house on the beach, she tells him she is Win Hughes, and they share a special time together. But Henry is the only person who can help her when she is charged with murder. He feels betrayed when he finds out who she really is and isn’t sure he should take her case. But circumstances throw them together for a long period of time-can he overcome his anger and free her both from the law and from the fears holding her back from a relationship?

While Win is an interesting character and very strong woman, I didn’t particularly like Henry and didn’t see what Win saw in him. Part of the problem is that they are both famous people, unlike the down to earth people we usually see from this author.

Having said that, this is still a good read filled with plot twists and turns, suspense, and a totally unexpected ending. A sub par book by Lexi Blake is still an outstanding book.

Without giving too much away, this romantic suspense read started with Henry and Win meeting in Martha's Vineyard and engaging in a hot affair. Once Win's best friend is found murdered and Win become the prime suspect, the suspense aspect of the story kicks in, and this leads to her meeting Henry once again in New York, although this time as attorney and client. Henry learns Win didn't disclose the truth about her identity, but these two have a very strong connection, and the chemistry between them sizzles all throughout. There's a whole lot of tension that goes on, but as much as I'm taken by the romance, I'm also equally invested in the mystery and suspense. Who really killed Win's best friend and what motive could they have had to take a life? If the rest of the Courting Justice series is as good as Order of Protection, I dare say that Lexi Blake's got yet another winner of a trilogy on her hands. I highly recommend this book to Blake fans and lovers of romantic suspense reads. Five stars!

Romantic suspense is my jam and Order of Protection by Lexi Blake has all the elements I love in spades! I enjoyed this book so much, that the night I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I found the characters to be so compelling and the romance and mystery hooked me from the very beginning. This was my first Lexi Blake book, but it won’t be my last.

So good! Lexi Blake is one of my favorite authors for a reason—she is masterful blending romance, suspense, and action (& there’s always lots of angst for my angst-loving heart!).

I haven’t read many books by this author and I want to go back and read all of her books. This was a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Henry also known, as the Monster of Manhattan is a ruthless lawyer you want on your side. It doesn’t matter to him if the client is guilty, that is what makes him so good.

Win is a reality star and the only survivor of an accident that took her parents from her. Both of these characters have demons they are fighting. They have an instant connection and you can’t help but like them. So much happens between these two. I don’t want to ruin anything for you. I will say this is a must read and I can not wait for the next book in the series.

Lexi's synopsis and covers always look so promising to me. Like they are about to give me the story of a life time. Yet, this first time author to me was a miss. I don't know if it is a me thing or a her thing. But either way it doesn't look promising.

I did NOT like Henry. He was a downright ass. And down right pigheaded. The fact that this man ran all the way up until the end irked the crap out of me. UGH! There were many a times I just really didn't care for them, so I found myself bored. The only part I found interesting was the murder mystery and the ending, although it was quite exaggerated in the way things broke down, such as leaving a baby in the middle of the ocean, by herself with a life preserver, for at least 24 hours or so and absolutely NOTHING happens to her before she is found. . However, the twist of Mary and who Win actually was added a nice twist.

My other issue, which was a big one and why I will probably not pick up another book by this author is her writing style is absolutely NOT my jam. If I am being honest, it felt very juvenile.

Thank you for the opportunity to give this book and author a try.

Order of Protection is the first book in Lexi Blake's new Courting Justice series and has connections to both her Masters and Mercenaries (Yay! McKay-Taggart) series and Lawless series (an equally yummy series).
I have read almost every Lexi Blake book that there is and one thing I have definitely come to learn is that there is no doubt that the shoe will drop.
Always. Always the other shoe drops.
This first book features Henry, a lawyer known as the Monster of Manhattan, a hard, cold lawyer with ice in his veins - only that's not the man Win meets.
When Win, the Million Dollar Baby, a former reality star, first meets Henry - he's warm, sexy, playful and protective.
After a brief interlude, the pair go their separate ways and what did I tell you? The other shoe always drops!
I loved this book and immediately fell head over heels for both Henry and Win.
I can't wait to read the next installment in what I think will be another fantastic series by one of my favorite authors
Definitely recommended!

I loved the mystery of this story. Through out all the twists and turns, Lexi kept me guessing. It's a standalone romance with a HEA.
The writing is spectacular and the story flows seamlessly. It's told in both Win and Henry's POV. Lexi's writing will suck you into Win and Henry's world and emotions. I had a hard time putting this down. I had to know what was going to happen next

Order of Protection is the first book in the Courting Justice Series by Lexi Blake about high-end defense attorney Henry Garrison who is at a low point in his life when he meets Win Hughes. She is an exciting young woman who wakes up feelings he has kept buried.

