Protecting His Pregnant Partner by Leslie North

Published on 06/29/202212/31/2024 by Charli

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley to facilitate my review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Protecting His Pregnant Partner by Leslie North
Also by this author: Protecting the Single Mother, The Sheikh's Tempting Nanny
Series: Aegis Security #3
Also in this series: Protecting the Single Mother
Published by Relay Publishing on May 6, 2021
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Action & Adventure, Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Romance / Military, Fiction / Romance / Suspense
Pages: 221
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: NetGalley
Amazon
Goodreads

An adrenaline rush of danger and romance…

Holly Yee’s life was shattered when she witnessed the brutal murder of her ex. Now, she’s been forced into hiding from the mobsters seeking to eliminate her. Pregnant and under the protection of bodyguard and former Navy SEAL Kenton Price, she’s going a little stir crazy in his apartment.

Sitting on the sidelines really isn’t her thing Former jocks aren’t her thing either, but there’s something about Ken that makes him different from other men. Something hot. Something sexy. And…special. Most of all, she feels safe—until the mob targets Ken, putting both their lives in danger.

Despite the threat to himself, Ken’s priority is protecting Holly and her unborn baby. In the short time they’ve spent together, she’s become important to him. Too important. Holly is as smart as she is gorgeous and he can’t deny the growing attraction between them. He knows that’s a line he shouldn’t cross. But despite his resolve to keep his distance, he just can't seem to resist her.

He tells himself—and her—it’s just a fling. Too bad his heart isn’t listening…

It’s been a minute since I’ve reviewed a Leslie North book and I’m not sure why because when it comes to romance books, I absolutely love hers. Like I’ve said before – not big on romance, but certain authors are must-reads for me and Leslie North is one of them.

Protecting His Pregnant Partner is the third book in the Aegis Security trilogy. Unfortunately, I somehow missed reading the second book, Protecting His Fake Wife, but fortunately, you get enough details to help you get through the books even if you don’t read them in order.

In this installment, we get to follow Ken and his client, Holly Yee. Her ex-boyfriend and father of her child, Zak Bryant, was killed in a mob hit. Holly and her two friends, Charlotte and Nicole, are now under the protection of Aegis Security until the killer(s) can be caught.

One of the things I enjoy with Leslie North’s books is while yes, there is sex in them, it’s not over done. These books have substance and aren’t just straight smut. There’s nothing wrong with straight smut, but it’s not my first choice in reading material.[mfn]Just a personal preference. I have plenty of friends who love the straight smut romances.[/mfn]

I like Holly. She’s intelligent, snarky, and funny. She also talks constantly, which I admit, I do as well. I’d most likely have driven Ken bananas myself. I also like Ken, even though he starts out obnoxious as all get out. I probably would have strangled him at some point if I’d been stuck in an apartment with him for weeks on end. I’m just saying.

This book was very fast paced, easy to follow, and didn’t really require you to have read the other two books first. Yes, it is a trilogy and you technically should read the books in order, but if you don’t, it’s not a huge deal. At least not for this trilogy. I’d read the first book, but missed the second book, and I didn’t find myself lost or confused in any way. Leslie North’s writing style makes her books enjoyable and is one of the reasons I keep going back to her for romance novels when I do want to read one.

I will say, if you’re not into romantic suspense or military/ex-military romance novels, you won’t be particularly interested in this book or this trilogy. These guys are ex-Navy SEALS and it’s mentioned more than once. However, if you’re curious about military/ex-military romance novels or romantic suspense novels, I’d say these would be a good start for you.

The Sheikh’s Tempting Nanny by Leslie North

Published on 05/20/202112/31/2024 by Charli

I received an advance copy of this book from BookSprout to facilitate my review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The Sheikh's Tempting Nanny by Leslie North
Also by this author: Protecting the Single Mother, Protecting His Pregnant Partner
Series: Khalid Sheikhs #1
Published by Self-Published on May 20, 2021
Genres: Romance
Format: ARC
Source: BookSprout
Goodreads

