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Cocky Hero Club

Cocky Protector

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Life as a CIA operative might be exciting, but living under the radar gets lonely.
Meeting someone, much less having a relationship, is the most impossible mission of all.

There was someone... once. But she was looking for a white picket fence and I was headed for war.
Now, my years of service to my country are catching up with me and I’m ready for a change.
I just never expected that change to be Shannon, or that she would be in trouble.
The man in me can’t forget that damn kiss. The Marine in me is ready to protect her at all costs.
She might not want my help, but I’m not walking away this time.
Even if it won't have the ending either of us were looking for...

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 2020

67 people are currently reading
331 people want to read

About the author

Kat Mizera

130 books1,149 followers

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5 stars
173 (45%)
4 stars
142 (36%)
3 stars
57 (14%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
Profile Image for Angie.
1,299 reviews218 followers
June 27, 2020
“It’s been ten years and seven months since we danced,” she said suddenly.
“Ten years, seven months, and twelve days.”
She gave a delighted little sigh. “You counted the days… It’s been such a long time since that night, Ace.”
“But I’m here now, baby.”

This was another sweet but still surprising read! Ace works for the CIA, but after one dance with Shannon ten years prior, he still thinks about their connection and wishes things could have ended differently between them. When Shannon's mother calls him out of the blue telling him that she believes Shannon is being followed, he drops everything to travel to Germany in order to ensure her safety. Shannon has never stopped thinking about Ace either, and seeing him after all these years brings back feelings that have been long-denied by both. I wish there had been more action and drama, but overall this was a sweet story about second chances and true love! ♡

*ARC provided by GMB in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,274 reviews606 followers
June 29, 2020


happy dreamy sigh. What a great story! My heart is darn full ...





I gotta say, my hat goes off to Kat Mizera with this story because she kept me on my toes for quite a bit of it. There is a lot that goes on in this story I did not see coming LOL Hopefully, you won't either because it adds a special spark to the story. This book could be categorized as romantic suspense, but for me, the romance was heavier and more captivating than the suspense. Shannon and Andrew were kismet, destined to be, and I just loved how the author tied not just the stars to make sure they got their HEA! You guys, this is an amazing story!

Profile Image for Siobhan.
4,883 reviews593 followers
June 27, 2020
Kat Mizera’s Cocky Protector is another addition to the Cocky Hero Club where my views are a case of ‘it’s me, not the book’. I was super intrigued by this one, and I fear I expected more from this one than I was given.

Although a quick read with plenty of things packed into it, none of the elements really caught my attention. I never really felt the connection between the characters, which meant I never really cared about what happened between them. I was curious about where the story would go, but I had been hoping for more suspense than I was given.

I’m sure this will work for many, but it didn’t work for me.
Profile Image for Abstract ♥ Books.
1,281 reviews1,743 followers
June 22, 2020
My-Post-1
cocky-protector
All my reviews can be found on my blog : ABSTRACT BOOKS

Cocky Protector is another standalone novel set in the Cocky Romance hero world. This a contemporary type Romance.

Years ago Shannon and Ace stumbled upon a meeting arranged by Shannon's father and developed a quite likeing for each other. However, Ace had to leave for his marine duty at that time , so one night was all they could afford.

Now , after many years, Shannon is living ner normal life , when suddenly everything is dismantled. She finds herself being stuck with a creepy stalker. Scared out of her mind , she tell her fears to her mother , who in turn calls Ace to help her daughter out.

The moment both Scarlett and Ace meet again , they reconnect. It seems after many years , none of them has quite forgotten about the other one. Ace gets on to helping her to remove the stalker from her life , and on that way they both develop even deeper feeling for each other.

But fate has other plans for these too, and as the suspense increases , the danger increases too. This was a bit fast-paced read for me , but I just couldn't put it down since the story line was very interesting and there was a lot going on in the story.

This book is a slow-burn, contemporary, second-chance theme novel and I would recommend it to all the contemporary romance lovers!!




         
Profile Image for Darcy.
13.8k reviews523 followers
December 14, 2022
This one was interesting due to Shannon's family. I think if I were her, I would seriously throttle my mother, the letter from the dad at the end was sweet. I laughed as Ace did what he could to protect his friends, despite what his boss told him. I would like to know who was behind the offer at the end. I did like how Shannon let Ace know how invested in things she was.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
5,842 reviews136 followers
June 25, 2020
I love Kat Mizera’s hockey series so once I heard she was going to be part of the Cocky Hero Club I was excited to see where she would take us and I was not disappointed , this book was everything I expected and so much more, it ticked all my boxes and it drew me in and caught me hook, line and sinker. Andrew and Shannon met through her father and that lead to one night neither of them would forget but it wasn’t meant to be and it wasn’t their time but years later when Andrew is approached by Shannon’s mother telling him she has a stalker he drops everything and makes his way to Germany where Shannon is now living.
Fate works in mysterious ways and sometimes family work in ways we would never expect so will this second chance work for Andrew and Shannon. This is a quick read that packs a mighty punch, it’s fast paced with loveable characters and plenty of sizzling chemistry, it has the perfect mix of love and danger and it will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Great read that I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
11.4k reviews92 followers
June 23, 2020
The first time that Ace and Shannon met was when her father introduced them at a social gathering and they had an immediate chemistry and connection however their dreams for the future were very different. Shannon wanted to marry and have children while Ace was CIA agent about to be sent on a mission.

