The Protector by Jodi Ellen Malpas is a standalone contemporary romance with an element of suspense thrown in for some juicy undertones. I had high expectations going in as this is a J.E.M. novel after all and I was NOT disappointed. 
 Jake is the alpha male bodyguard to put all other bodyguards to shame and between his manly ways and his past secrets and current issues he will have you wanting to sooth and protect him and be soothed and protected by him in equal measure. 
 Camille is the epitome of what everyone expects a spoilt little rich girl to look like except she is bursting at the seams trying to break that perception and mold and to step out from under her family's name and influence and make her own way in the world. Despite a few bumps in her road she is doing a fairly good job. 
 The two meet when her father's business puts a target on her and she is resistant to Jake at first but eventually comes around (wink*wink). 
 I absolutely flipping loved this story. The fact it was all self-contained with no waiting for the next installment for their ending was a bonus. Jesse and M, you may have met your match!