Everything changes when Win is accused of murder and Henry and his law firm takes her case. Henry learns that Win has been keeping her true identity a secret -- she comes from one of the wealthiest families in the country. Henry has an aversion to Win's past because of past experience.

This case will reveal some disturbing and painful truths.

OMG! Henry is absolutely delish with all his caveman ways. Win is deliciously sassy and smart as she tries to assert herself while unwillingly falling in love with Henry. What a story!

It was a chance encounter. Neither one wanted more than a Summer Fling. Both their lives were too complicated. They both had different goals to achieve. Falling in love was definitely not planned.

As their paths continue to cross, Henry is left no choice but become Win's criminal attorney and save her life. The complications and plotline twists will keep you at the edge of your seats. This is a love story full of real-life obstacles and a mystery to be solved. Their futures are not guaranteed but Henry will make sure Win is spared as he doubles his efforts trying to solve a murder.

You will not want to put this book down. Be prepared to read it in one sitting. It is that good!

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the publisher for sharing this book with me.

I really wanted to love this book because I adore Lexi Blake. Have I said that before? I adore Lexi Blake. She only has two series that I haven’t read and I need to rectify that. Stat. So I was really excited when this book came out. I loved the Lawless series so I thought this would be along the same lines. It was and wasn’t. It started out super, super slow. It had promise in the beginning, it really did.

Henry Garrison (I totally just drew a blank on his name and had to look it up on GR) is at his grandfather’s beach house on Martha’s Vineyard getting it ready to sell. After an acrimonious split from his now ex-wife, Henry has to sell his grandfather’s beach house to pay her off. Henry has been on the wagon for six months or so, but packing up the house has him ready to hit the bottle. Then he sees woman take a spill right outside the house. He heads to her rescue, which is laughable considering he can’t even rescue himself. She is Win Hughes and Henry is immediately intrigued although she is substantially younger than him. The problem is that Henry doesn’t know who she really is. If he did, he would have never let her through the front door.

Known as the Billion Dollar Baby, Taylor Winston-Hughes can’t get away from the spotlight. She can’t deny that she put herself in it when she went on a reality show. That went badly when she ended up in rehab for anorexia. When she meets Henry she’s not in the best place she’s ever been, but she is drawn to him nonetheless. She can tell he feels the same. Conveniently a bad storm hits and they are stuck at Henry’s.

So what ends up happening is Win and Henry end up spending two glorious weeks together and then they go their separate way with Henry not knowing Win’s true identity. Win texts Henry a few times, but he doesn’t return the texts. He finally decides to return her texts and he gets a bomb dropped on him. Win is the Billion Dollar Baby. She travels in the same world as his ex-wife. The world that nearly destroyed him. The world he will not return to for anyone or anything in the world. The problem is that Win has been arrested for murder. A case like this could make Henry’s new firm.

Henry was so annoying. He just couldn’t get over who Win was. It’s not like it was her fault. She couldn’t help who she was or who her parents were. He would not let her forget that he would never forgive her. He just wouldn’t let up on her. It got really old. I really liked how Win handled it. She didn’t cry or beg. She just let him feel the way he felt. Of course when push came to shove, Henry couldn’t leave her alone. Still, he didn’t think it could work out in the end so he would sleep with her while she was a suspect but as soon as she was cleared and moved out of his house, he was going to cut her loose. What an ASS. Seriously. Ugh.

I’m honestly not in a rush to read the second book. It’s about one of Henry’s partner. I don’t even know if I’m intrigued. I will read it eventually, but probably not right when it comes out. I’m sad that this book disappointed me.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Note: The link is not live at this time.

4 Is He Really the Monster of Manahattan Stars!!!

The minute I heard about this book, this first one in a new series by Ms. Wilde I knew I HAD to read this book. Ms. Wilde is so brilliant at weaving a story with a complexity of details that are spot on and engage her readers from the very beginning of the book.

Order of Protection is no different our H/h Henry and Win. There's a connection between these two even they don't want to admit it because it'll draw away from their "deal" of having a no-strings attached two weeks of bliss. But all that changes when Win is accused of a horrible crime and Henry is the man she runs to not only for comfort but also for her defense as he's the best lawyer in the city.

