Protecting You

The Bailey Brothers, Book 1

By: Claire Kingsley

Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock, Samantha Cooke

Length: 4 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's Summary

One night brings them together. Another night tears them apart.

Grace Miles misses her easy friendship with Asher, but growing up means growing apart. And really, how could he fall for her when they spent their childhood getting muddy in the creek and splitting sticks of gum?

But this summer, something feels different. If Grace didn’t know better, she’d think Asher was flirting with her. Those dark eyes, hard body, and wicked smile make her insides swirl and her heart dare to hope for things she’s convinced herself she’ll never have.

Falling for your best friend shouldn’t be complicated, but for Asher Bailey, loving Grace is anything but simple. The road to romance isn’t smooth thanks to his pack of wild brothers who are protective of the girl next door, a take-no-sass grandmother, a small town where gossip is a spectator sport, and a feud that spans generations.

But Asher realizes his feelings are too big to ignore. Loving her isn’t the risk. Losing her would be.

And one night, one kiss, changes everything.

Finally admitting their feelings is the beginning of their happily ever after. Until their fairy tale love story is tragically interrupted, and neither of them will ever be the same.

Author’s note: Lifelong soulmates, ridiculous pranks, brother shenanigans, and a feuding town. Protecting You is the Bailey Brothers series origin story. Be there when it begins and fall in love with this wild band of unruly brothers. The series is meant to be heard in order, and Grace and Asher’s story concludes in Fighting for Us.

©2020 Claire Kingsley (P)2020 Claire Kingsley

Great Start to the Series!

What a great start to the series! This origin story set the stage perfectly for what's to come and introduced readers to all the different characters that we will see along the way. This is a spin off from the Miles Family series and some of the events in Protecting You actually take place before that series. It's not necessary to read the Miles Family series before starting this one, but it will give more insight into the heroine of this book if you do.

In addition to introducing this new world, Protecting You is also the start of Grace and Asher's story. Childhood friends to lovers is my catnip, so I was all in for these characters from the start. The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but if you've read the Miles Family series, it won't be quite as big of a shock. Aaron Shedlock and Samantha Cooke did an amazing job narrating the story and gave really emotional performances. They matched the characters very well and their voices really complemented each other. I'm jumping right into the next book, Fighting For Us, and can't wait to see how Grace and Asher's story concludes.

Overall 4 stars
Performance 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars

Good book

Be aware there is a cliff hanger but the next book is out. This was such a cute origin story and I definitely teared up. I am excited to here Graces story as I was introduced to her in the Milea series. Can’t wait to continue with this series.

Asher and Grace

I read this book way back when it first came out and loved it and the audio is just as good. The narration is great, which for me is difficult. This is definitely a heart tugging book with so much sadness and heartbreak but Claire is awesome at putting us back together so I'm looking forward to listening to the next book. I love me some Bailey's!!

A necessary and beautiful origin story

In the months leading up to this book’s release, I was absolutely RABID for it. I met Grace in the Miles series and she was just my girl. She was so strong, yet tender hearted and I just wanted to hug her. This prequel needed to be a part of the series. The history with these two is so sweet and pure and it’s something I needed to hold onto when (not so much a spoiler) things get rough at the end and in Fighting For Us. I loved this book so much that I read it twice before I listened to the audio.

I loved the narrators’ performances as the characters grew and changed. I love when the voice flows so seamlessly into the character development. They were nearly identical to the voices I heard in my head.

This series is incredible. Start it NOW.

What a great way to start a series!

I read the kindle version before listening to the audio and I can say I love to hear the voices of the characters and the beginning of Asher and Graces story. Claire introduces us to the Baileys and how Asher and Grace gets together, and unfortunately, apart. The story is done with heart and humor, and also with sensitivity regarding to what Grace’s go through. Amazing work by Claire. And I can’t wait to listen to the next Bailey’s brothers books!

Oh, so sweet!

Gah, I fell in love with Asher Bailey. It was so good to see his love with Grace develop. We know they have their own obstacles based on what we've learned in the Miles' series, but we had no idea.

It is heartbreaking. You'll fall in love, you'll be happy, and then Claire will break you. But I know she'll make it better, it's just a matter of time.

Grace and Asher are so sweet. I love them.

Loved it

Loved it!! the Audible really brings the story to life!!I I would recommend to everyone!

Terrible ending huge disappointment

Not buying anymore of her books crappy ending, wish I would have not bothered. Not worth the time or money.

It was perfect.

I loved this book! Reading it was one thing but listening to the audio was amazing. It’s such a sweet story. What happened to Asher and Grace was heartbreaking. Hearing it made me cry. I really felt their pain. Aaron and Samantha did an awesome job!!

A cliffhanger origin story

I loved the start of Grace and Asher’s HEA even knowing what happens at the end of this book. Aaron Sherlock and Samantha Cooke do an awesome job narrators the young lovers. This is a sweet, swoony childhood friends to soulmates origin story. Asher and Grace grew up next door to each other but drifted apart at the end of high school. Now four years later Asher realizes Grace is the one and Grace is all in. This book has a little bit of everything - sweet moments, strong friendships, laughs, messy families, sexy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, and so much love. While short, the story also includes witty dialogue, characters with depth, and an engaging storyline. Unfortunately there is not a HEA at the end of this novella but I knew that going in since I knew about Grace and Asher from the Miles series. I am excited to see them finally get their HEA in book 2 which is the only reason I read this book.

absolutely fabulous

5*
Asher and Grace were best friends as kids until they grew up.
When Grace returns from college for the summer break Asher realises his feelings for her.
Will Grace give him her summer?
I was desperate for the new series Claire was starting after reading the miles family series (definitely recommend reading them) and this Audio book definitely didn't disappoint. I was hooked from the start to end and the narrators were amazing.