Under His Protection by Katie Reus

Julieta’s stalker doesn’t play by the rules
Lingerie shop owner Julieta Mederos has worked hard to get her business off the ground. Now she’s looking forward to some quality time with her friends and her big, boisterous family. But explicit texts from random phone numbers and vandalism at her shop makes it clear someone dangerous has fixated on her. Without any solid leads, the police can’t help her and she’s forced to turn to the last man she wants to depend on.
…but neither does Ivan.
Former Army Ranger and newest Red Stone Security employee Ivan Mitchell has gotten used to being alone in the world. He never even thinks about it anymore—until he meets sexy, independent Julieta. She’s everything he could ever want…but she seems determined to keep him at arm’s length. Until now. Maybe the cops can’t do anything to protect her, but he can. When things escalate faster than even he expected, he finds himself pulling out his most extreme combat skills to protect her. He’ll do what it takes to save her life—and prove to her she belongs in his

Tension and suspense is high in the story, while Red Stone's 'viking' Ivan is trying to find who is stalking Julieta, the lady he has had intense, but hidden, feelings for over two months.
The story is told by his, hers and the villain's point of view. The villain is tormenting Julieta with disturbing, frightening text messages, until he feels forced into a more direct attack. The author paints a picture of a creepy, sick villain, that made my skin crawl, the scare factor definitely in place.
Ivan calls himself 'relationship challenged', he has never allowed himself to fall for woman. But he is helpless with the feelings he has for Julieta. It is definitely swoon worthy, when Ivan turns into a possessive protector, but at the same time showing his tender, caring side to Julieta. The way he wants them to get to know each other better, before deeper physical intimacy, is commendable.
Julieta is strong, independent woman, capable taking care of herself, and stay strong within her big family. With Ivan she finds out she can also be vulnerable and sensile, without losing herself.
The story has heart-raising suspense mixed with adorable, steamy love story with plenty of deep emotions. It was a quick read, but mainly cause I couldn't put it down before the end, four big spoons with a tiny teaspoon added for this one!!!
Even though the book is #9 in a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone story, but I do recommend the whole series if you like to read romantic suspense stories!

I was provided ARC copy of the book by publisher for honest and fair review via Net Galley

This story comes out on Monday 1st of September, pre-order link below!

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Under His Protection (Red Stone Security Series Book 9)