An unusual pair it would seem. A dog trainer (Lily) and a football star (Brody). Tied to Texas, football and each other through the love of dogs. These two have enough baggage to build their own football team.

Is it possible to be a loyal man if you have been labeled a manwhore? Lily is certain that once a manwhore always a manwhore and her trust issues run deep. Brody of course is big (in all the right places), beautiful and soulful with his own distrust of the populace. It's amazing to see them collide, scheme and make a future together.

Brody and Lily have been thrown together repeatedly and their love of rescuing dogs is no small thing. With the help of their friends they set up stings, surveillance and even break-in to a warehouse to bring down a puppy mill.

All the while Brody has to train, work through recovery on his shoulder and fight for his starting spot on the field. Lily has her day job training dogs, agility training and fighting off her evil stepfather.

It's a modern day Cinderella story packed full of evil step sisters (Dr. Chase and Devon Taylor) and the evil stepfather (Richard 'Dick' Head). Lily and Brody fight the odds and bad guys. They push football from their lives to focus on their furry family. Allowing them to rescue a happily ever after.

I was gifted an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this entertaining and engrossing story.
I liked the fleshed out characters and the story kept me hooked till the end.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

One thing I love about Tricia Lynne's female characters is that they are feisty, take no crap, strong, tell it like it is women. I loved her first book Moonlight and Whiskey, so I was excited for this one. And Lily did not disappoint. I liked her from the get go. And even more after all her scenes with the dogs. She had a way about her. Then comes Brody. Big, beautiful, hot and great flirt and personality. They were drawn together and sparks flew over the pages. Magic came when they bonded over wanting to protect their dogs and get to the bottom of a puppy mill. Their story had it all - friendship, action, mystery, angst, strong emotions, love, and hot loving. Thus is definitely one couple I would love to revisit in their future.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.

Dog on the cover? An instant sell for me. Add in a great story – win! Interesting twist on a sports romance since it was intertwined with other story threads. Loved Brody and Lily as both were strong yet flawed characters. There is information about the plague of puppy mills which is very current in today’s demand for puppies while in covid lockdown. This story also touches on the shady machinations of professional sports teams with their players. Great read.

This is book one in Lynne’s The Unloveabulls series. The one thing that was off for me about this story is that it’s labeled a sports romance. While reading, I didn’t get that feeling. Sure, Brody is an NFL player, but it doesn't have the sports vibe. To me, the story was more about Lily and the puppy mill. The story is an intense read. Lynne wrote a very passionate read with the twists and turns of a great suspense. This author certainly has talent when it comes to developing characters and I really like this world she's created, I’m excited for September to get here so I can devour book two.

I enjoyed this book by Tricia Lynne! I am a sucker for romances involving dogs and this was very dog focused. It was a little heavier than what I normally read but I still enjoyed it.

This was a difficult book for me because I'm an animal lover and I have a very visual mind ( plus I saw a puppy mill documentary that scarred me for life) so I had to stop a few times while reading this.
Now, I really liked both of leads here, Lily and Brody were awesome, had an amazing chemistry but what I love the most was how they team up to find and how much they fought to take down the puppy mill.
Although I like the writing and the story I still felt like some things needed a better wrap-up that's why I'm only giving this 3 stars.
Overall an excellent read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tricia Lynne
Protective Instinct (The Unlovabulls Book 1)
ARC REVIEW
I loved this dog lovers book with a football twist!

Reading Notes:

- As a vocal dog lover and advocate, I’d be really happy if this story took a drastic turn and Brody and Liliana strapped on weaponry Rambo style and went on a path a bloody vengeance.
- I think I shall have to agree, there isn’t much better to look at than a hot, half-naked man cuddling his dog. I’m liking the visuals this book gives. Ha!
- A lot of great info on dog breeder ethics and illegal setups. Also, a lot of reiteration of the obstacles between our MCs. Starting to feel slow. Ready to get to some sort of action.
- I think the style of this one might not be for me. Nothing wrong with it just a slower build and more introspection than I prefer.
- I do love the conversations though!
- Finished strong. Once everything came together I was a happy reader. I’ll always be on board for a strong storyline about dog rescue.
- I did miss some sort of wrap-up about everyone’s comeuppance. I needed more closure on Dick.
- Overall I still stick with my early assessment. It was good but the style and pace of this one wasn’t entirely for me.

A new author for me and I am so glad the blurb caught my attention to try her because I fully recommend this book. If you love dogs or are a sports fan then you will love this book.
A thrilling friends to lovers romance with suspense, mystery and intrigue.
Told in dual POV By Brody Shaw and Lily Costello.

Lily wants nothing to do with her local football team the Dallas Bulldogs because they have brought her nothing but pain and heartbreak. She is content with her life as a dog trainer and canine behaviour specialist. Brody is the star linebacker for the Bulldogs and wants to stay playing for them until he can retire in two years. Dick the general manager has other ideas and wants him gone. Dick by name and nature happens to also be Lily’s step father.