It would be a decade later when they would be reunited. Shannon is now divorced and teaching in Germany however she believes she has attracted the attention of the wrong person and is feeling her nervous. When Ace finds out what is happening he can’t get there fast enough and the feelings between them are stronger are ever but will he be able to keep her safe?

Even though Ace and Shannon have never forgotten each other they moved forward with their lives but now that they are more mature they are about to realize what is truly important in life.
Profile Image for Ashley Cestra.
1,249 reviews26 followers
June 16, 2020
I’ve never read this author before but I certainly enjoyed this story! I was intrigued when I learned he was a spy... talk about my next book boyfriend!
Kat, painted a super cute story, and I really enjoyed reading this book!
Profile Image for Louise - romance.movies.and.books.
259 reviews9 followers
June 9, 2020
Wow! What a surprise read. I wasn’t sure it I was going to enjoy this book but it had me hooked from the first chapter.

This is the first time reading a book by this author.

I loved and was surprised with this story. The author took us on a wonderful journey and I can tell you I did not see who was behind the drama.

I loved the special bond between Shannon and her dad. The chemistry between Shannon and Ace (Andrew) was perfect.

This book has all the drama, friendship and love that you come to expect with the Cocky Hero Club series.

Like I said, I didn't think this book was for me but I thoroughly enjoyed it and glad I read it. I am giving this book five stars as it kept me hooked and I had to find out who the stalker was.

I was given a ARC of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,674 reviews204 followers
June 29, 2020




Amazon US / UK / CA / AU

When Shannon's mother asks for Ace's help protecting her daughter from a stalker, it's a second chance of sorts. They might have had a thing 10 years ago, but it was unforgettable, and now it is their time to fully explore their connection. But they'll have to make it through all the obstacles in their path first.



I've been reading, and loving Kat Mizera's hockey and royal romances for awhile now, but I think this story is my favorite of hers so far. I love Ace and Shannon together, finally having their chance at happiness. He's a protective alpha, and she's a sweetheart with insecurities that Ace is determined to banish. Throw in suspense and a little surprise twist at the end, and the combination makes for entertaining reading, a worthy entry in the Cocky Hero Club..



ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.

Review & Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Tash.
1,278 reviews106 followers
June 28, 2020
This is one crazy concept but it works so well.
Ace and Shannon had a moment years ago and since then they been separated by life. Until Ace gets a S.O.S call to help Shannon out by her mum and flies to Germany with out batting a eyelid.
Ace is more than keen to help her out. He hasn't forgotten Shannon and the years have been mixed results for them both. Ace is at a crossroad and this couldn't come at a better time. He been forced to reconsider his service to his country
Mizera is a familiar name to me and I haven't a pleasure prior to this book to read a book from her but plan on reading more in the future. This new standalone novel was the perfect snapshot to be introduced to her work. This was snappy and fast, she didn't mince the situation and the outcome could of gone either way.

Reuniting people when they are older is always special. They made mistakes and learnt and Ace and Shannon had plenty of those. Shannon showed a growth that she probably didn't expect. She had come into her own skin and realise that she could dictate her life her way. I think need of them expected the change that unfolded but it was welcome one.
They were instantly connected in a way that was unexplainable. Time hadn’t change anything and it felt just like moments before they bridge the time gap and find themselves exploring that chemistry and trying to solve the problem that Shannon has.
The last bit of this novel is crazy. It bring everything full circle and explains something unexpected that I didn't see coming but it genius and adds something to the story. It feels something like a whirlwind ride but this romance has been years in the making and worth the wait
Profile Image for Ria Alexander.
2,476 reviews47 followers
June 25, 2020
The Spy & The Teacher ... Perfect

Kat Mizera's entry in the Cocky Hero World, COCKY PROTECTOR, was sublime. A lover of Ms Mizera's books, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, and my opinion ... it was PERFECT.