In hopes of proving to his oldest brother he can do something responsible, playboy Sheikh Imran Khalid volunteers to find a suitable nanny for his niece and nephew. He’s a bit ashamed of how he’s wasted his life so far, with too much time spent partying, and is rather desperate to improve his image—especially to his brothers. American Sarah Jenner might just be the answer he’s looking for. She’s smart, good with the children, compassionate…and just happens to stir Imran’s blood like no one else. Even though he knows he should keep their relationship professional, the two are acutely aware of a growing attraction, one that Imran is having difficulty ignoring…

He’s her boss. He’s a sheikh. Sheikhs don’t end up with nannies except in the movies. No matter how many times Sarah reminds herself to be sensible, she just can’t help being attracted to Imran. He’s so sexy and nice and understanding. Falling for her boss would be monumentally stupid and Sarah is definitely not stupid. It’s her heart that seems to be the one that’s not listening, and after fighting it she finally gives in to her desire. Then she does the dreaded Google search and sees, in vivid color, just how much of a playboy Imran is. Is she just another notch in his belt? A meaningless dalliance with the nanny? Doubts flood her. And when the two face their biggest challenge, they’ll have to learn to trust one another—or end up alone.

Leslie North is a favorite of mine for when I need a quick read to settle my mind. The Sheikh’s Tempting Nanny was no exception to this rule. Sarah and Imran are both likable characters that make you want to know what they’re going to do next. Jamila and Hasan are hilarious, as are Ziad and Maryam. I found myself loving all of the characters in this book.

This book is paced quickly, has a little bit of steam but not too much, and has a fun storyline. It is perfect for when you need a quick read to take a break from heavier types of books – textbooks, horror, mystery, or fantasy. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the other two in the series.

Cover to Protecting the Single Mother by Leslies North, Man wearing a white tank top with dog tags.

Protecting the Single Mother by Leslie North

Published on 05/06/202112/31/2024 by Charli

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley to facilitate my review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Protecting the Single Mother by Leslie North
Also by this author: The Sheikh's Tempting Nanny, Protecting His Pregnant Partner
Series: Aegis Security #1
Also in this series: Protecting His Pregnant Partner
Published by Self-Published on April 22, 2021
Genres: Romance
Pages: 197
Format: ARC
Source: NetGalley

Former Navy SEAL Michael Rinaldi has one rule: no second chances.

So when his ex hires his security firm to keep her and her friends safe after they witness a murder, he convinces himself he’ll be fine. Single mom Nicole Zito may have been the love of his life, but he’s confident his second chance rule will keep him and his heart perfectly safe. But he can’t deny his protective instincts when Nicole shows him the threatening email she received that disturbingly included a picture of her young son, Grant.

They both agree to keep things on a professional level. But protecting Nicole means being with her, and being with her and ignoring his heart is turning out to be a lot tougher than he thought.

Even though Nicole still has feelings for Michael, she knows he’s the best man for the job. No one is more focused than he is. No one is better at shutting down his emotions. One thing she never expected, though, was how perfect it would feel to be with him again, tucked away in a quiet cabin with him and her son…almost like a real family.

It’s everything she wants, but she doesn’t know if it’s something she can have. If they ever get rid of the danger chasing her, will their fragile new bond come to an end, too? She’s falling fast for her sexy SEAL, all she has to do is convince him their love is worth a second chance…

USA Today Bestseller Leslie North invites you to indulge in a heart-pounding military romance with a hot, super-alpha Navy SEAL protecting the woman he loves at all costs...

Let me start by saying I don’t normally go for romance books – as in, if the primary genre is romance, I tend to stay away. But… I admit, coming from a military family and having military friends, I am a sucker for military/ex-military books, so I gave this one a shot. I’m so glad I did.

Allow me to say, I finished this book in about six hours or so, taking a couple of breaks. It’s a short, easy read, but it doesn’t lack for substance. There was a perfect balance between to romance and the suspense. Both elements were necessary to keep the story moving, and Leslie North did an amazing job with this.

I loved the characters as well. I felt a connection to Nicole and Grant. I cared what happened to them. I loved that Michael wasn’t afraid to admit to himself that he still loves Nicole. And I hope we get more info and maybe even a story about Jed… because while he’s not in the story very long, I think he needs his own story.

If you like books involving military/ex-military and romance, with some suspense thrown in for good measure, I highly recommend you give this book a try.