Brody is witty, flirty with a devastating smile and easy-going facade. His reputation precedes him which causes many of the problems he faces during the story because there is more to him than he lets people see. Lily has a good sense of humour but very independent with strong views and beliefs.

“All I want is for you to see me and all you see is football.”

He has rescued a Cane Corso and needs help with her rehabilitation. They are both shocked when Lily arrives as his publicist booked training appointment. Brody and Lily have always got on extreme well and it turns out she had a slight crush on him when he played for her college team. Both have experienced a terrible relationship and are extremely wary of people and their intentions. Due to her inside knowledge of ballers she determined not to date one and he won’t let anyone close as worried they want the number 58 and not the man.

She works with his dog and is horrified to find out CC is from a puppy mill. Her own dog is from there too and she’s been desperately trying to find it and close it down. They have always been attracted to each other and now working together it is hard to deny the chemistry and connection they feel, but with the clauses in his contract and all the emotional baggage they both carry, they know they shouldn’t do anything about it. Resisting the pull she agrees to help with CC and he’ll help her find the puppy mill. Brody and CC develop a loving and trusting relationship which the author cleverly runs parallel to Brody and Lily’s blossoming relationship.

“I don’t give my heart away easily - if you want it, though, it’s all yours if you’ll be careful with it.”

The story becomes very emotionally intense as the couple give into their desires but can’t lose their worries and doubts involved with being together. Both have trust issues which results in a rollercoaster of events. Meanwhile you also get all the drama of them looking for the puppy mill, Brody coping with an injury and Dick trying to manipulate Lily. Amongst all the angst and wanting to bang their heads together at times is a passionate love story wrapped up in a thriller with
so many twists and turns. There is a stunning climax to this book with a set of surprising revelations I never saw coming to superbly join up all the loose ends and questions.

The author provides the reader with excellent information about different dog breeds, responsible dog ownership and training. Also the horror of puppy mills and pet stores. I loved the comparison between the dogs behaviour and game plans which Lily used to explain it all to Brody . A very insightful and ingenious way of looking at things.

The banter throughout the book lightens the mood and breaks up the moving and poignant scenes. Hayes Walker is Brody’s teammate and best friend who provides some of the funniest lines so hopefully we might get his story next and more from the Unlovabulls. There is so much more to this story than just your average romance with both the humans (and the dogs) suffering from real worries and concerns due to their previous experiences. To me the stars of the book are CC, Jet and Mack because they do steal the show as they give their broken owners the unconditional love only a dog can give as they learn to love each other.

One of my favorites of 2020! If you love strong women with a hilarious mouth and big and beefy sweethearts than you need this book! Add in the animal aspect and it was utter perfection. Tricia always knows how to drive a storyline with sweltering scenes.

Protective Instinct is the first book in the new The Unlovabulls series. It was fast-paced and had a mystery that kept my attention until the end. Brody Shaw was a football player and was trying to keep himself out of trouble so he could retire from his team, Dallas Bulldogs. When he finds a stray dog and it bites the dog sitter, he knew he needed to find a professional dog trainer to help him. Lily Costello’s father was a famous football player and she knew they were trouble and didn’t date them. Rescuing dogs was her life’s passion and when she goes to help with Brody’s dog, she notices the brand on its stomach. She has been trying to locate the puppy mill that uses that brand and shut it down. Brody and some of their friends help her to investigate but when they start getting closer to locating it Lily starts to get threating notes. There were plenty of twists and turns in the story and it kept the reader wondering until the very end. This was a great book to start the series with and I look forward to the next book.

If you want to fall in love with a macho, handsome football player with a marshmallow heart, Brody is your man. If you love your fur babies and would never want to see anything bad happen to them, Lily is your woman. Two hard-headed, stubborn, suspicious people who were cut out of the same cloth. And I loved both of them … attitudes and all.
Tricia Lynn honestly filled my heart with warm and fuzzy good feelings. I loved CC, Mack and Jet. They stole my heart and I don't think they have given it back to me. The story did dwell a little bit too much on the mistrust both Brody and Lily had and I wish they let they each other in a little bit sooner than they did. But, when they did get together, it was sweet yet explosive. And, I loved it. Tricia Lynn made both of her characters work for love but, in the end, it was truly heart-warming and honest.
I really enjoyed this story and wished I still had a puppy to cuddle with. The characters were written with grit, humor and compassion. The dogs were written with a whole lot of love and loyalty. I appreciated her knowledge of dogs and hope she doesn't have as much knowledge of puppy mills as this book leads you to believe. The back-story of football fit right in and, set in Texas, can you have a story without football? Football, puppies, chemistry and scandal … a perfect mix.
Tricia Lynn wrote a wonderful story in Protective Instinct. It had a little bit of everything in it. Some drama, some suspense and two people and three dogs that were amazing.

