I read the This Man series a few years ago and despite some reservations, I did enjoy it. I had been looking forward to reading another Malpas novel for a while, and since Passionflix have turned The Protector into a film, I decided to give it a go.
Like This Man, the novel is written in first person point of view which always makes me cringe, but it doesn’t take long to get used to it. From the start it, was clear that the writing was not as smooth as I would like. Throughout, there was some clumsy use of language which made me pause, but not enough to put me off reading.
My first impression was that the characters were vague stereotypes. Jake Sharp is an ex-soldier with PTSD who is hired to protect Camille Logan. Camille is the daughter of a billionaire businessman who wants to break free from her controlling and manipulative father.
I wasn’t particularly impressed with Camille, who despite the claim that she wanted her independence, she seemed quite happy to live in the style that her father’s money allowed.
I loved Jake though. As the story develops it becomes clear that PTSD is not the real cause of his mental health issues. He’s a total bad ass former army sniper who is fighting his own demons, while he finds his purpose in protecting others.
Malpas does an excellent job pacing the plot and builds the tension effectively. At one point I wanted to scream if they didn’t kiss soon, but they get there in the end.
“It isn’t something I’m prepared to fight. All of my doubts and self-hatred dull at the sight of her big round eyes looking up at me. Because by the look of her, quivering, looking scared and unsure and…hopeful, she wants me as badly as I want her.”
I enjoyed The Protector, even though it wasn’t as well written as the This Man series. It’s worth a read if you love ex-military men who fight their demons in order to find love.
Plot: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Feels: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Sensuality: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Overall: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ and a half
