Win Hughes has given up life as a reality television star after surviving anorexia. When she trips while running on the beach, she finds herself in the arms of handsome attorney, Henry Garrison who is trying to escape demons of his own. Henry convinces Win to stay at his bungalow for the night during a strong summer storm. The two of them decide to spend the next couple of weeks together while Henry closes up his grandfather's house and puts it on the market. After going their separate ways, they both think that their time together is over, but when Win is arrested for killing her best friend, Henry decides to defend her even though he discovers secrets about Win's past that she had been hiding.

Order of Protection is a passably light romantic mystery with some interesting twists and turns. Win is a likable character, but Henry is less so, especially in the way he treats Win when he finds out about her past. The mystery is fairly predictable but does manage a few surprises at the end of the book. Overall, even with the novel's shortcomings, Order of Protection is a quick, engaging read.
3 1/2 stars ( )

2 broken souls, hiding out in Massachusetts, find solace in each other briefly. Then, their realities collide and the solace is totally destroyed!

I struggled with Henry. He is sympathetic to a point: he is recovering from his addiction to alcohol, he just ended a very public marriage in a very messy divorce. During his first meeting with Win, I adored him. After that though, I was finding it harder and harder to like the guy. When he becomes Win's lawyer he is a major douchebag. Win, however, is a delight! She is recovering from an eating disorder and attempting to get her life on track. She is set to attend Duke University before her life is derailed by the death of a friend. Even though Henry is treating her like she is dirt on the bottom of his shoe, she never just lays down and takes it. She is smart and not willing to let anyone walk all over her.

Win's story really resonated with me because I know many teens who develop eating disorders because they are desperate for some modicum of control over their own life. My heart hurt for her because her story is, in many ways, all too common (except for the filthy rich part!).

Characters aside, Blake gives you an excellent mystery! This is a classic whodunit type of plot and I really just loved it. Bottom line: if you like the May/December romance trope, secrets, murder, and broken characters, Order of Protection is a great pick. I am excited to see where Blake takes this series!

 

• POV: 3rd


• Tears: No


• Trope: May/December romance


• Triggers: both characters are dealing with addictions


• Series/Standalone: stand alone


• Cliffhanger: no


• HEA: yes

The Dirty Money series by Lisa Renee Jones, Fighting for Everything by Laura Kaye, Seducing the Defendant by Chantal Fernando...then you will probably like Order of Protection!

 


Order of Protection






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