Hot guys and dogs what more could you want!
This book is definitely not a typical romance. I liked that this book focused alot on the topic of animal cruelty especially puppy farms. It definitely gives you alot to think about.
Brody is a football star trying to keep his nose clean after some bad press. Unfortunately an incident with his newly found dog and a dog sitter makes life that bit harder. He hires a dog trainer to help who just happens to be his team managers step daughter Lily. Lily and Brody have met before and there is some definate heat and chemistry between the 2 which doesn't help Brody in his quest to keep his nose clean. When Lily finds out that his dog is a rescue that he found on the street it melts her heart to him that bit more and she opens up to him about her search to close down a puppy mill and wants Brodys help.
I enjoyed this one although it started off a bit slow but if picked up the more I read. It had everything i look for in a romance, steam, humour, swoony moments and a good dose of drama. Im looking forward to more from this series.

Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2020
He is a professional football player with trust issues. His reputation is in shambles from his past and not so past behavior. She is a professional dog trainer with trust issues. They are placed in close contact when his rescue dog bites a sitter. There relationship almost mirrored his dog C.C’s relationships with him. CC had to learn to trust just like they did. It seemed it was easier and quicker for CC. Not only do they have to deal with CC and their relationship they also are trying to run down a dog mill operation. Things get a little tense when the Brody and Lily get to close to the mill. Although the plot is a bit heavy with the mill angle, Dog lovers will enjoy the fun times with CC, Mack and Jet. Brody will melt you heart with his instant love for CC.

Protective Instinct is the first book in The Unlovabulls series by Tricia Lynne. A friend to lovers sports romance that pulls you in and leaves you wanting more! If you are a sports romance fan, this is for you. Protective Instinct has so much heart that it pulls at your heartstrings with its well-written characters. I can't wait to read the next book in The Unlovabulls series.

This was a new to me author and I am so glad that the title and cover grabbed my attention. I fell hard for this book and its characters. This is really wonderful read that skillfully brought together an array of tropes into one simply delightful package that quickly pulled me in, had me fiercely invested and gave me all the feels. Lily, Brody and yes, I'm going to include CC here, were such amazing characters. This trio will tug on your heartstrings and have you avidly rooting for the HEA they richly deserve. A potent combination of emotion, tension, drama, humor, heat, heat, action and suspense will keep you on edge and turning pages past your bedtime.

Fantastic writing, an intriguing story line, and an awesome cast of characters? Yes, please! From a promising first-time author last year, Tricia Lynne continues to impress with writing that showcases sharp wit, smooth development for both the story and characters, and a fine balance of romance and suspense. I loved that this was a book that had layers to it, one that tackles a subject matter--puppy mills--that gives you pause to examine your own thoughts and emotions regarding it. The dogs, CC, Mack, and Jet, were as much scene-stealers as they were characters who stole my heart. I look forward to seeing what Lynne has next for the Unlovabulls series . Five stars go to Protective Instinct.

I like how this was part sports romance, part animal lovers romance. I don't know if I'm describing it right. Lily is out to rescue animals and help owners and all sorts of good things. And Brody is a football player. And these two have a ton of baggage and trust issues. The animals help bring them together really, and they both are pretty good about admitting when they messed up. It was a good read and I like how it all comes together at the end.

There are so many things to love about this one.
This was my first book by this author, and I am blown away. This full-length novel is written in first person from a dual POV. It is a standalone first book in a series that delivers a HEA with no cliffhanger.

There is so much to this book. There is the drama of Brody, a football player nearing the end of his career with the injuries and politics that entails. There is the story of Lily, a dog trainer who has rejected family expectations and coercion in to pursue her dream and her happiness. You have the story of the dogs that are rescued, the mills that used to hold them, and the struggle to save more in that situation. And finally, you have the story of two people who have an instant physical attraction, become friends, share a common goal, and fall in love.
There is humor, heat, and heart all twined throughout this impeccably well-written and heart touching book. I love the way the author writes, utilizing the perfect turn of phrase at the right moment. I love the complexity of the story and the characters, who each must overcome some baggage to get to their HEA. I love that the heroine is spunky, confident, and tough as nails. I love that she stands up for what she knows she deserves and is willing to fight for the dogs who cannot fight for themselves. I love that Brody is a soft-hearted, giant of a man who falls head over heels for Lily and is willing to do anything to make her happy. I love that they must work at their relationship because relationships take work. And I love that this book shines a spotlight on the ugly underbelly of the dark side of the dog breeding world to encourage the light that comes with animal rescue, good training, and second chances at forever homes for those many would just give up on.
This is a romance for anyone who loves sports romance. This is a romance for dog lovers everywhere. And this is a romance for readers who believe that every creature is lovable to the right person for them.