Andrew "Ace" Ross and Shannon Barrow first met when he was asked to do a favour for a friend. This chance meeting and an unforgettable evening will have lasting effects on both. A decade later, Ace is a CIA Agent and Shannon is working as a teacher in Cologne, Germany. Shannon has a stalker, and her mother enlists Ace to protect her daughter and find the stalker.

Ten years has not diminished what they felt that night for one another. Their relationship grows into something that was inevitable, even all those years ago. Can they truly have what they both desire when they live on separate continents. Is Ace able to protect Shannon from the person who is stalking her?
Ms Mizera threw in a couple of plot twists that were quite surprising. It was wonderful to catch up with Chance and Aubrey again, they are such an awesome couple. There are also a few cameos from characters from her previous series as well ... such a wonderful surprise.

This is definitely a book I would recommend.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FIVE STARS
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,202 reviews140 followers
June 25, 2020
This is a new to me author with a blurb that caught my eye with letters from one of the alphabet soup agencies, so that was instantly a yes from me.

This is a quick, fast paced read that will enrapture you from cover to cover.
The lovable characters and plot will keep you on your toes and glued to the spot. I'm hoping the author has plans for some of the other characters, hints of Erik's story especially intrigued me.

They are a gorgeous couple that balance eachother out, making the perfect team with a sweet backstory. Although this was lighter than my normal tastes, the suspense sprinkled throughout kept me entertained.

4 solid stars
Profile Image for Debra .
1,295 reviews
June 25, 2020
Second chance romance, a mystery, and the experience of living in Germany; this book had much to offer and I was happy to have read Cocky Protector. Ace and Shannon were meant for each other, but of course there were obstacles, and emotions, and surprising twists to the story. All this made it hard to put down, wishing I had a few more uninterrupted hours to binge read, but glad to have paused and spent more time enjoying the main characters. The story is a stand alone, but had glimpses of characters from Kat Mizera's other books. I really hope to see more of this couple in future books.

I received an advanced copy of Cocky Protector and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Nikki  Cudnik.
834 reviews9 followers
June 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this addition to the CHC by Kat Mizera. After an unforgettable one night stand that stuck with both Ace and and Shannon. Now Shannon has a stalker and who better to protect her that Andrew (Ace). Great chemistry, great characters and an even better story that moves at a great pace!

** I was generously provided with an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review**
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
4,830 reviews62 followers
June 28, 2020
4.5 Stars

This is a story about two people who have an immediate connection but they just meet at the wrong point in their lives. Years later Ace is with the CIA and Shannon has a stalker, or does she? Shannon’s mother gets involved and requests Ace’s services in protecting her daughter. The chemistry between these two with strong 10 years prior will they have the same chemistry now? Will Shannon’s stalker get in the way of their HEA?
Profile Image for Cindy Hughes.
1,549 reviews8 followers
June 28, 2020
I loved Ace and Shannon’s story!
It was a story of two people meeting at the wrong time in there lives only to meet up ten years later and find their feelings haven’t changed. I was thrilled to read their story after reading about them in Kat’s Royals series books. It grabbed me from the start! I couldn’t put it down! There are so many twists and turns that keep you wondering what will happen next! I enjoyed this book very much and I recommend it to everyone!
Profile Image for Lisa Stinson.
1,290 reviews17 followers
June 17, 2020
I really enjoyed Ace and Shannon's story. I liked how even though they had such a brief encounter, it really stuck with both of them over the course of the 10 years they were apart. Shannon knew what she wanted in life but she also fell victim to her mother's influences and had a very disappointing marriage. Deep in her heart and mind, Ace was always there. Even though Ace was going around the world with his career, Shannon was always in the back of his mind. That's why when her mother contacts him needing his help, he drops everything and goes straight to her.

Shannon feels something is off at her apartment. Things keep getting placed into different locations. She is worried she has a stalker. Then almost out of nowhere, Ace is back in her life. Sent courtesy of her mother. He is determined to get to the bottom of what is going on. The two reconnect while Ace is there to help her and their relationship blossoms while also unknown what the future may bring.

I had a feeling who the stalker might have been but the circumstances behind it truly surprised me. I loved how Ace and Shannon's relationship really grew even though it was quick. These two were old enough to know what they wanted in life and that was each other.
Profile Image for Clara Martinez Turco.
726 reviews
June 14, 2020
Cocky Protector was such a great and page-turning read, also the perfect introduction to Kat Mizera's writing. After this story, I'll probably binge read her other books!

Set in the Cocky Hero world, based on Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward's books, Cocky Protector starts with soon-to-be CIA agent Ace being the date to 21-year-old shy Shannon, who is the daughter of a senator and Ace's former commanding officer and mentor. What starts as a "favor" quickly turns into an instant connection and long-lasting impression. They can't be together, yet they both will cherish that night.