There's so many things I loved about this book. Both of these two have secrets they're hiding and their damaged in their own ways too, so, so damaged. But watching them work their way through all the revelations as Henry continues to build a case that will reveal who the real killer is! Along the way, Win has to come to terms that not everyone she thought was her friend isn't and that alone given the loneliness of her childhood is another blow to her heart. But that doesn't take away from her sassy, intelligent woman that I loved!!!

Oh and when we find out the who's and why's of this crime I was shocked!!! I want to give kudos to Ms. Blake because I certainly didn't see it coming! If you're a lover of romantic suspense, this is a must read for you!!

It's my first time reading a book by Lexi Blake and it drew me in from the start. She hooked me and had me wanting to find out where she was going with these characters and this story. There are both likable and unlikable and some mystery that kept things moving. Recommended.

Nikki’s Review:

It is always such an incredible treat to read a new Lexi Blake book. I know I'm going on an adventure each and every time.

Winnie ( Win) is trying to live her life as her true self. She wants out of the public eye and to be "normal". She's been to hell and back struggling with Anorexia. She's healthy and ready to be happy.

Henry Garrison is a recovering alcoholic and his career as the best and most ruthless lawyer in Manhattan is in shambles. He wants nothing more than to stay out of the limelight and get his career back on track.

I fell hard for Henry right from the start. I loved his open vulnerability at the beginning of the book. When he and Win get together he is so genuine with her. He messes up a little, but Win is too stubborn to be pushed away!

Lexi writes amazing heroines. They're full of sass and spunk. They're also incredibly smart and can take care of themselves. Win is no exception. I love how she teases Henry. She softens him.

When Win is accused of murdering her best friend she looks to Henry to help her. Here's where it gets sticky. Henry is pissed. Like, really REALLY pissed because of something he feels that Win lied about. He treats her like crap, but of course he still wants to bump and grind. The emotions that Lexi's writing pulled out of me during the scene in the police interrogation room was awesome! I was angry and heartbroken on Win's behalf. I could also understand Henry's crappy behaviour, even if it wasn't right.

I swear, nobody writes romantic suspense like Lexi Blake. I start to consider myself a bit of an amateur sleuth whenever I get immersed in one of her books. There's so many twists and turns. The clues keep coming, and I'm waiting on the edge of my seat to find out who the bad guy is!

This book is an amazing start to this brand spanking new series! David's story is next and I can hardly wait.

Rating: 4 Stars (A)

Lexi Blake is one of today's great romance writers. I can never put her books down ever! I just fall straight into them and love every second.

4.5 Stars

Order of Protection by Lexi Blake is the first book in the Courting Justice series. Filled with suspenseful scenes and heart pounding moments, I seriously could not put it down. The beginning was a bit slow but as the story progressed it became all-consuming. Secrets, lies, and betrayal...what more could you ask for??

Win and Henry are both recovering from certain events that happened in their lives. Neither are looking for love but what happens when what was supposed to be a vacation fling turns into more, both are unsure of what the future holds. That all changes when something happens to Win that could change her life forever...will Henry step up to the plate and be the man that she needs?

OMGGGG!!! The twists and turns in this book had me on the edge of my seat. I LOVED IT!!! Ms. Blake wrote an excellent story with exceptional characters that you couldn’t help but root for. Both Win and Henry were strong characters yet were very relatable and had very real flaws. I honestly didn’t want it to end. I am so excited for book 2 in the series!!

Betrayal and secrets are central plot points in this awesome contemporary romantic suspense. Things are not always as they seem and beliefs aren’t always right. This is a fast paced story that has more layers than it first appears. You may think you know the ending and then there is a new twist in the plot. You may even think you know what will happen next and another change occurs. I loved that things kept developing and evolving into a story that you really can’t put down. The characters are terrific. Henry has problems with women in the limelight and paints them all as his ex. Win may be rich but she also is down to earth. Those two got along until they realize who each other were. Though at times Henry’s attitude irritated me, I really enjoyed the main characters and most of the secondary ones. Given that this is the first book in a new series, that means I will have the opportunity to see these characters again. I think I can safely say that Ms. Blake has another winning series that fans and new readers alike will love.
The Story: Henry just wants to pack up his grandparents’ house and be left alone. He’s not looking for a woman or a new relationship but when Win falls in front of him that all changes. He’s finds himself interested in this woman even if it will only be until he leaves the island. Win isn’t exactly up front on who she is. She wants to enjoy this interlude too. But, when Win finds herself being charged for a crime she didn’t commit, she knows she wants Henry to represent her. Can he find it within himself to forgive Win for not telling him who she really is?

Night Owl Reviews Jun, 2018 4.50