Fast forward 10 years, Shannon works in Germany as a teacher and has a stalker. Her mother contacts Ace and asks him to watch over her. And the sparks are there. Almost as if 10 years and life hadn't happened. They pick up where they left, and grow. They will look at their lives apart and wonder what the future could hold. Ace is protective yet mature (he is 37) and that made him even more appealing. The story is so, so good. The plot flows seamlessly making it impossible to put the book down.

The side characters, including Chance and Aubrey from Cocky Bastard, are fantastic and enriched the story. The setting of the book (Cologne, Germany, and other European cities) was a bonus. Cocky Protector is among my top Cocky Hero Club reads.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,495 reviews53 followers
June 22, 2020
This is a sweet second chance romance.

Shannon has never forgotten Ace - the one who got away. He made one single night so special that the memory has never left her. Ten years later, he's back, as handsome as ever, but in protector mode. Will their unplanned second chance work out?

This romance was very sweet. I also liked the twist that the author brought to the suspense angle. I had a smile on my face as I read the final page.

I enjoyed reading this book, and I recommend it.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,954 reviews418 followers
June 28, 2020
Cocky Protector is my first introduction to this author.
After reading this I want to gobble up the rest of her books as this was so good. Scarlett and Ace.. awe my heart.

This is a well written fast paced story that I inhaled. Great read.
Profile Image for M.
1,347 reviews12 followers
July 2, 2020
3.75 Stars

Short, smutty and sweet!

6/10 would maybe recommend
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,603 reviews64 followers
June 22, 2020
I've heard of the author but had never read any of her books before this one. It was such a good book. It hooked me from the first page and kept me interested until the last sentence. And the stalker was not anyone I even thought about. Very well written, I loved seeing Ace and Shannon get another chance together. Even though their first encounter was very brief, they never forgot each other. Don't miss this one!!
Profile Image for Donna Purcell Zappone.
598 reviews7 followers
June 23, 2020
New to me author and part of the Cocky Hero series, this book is a very quick read that you won’t be able to put down.
When two people know each other. Loose track and then fast forward 10 years... can they reconnect and make this thing happen between the two of them on opposite sides of the earth. Another obstacle is his job. He’s a CIA agent.
Profile Image for Nathathida Atirekasâra.
1,184 reviews6 followers
June 29, 2020
The book is about the second chance secret agent romance. The story is well written and I feel intrigued by the plot plus Ace and Shannon's encounter is so romantic. Beside that I also like that Shannon is not damsel in distress, she is strong and intelligent. So I enjoy reading it but I disagree with the book title because I don't think Ace is cocky.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
2,939 reviews57 followers
June 16, 2020
Another great addition addition to the Cocky Hero Club and another great author that I have been lucky enough to find!

Who would have thought that One Dance and One Kiss 10 years ago would have left such a lasting impressing on two young people but it did and although through the years they moved on with their life's 1o years on they are about to get their 2nd Chance.

Shannon now 31 married and divorced; the marriage and children she hoped never coming now living and working in Germany as a teacher and Ace (Andrew) Ross just coming to the end of his time as a CIA Agent and is thinking about what to do next when he get's a call that he never expected from Shannons mother and the widow of Senator Wayne Barrow and man that Ace admired for years. This turn of events and her request leads Shannon and Ace to each other again.

The chemistry is as strong as is was 10 years ago is the time now right for Ace and Shannon to finish what they started all those years ago.
Profile Image for Karin.
144 reviews
October 18, 2020
a little too predictable, but the narrators did a fantastic job
Profile Image for Ri.
5,113 reviews13 followers
June 15, 2020
4 Stars

The story started out a little slow for me but once it got going I found the mystery of Shannon and her stalker intriguing. Having Ace come back into her life and why also had my interests piqued. There were a lot of secondary characters (besides the obvious ones that tied them to this Cocky hero world) that I am assuming are from previous books by this author, that make me interested in going back and reading them because I liked them.

There were parts of this that were pretty far fetched and a few areas that either baffled me or I wished had been fleshed out a bit more (Sandra being one of them) but for the most part this was an enjoyable read that fits well in this Cocky Hero collection.
Profile Image for Ele Scofield.
355 reviews33 followers
June 13, 2020
When I signed up for this book I was really intrigued by the blurb. The author was new to me but I searched her backlog halfway through the book to see if any of the side characters that seemed to have such full background stories where from any of her other books. And I'm happy to say that fans of Kat Mizera will be delighted to see cameos from some of her other characters.

This book was an entertaining, fun and light read. The storyline was a bit out there but if you don't overthink it, you'll have a very good time. The writing was excellent and the story flowed easily. It was so great revisiting Chance and Aubrey again.

Cocky Protector was a good addition to the Cocky Hero Club and I certainly would recommend it.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews

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